--- title: "Raise Your Voice: Succeeding Through Self-Advocacy  " description: "To guide you in your self-advocacy journey, we’ve partnered with the Shepherd Center to bring you a seven-part video series, Raise Your Voice: Succeeding Through Self-Advocacy." image: https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Use%20for%20FB%20featured%20image%20on%20blogs.png --- [Community](https://www.christopherreeve.org/community) [Voices from the Community](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en) [Raise Your Voice: Succeeding Through Self-Advocacy  ](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/raise-your-voice-succeeding-through-self-advocacy) # Raise Your Voice: Succeeding Through Self-Advocacy   Living with paralysis –– and any disability –– requires a certain amount of self-advocacy as you learn to navigate a world not necessarily designed with your needs in mind. Although at times overwhelming, self-advocacy can be an empowering experience that leads to change for yourself and your community.   To guide you in your self-advocacy journey, we’ve partnered with the [Shepherd Center](https://www.shepherd.org/) to bring you a seven-part video series, **Raise Your Voice: Succeeding Through Self-Advocacy.** Videos offer expert advice and testimonials from community members.   From exploring the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to navigating healthcare, employment, housing, transportation, and education, these videos provide you with the tools you need to be a successful self-advocate.    ### **A History of Our Community**   As a person with a disability, you are part of a unique community with a rich history of self-advocates working to create a more accessible world. In this video, explore the history of disability rights and the progress made in building an inclusive society. ### **Mastering the Skill of Self-Advocacy**  While self-advocacy can at times be challenging, it can also be an empowering experience that leads to change –– for yourself and your community. This video will identify tools to help you develop a successful, assertive approach to practice self-advocacy in any situation. View further resources at: [Advocacy & Disability Rights](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Advocacy-Disability-Rights-5-23-A.pdf?_gl=1*1361luz*_ga*MTY5NTAyMjQxOS4xNzA5NDkwNTQ4*_ga_8DRBGF915B*MTcxNDUwMTU2OC4zMi4xLjE3MTQ1MDE5NzUuNTcuMC4w) [Become a Self-Advocate](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Self-Advocacy-Trifold-Accessible.pdf) [Advocate for Change](https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/advocate-for-change/) [Introduction to Advocacy](https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/advocate-for-change/be-an-advocate/) [Protection & Advocacy Systems](https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/) [ADAPT.org](https://adapt.org/) [5 Elements of Successful Advocacy](https://prntexas.org/5-elements-of-successful-advocacy/) ###     **Navigating Healthcare **   Accessing quality healthcare, whether primary or specialized, presents various challenges for those living with paralysis. In this video, learn how to navigate the healthcare system to ensure you receive the care you need, and gain tools to address challenges along the way. ### View further resources at:  [Accessible Medical Healthcare](https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/advocate-for-change/advocacy-issue-civil-rights/accessible-medical-healthcare/) [Access to Medical Care for People with Mobility Disabilities](https://www.ada.gov/resources/medical-care-mobility/) [Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Insurance](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Medicare-Medicaid-and-Insurance-1-24-A.pdf) [Insurance Appeals](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Insurance-Appeals-1-24-A.pdf) [Overview of Insurance Options](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/costs-and-insurance/insurance-and-medicare/) [Women with SCI Resource Videos](https://www.shepherd.org/why-shepherd/resources-patients/women-sci-resource-videos) ### **Seeking Employment  **  This segment will explore the challenges of seeking employment or returning to work as someone living with paralysis. You will hear expert advice from a certified rehabilitation counselor and a vocational specialist to assist you in preparing to enter or re-enter the workplace.  View further resources at: [Employment for People with Disabilities](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Employment-for-People-with-Disabilities-Accessible.pdf) [Employment for People with Disabilities Factsheet](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Employment-for-PWD-QA-10-23-A.pdf) [Vocational Rehabilitation](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Vocational-Rehabilitation-8-22-A.pdf) [Pre-Employment Benefits Analysis](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/free-resources-and-downloads/complimentary-services/#:~:text=Pre%2DEmployment%20Benefits%20Analysis) (scroll halfway down page) [Work and Benefits](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/costs-and-insurance/work-and-benefits/) [Reentering the Workforce After Disability](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/costs-and-insurance/reentering-the-workforce/) [Protection & Advocacy Systems](https://acl.gov/programs/pa-programs) [Job Accommodations Network](https://askjan.org/) ####    Join Our Movement ### What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change. [Become an Advocate](https://www.votervoice.net/REEVE/Register) ![](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/themes/reeve/assets/images/fpo/blog-dc.png) ### **Equal Access to Housing**  Whether you want to rent, sell, or purchase a home, being aware of your rights and resources is essential when looking for a place to live. In this video, discover the tools needed to effectively secure safe and stable housing.  ### View further resources at: [Housing for People with Disabilities Factsheet](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Housing-1-24-A.pdf) [Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications in Housing Settings Factsheet](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Housing-Reasonable-Accommodations-and-Modifications-QA-1-24-A.pdf) [Home Modification Factsheet](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Home-Modification-QA-5-22-A.pdf) [Home Modification](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/home-modification/) [Fair Housing Act](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview) [Equal Credit Opportunity Act](https://www.justice.gov/crt/equal-credit-opportunity-act-3) [Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Emergency-Prep-Booklet-4-2023-online-A.pdf) [RESCUE Program – Emergency Preparedness](https://www.shepherd.org/education/injury-prevention/rescue) ###  **Accessible Education **  For people living with paralysis, going to school –– whether K-12 or college –– requires extra preparation. This video is designed to simplify this process and streamline your educational journey, making it more accessible, manageable, and rewarding.  View further resources at: [Education for People with Disabilities](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Education-for-PWD-10-23-A.pdf) [Navigating and Transitioning to College with Paralysis](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Navigating-and-Transitioning-to-College-with-Paralysis-Accessible.pdf) [College Transition Counseling with Accessible College](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/free-resources-and-downloads/complimentary-services/) ###  **Transportation **  Transportation and integration into your community is important for your quality of life. In this segment, explore your rights related to pedestrian travel, public transportation, driving and operating a car, and air travel, and learn practical tips for navigating transportation barriers.   View further resources at: [Find a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist](https://www.aded.net/page/230) [Adaptive Tools for Independence: Public Transportation Options](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/adaptive-tools-for-independence-public-transportation-options/) [Top Travel Tips](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/top-14-travel-tips/) [Traveling with Your Wheelchair](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/traveling-with-your-wheelchair/) [Travel Factsheet](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Travel-QA-7-22-A.pdf) [Traveling with a Disability](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability#:~:text=The%20Air%20Carrier%20Access%20Act%20(ACAA)%20is%20a%20law%20that,or%20within%20the%20United%20States.) – U.S. Department of Transportation [Video Series: Accessible Travel](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/video-accessible-travel/) [Cars and Driving](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/driving/) [Air Travel for Wheelchair Users](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/lifestyle/accessible-air-travel/) [Federal Transit Administration – Paratransit Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/frequently-asked-questions#1) [Air Carriers Act](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability)  View the full series on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@ChristopherReeveOrg).  Check out our previous video series with the Shepherd Center, [Cultivating Resilience After Spinal Cord Injury Trauma](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/daily-dose/cultivating-resilience-after-spinal-cord-injury-trauma?_gl=1*1ncaoi5*_ga*MTU4MTQ5OTEyMy4xNzA3NzYzMTQ5*_ga_8DRBGF915B*MTcxMjY4OTkxMy40LjEuMTcxMjY5MjkxMC41OC4wLjA&hsLang=en)  Check out [ChristopherReeve.org/FreeResources](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/free-resources-and-downloads/)for more free resources.  ### About the Author - Reeve Staff This blog was written by the Reeve Foundation for educational purposes. For more information please reach out to information@christopherreeve.org [![Twitter](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-twitter-square.svg)](https://twitter.com/reevefoundation) [![Facebook](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-facebook-square.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/ReeveFoundation) [![LinkedIn](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-linkedin-square.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/christopher-and-dana-reeve-foundation) ![Reeve Staff](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/blog-authors/reeve-blog-author-default.png) The opinions expressed in these blogs are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. [Back to top](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/raise-your-voice-succeeding-through-self-advocacy#top)