People with disabilities, both physical and developmental, are an often-overlooked segment of civil rights movements. In fact, these individuals are among the most powerless in our society, even with organizations and professionals dedicated to fighting on their behalf. The self-advocacy movement seeks to empower the disabled to take control of their own lives. Through education about rights, laws, and "the system," disabled adults and teens, as well as the parents of disabled children, can have agency over their lives. The viewpoints in this volume offer guidance and opinions from different perspectives.

1. What special challenges do people with disabilities face? -- Integrated classrooms benefit everyone / Michelle Liew -- Finding jobs is hard for people with disabilities / Ann Belser -- Travel is a challenge for those with disabilities / John Gill -- This new law could hurt people with disabilities / Robyn Powell -- 2. Who is the best advocate for someone with disabilities? -- Parents are natural advocates for children with special needs / Peter and Pam Wright -- You are your own best advocate / University of Hertfordshire -- A professional advocate can help / Disability Advocacy NSW -- Parents are the best advocates for their children / Buffy Wicks -- Protests are important for disability activists / David M. Perry -- 3. How can you be a good advocate? -- Successful advocacy requires preparation / Mark Sweet -- Choosing the right advocate takes time and effort / Kim Davis -- Understanding your rights is essential / Disability Rights Wisconsin -- Students must be self advocates to succeed in higher education / Tadesse Abera Tedla -- I succeeded in being my own advocate / Joseph D. Robbins.