Monday, December 9, 2013

Illinois Disability Self-Advocate Vincent Smith's Letter to the Editor

as shared by Going Home: A Full Life in the Community ...

Self-Advocate Vincent Smith's Letter to the Editor:
This is about people with disabilities having the freedom of choice. This is not about politics. Politics should not be involved at all. 

It was my idea to give Governor Quinn an award at the Speak Up and Speak Out 2013 Summit in Springfield, Illinois. It was hurtful when people said the Governor made us give him the award. 

He deserves an award for all that he has done for people with disabilities throughout Illinois. There are ten people on the planning steering committee representing advocates and they agreed. He won the award because of the good job that he has done. Transitioning is a very good idea and the Governor helps people have choices and become part of a community. Now people have the chance to make their own choices: go to bed when they want, work or go wherever without asking permission. People don’t have choices in state institutions.

We all jumped up and cheered when Governor Quinn received the Outstanding Advocate Award. There were over 520 self-advocates and there was not one person in the room sitting down. He spoke from his heart without note cards. Everyone wanted to shake his hand or take a picture. It took him 20 minutes to leave the room. This is the largest summit yet and it will continue to grow because more people are moving out of institutions. People with disabilities traveled from across the state to be together and have our voices heard. We are all success stories and want others to experience the same.

I am so happy that we have a Governor that is favor of what is best for people with disabilities. People with disabilities should try living in the community. There are a lot of opportunities and ways to get involved. We don’t need state institutions or sheltered workshops.

Vincent Smith, Self-Advocate, Concerned Citizen and Member of the Speak Up and Speak Out Steering Committee

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I have known Vincent for over a decade, I have been privileged to watch him develop into the man he has become. Vincent has become a dedicated member of the disability community in Illinois, a colleague, and most of all a friend.
Jim, Ability Chicago

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