For people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, this advocacy that most of us do all the time, is not as easy. In some cases it is due to lack of verbal skills. In others it may simply be that they don’t understand that they can. Many individuals in this population just believe that they don’t have the same rights or choices as their peers.

That is why it is important for families and caregivers to not only speak on their behalf, but also teach those ways that they can advocate on their own.

There are many places and situations that arise almost daily where people have the opportunity to perfect these skills, but none quite as impactful as doing so to the people and groups who make and change laws that affect their way of life.

Each year a large group of organizations including the Disability Law Center, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, Utah Parent Center, Utah Statewide Independent Living Council and USU Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice — just to name a few — sponsor “Disability Advocacy Day.”

This is a day where individuals with disabilities, caregivers, families and providers can go to the Capitol Rotunda and network with agencies to learn about disability topics that will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session, and be able to engage in advocacy efforts.

This year’s Disability Advocacy Day is Monday, Jan. 23 from 3-6 p.m. at the Capitol Rotunda.

This is a great opportunity to not only give someone their voice, but also for them to learn about how decision are made.