In a world where voices often go unheard, Shannon Mazza, Director of Day Programs at IGHL, stands as a beacon of empowerment for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Inspired by a rally she attended in upstate New York, Shannon began a journey to cultivate self-advocacy within her community, leading to the creation of IGHL’s Self-Advocacy Group.
What began as a modest gathering of 10-12 individuals burgeoned into a powerful force for change, thanks to Shannon’s dedication and vision. Harnessing the spirit of empowerment championed by organizations like the Self-Advocacy Association of New York (SANY), Shannon and her team started on a mission to amplify the voices of those often marginalized.
SANY is a statewide organization ran by and for people living with disabilities. Their mission is to increase the choices that people living with I/DD have to live, work and participate in their communities by encouraging them to speak up for themselves and others. The SANY's 6-week training program is designed to give people living with disabilities a more thorough understanding of Self-Advocacy and its importance, and to help develop future leaders for the Self-Advocacy Movement. Recognizing the importance of equipping participants with the tools to advocate for themselves, Shannon implemented the comprehensive 6-week training program.
Celebrating the culmination of their training journey, participants are honored with a graduation ceremony, complete with official certificates and pins. However, graduation marks not just an end but a new beginning. Armed with newfound skills and confidence, graduates embark on leadership projects aimed at effecting tangible change in their communities.
One such project exemplifies the group's commitment to action. Advocating for wheelchair accessible vans at Manorville Day Habilitation, participants met with IGHL's Leadership, Linda Gangi, Associate Executive Director; Lisa Meyer-Fertal, Executive Director; and Walter W. Stockton, President & CEO of the Kinexion Network. Their efforts bore fruit in early 2024, with the acquisition of two vans, symbolizing the tangible impact of self-advocacy. Other participants created vision boards and presented them during their graduation ceremony to the audience.
Reflecting on their achievements, Shannon emphasizes that the journey is far from over. The Self-Advocacy Group continues to convene, discussing new projects and advocating for causes close to their hearts. Their unwavering dedication underscores the power of community and the transformative potential of self-advocacy. "We still have a lot to do! We continue to meet and discuss various projects and advocacy issues that the group feels are necessary to address and make change," said Shannon.
In Shannon Mazza and the Self-Advocacy Group at IGHL, we witness not only the triumph of individual agency but also the collective strength of a community united in its pursuit of equity and inclusion. As they forge ahead, their voices grow louder, their impact more profound, inspiring change far beyond the borders of their organization.
