Self Advocacy Groups

Self Advocates on the Move 

On September 20, 2023, the IRI self-advocates joined the IRI board meeting to re-introduce themselves to the IRI board of directors and to provide them with a quick update. There was a brief self-introduction, a quick description of the purpose of the group including being the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves, and the newest self-advocate group member thanking his family for finding him a good group home with good housemates.  Finally, the vice-president for the self-advocates invited the IRI board to the annual statewide Self-Advocacy Association of New York State Conference scheduled for October 26-28, 2023 in Albany.  The theme of the conference is “Remembering our past, looking forward to a brighter future”.  See you in Albany. 

For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, having a voice and making it heard can take practice and often requires a lot of encouragement.

Thanks to IRI’s Self Advocacy Groups, the individuals we serve are invited to join a group that will help them learn how to speak up for themselves, ask questions, meet with public officials, and gather information about the support and services available in their local communities. Eventually, they will learn to help others speak up for themselves, discuss ideas, explore options, and establish deeper connections within the community.

Self Advocacy Groups—driven by individuals and for individuals—are an important part of the IRI culture.

  • Every IRI program has a Self Advocacy Group.

  • Groups are open to all individuals.

  • Our agency-wide group, which tracks the overarching issues of each Self Advocacy Group, participates in IRI Board Meetings, attends New Staff Orientations, and represents the IDD community at the New York State Self Advocacy Conference.

  • The local Kiwanis Club, in partnership with IRI’s Self Advocacy Groups, established an Aktion Club to further promote advocacy. IRI’s self-advocacy group meets monthly at the Kiwanis Club in Queens.

President: Kimberly Tomasulo (New Metro)

  • First Vice President, Daniel Sanchez

  • Second Vice President, Milton Collado

  • Secretary:  Natasha Srikushun

  • Assistant Secretary:  Kimberly Wilson

  • Treasurer:  Jason Scalzo

  • Assistant Treasurer:  Michael Dubrow

Advocates are active at every level. The Self Advocacy Association of NY State has regional self-advocacy groups throughout the state.

News & Updates