Advocacy for people with disabilities goes beyond awareness. It’s about action, creating opportunities, amplifying voices and ensuring individuals have the tools and support to live with independence, dignity and purpose.
At Our House, advocacy is not just something we talk about. It’s something we actively practice every day, both within our programs and across the broader I/DD community in New Jersey.
What Advocacy Really Means
Advocacy means ensuring individuals with disabilities are heard, respected and empowered to make choices about their own lives.
It takes many forms. Sometimes it’s large-scale efforts like policy initiatives and statewide collaboration. Other times, it’s everyday moments, encouraging someone to express their goals, make decisions or build confidence in social settings.
Both are essential to creating meaningful, lasting impact.
How Our House Supports Self-Advocacy
Advocacy starts by giving individuals the tools to speak up for themselves.
At Our House, this is built directly into our day programs through weekly classes focused on:
- Self-advocacy
- Aging and maintaining independence
- Decision-making and personal development
These experiences help individuals build confidence, understand their rights and take an active role in shaping their own lives.
Advocating Beyond Our Programs
Our commitment to advocacy extends beyond our walls.
Our leadership team plays an active role in advancing initiatives that support the I/DD community statewide. President & CEO, Michele DelCorsano, serves on the board of ABCD (Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities), a collaborative group of providers working together to advocate for meaningful change across New Jersey. COO, Natalie Tortorello, Vice President of Programs and Services, Tory Kania, and Director of Finance, Jeffrey Greczek, serve on multiple ABCD Committees, such as the Chief Financial and Operational Officers Forum and the Legislative and Policy Committee.
Watch how providers across the state, including Our House, are advocating for the I/DD community here!
Taking Action Where It Matters
Advocacy means taking action, especially when decisions directly impact the people we serve.
Last year, Our House residents attended a press conference led by Senator Cory Booker addressing potential Medicaid cuts. This gave a few of our served individuals the opportunity to be present, informed and part of an important conversation about their future.
We also regularly share calls to action with our community, encouraging support for initiatives that affect individuals and providers alike. For example, we are currently advocating for a 3% COLA increase for I/DD community services.
Why Community Advocacy Matters
Strong advocacy doesn’t happen in isolation, it requires a community.
When families, organizations and supporters come together, it creates:
- Greater awareness
- Stronger support systems
- More opportunities for individuals to thrive
The more people involved, the stronger the impact.
How You Can Support Advocacy
There are simple, but meaningful ways to get involved:
- Stay informed about policies affecting the I/DD community
- Participate in calls to action that support funding and services
- Support local organizations like Our House through volunteering or donations
- Help spread awareness within your own network
Every action helps build a more inclusive and supportive community.
Advocacy in Action at Our House
At Our House, advocacy is part of everything we do.
We are committed to:
- Empowering individuals through education and self-advocacy
- Participating in statewide advocacy efforts
- Creating opportunities for individuals to be seen, heard and involved
- Strengthening the broader community that supports people with disabilities
If you’d like to learn more about our programs, get involved or support our mission, we encourage you to reach out today!
Together, we can continue building a more inclusive future.
Advocacy for People with Disabilities FAQs
Advocacy involves promoting equal rights, inclusion and opportunities so individuals with disabilities can fully participate in their communities.
We provide weekly self-advocacy classes, participate in statewide initiatives like ABCD and actively engage in public advocacy efforts that support the I/DD community.
ABCD (Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities) is a coalition of providers working together to advocate for individuals with disabilities across New Jersey.
You can participate in calls to action, support organizations like Our House, volunteer or help raise awareness in your community.
Self-advocacy helps individuals build confidence, express their needs and take an active role in decisions that impact their lives.
Yes, we actively engage in advocacy initiatives, including attending press conferences and supporting legislative efforts that impact the I/DD community.
