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.
- We meet monthly to support and help each other live better lives.
- We are all learning together to speak up and share with each other.
- We are learning about our rights and how to speak up for ourselves and take charge of our lives.
- We make new friends and work on projects together.
- Come join us to meet new friends and learn how to be a self-advocate.
Our Mission Statement
(Adopted by the Speaking For Ourselves Board of Directors on 5/18/22)
- To eliminate institutions
- To give the opportunity for freedom and free choices
- To make sure that people are heard and listened to in any way that they can communicate
- To come together to support and help each other live fulfilling and happy lives
- To be reminded of people’s rights, and also their responsibilities
- To take political action when needed, and to respect each other’s views and their right to discuss them or to keep them private
- To be a supportive friend community
- Provide opportunities to learn new things together
- To broaden our interests
- To share life experiences
- To live an everyday and self-determined life
- To always remember who is in charge… YOU!
Self-Advocacy Resources
- What is self-advocacy and self-determination?
- Self-determination video: Insight from Stacy
- What is Dignity of Risk?
- Visionary Voices: Interview with Debbie Robinson
- Quiz yourself on your ableist-thinking and tendency towards disability bias
- Equity in research: How to include the voices of self-advocates in research
- What are some specific organizations that support people's self-determination?
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)
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.