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چکیده
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Objectives: This paper discusses the analysis findings of the research question "What are the advantages and benefits of self-advocacy for people with Down Syndrome". Methods: This study was conducted through a thematic analysis of the life history and experiences of Paul Savage who is a person with ‘Down Syndrome’ in Northern city of England. Results: The findings illustrated the important benefits of working and being a member of self advocacy group, which gave Paul more confidence and self-esteem. The story indicated that through working in the self-advocacy group, Paul learned how to speak out for himself and others in the community. This is apparent as he stated "Self-advocacy groups help us to speak out for ourselves, to speak out for our rights”, “We don’t want to be told what to do” “We want to know about a lot of things then choose what we want for ourselves”, “We want to make our own choices about jobs, where we live, holidays, relationships and being ourselves… We want to have the chance to show that we can live and work and be a part of the community the same as everyone else, We want to be important in our communities”, “We want to have independent lives, so the self-advocacy group lets us speak out about everything in our lives like social life, accommodation, employment, benefit, day services, education, leisure activities and any issues for people with intellectual disabilities in society". Conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted importance of working in the self-advocacy group which made Paul experience having commitment and responsibilities; membership and contribution in the community; friendship; and all together being the representative of Yorkshire for National Assembly for Mencap to speak out for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK.
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