About Us

Speaking for Ourselves is an independent grassroots, self-help/self-advocacy organization run by people with developmental disabilities.

Our Purpose

To give people a voice, and to be heard and listened to.

Our Mission Statement

(Adopted by the Speaking For Ourselves Board of Directors on 5/18/22)

Self-Advocacy Resources

Board of Directors

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director
debbie@speaking.org

Rick Giovannucci, Board President
rgiovannucci@gmail.com

Thalia Dafermos, Chester County Chapter Advisor & Board Director
tdafermos@gmail.com

Bill Krebs, President of the Philadelphia Chapter & Board Director
bill.krebs@ymail.com

Yahannas Tabb-Bey, President of the Chester County Chapter & Board Director

Suzanne Erb, Board Director
suzerb1@comcast.net

Karen Hayes, Board Director
karenannehayes1231@gmail.com

Betsy Ney, Board Director
neybetsy64@gmail.com

Lynette Savoy,Board Director
lynettesavoy@gmail.com

Jim Colbert (Advisor)

Rosa McAllister (Advisor)

Sean Outen (Advisor)

Mark Friedman (Consultant)

Photo from the SFO 40th anniversary celebration

Seeking Board Members

We are looking for new people to serve on the Speaking For Ourselves Board of Directors. The Board meets monthly via Zoom. Email Debbie Robinson, Executive Director, to learn more.