Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is about knowing yourself and standing up for yourself! Not many people can speak to the importance of self-advocacy more than people with disabilities.

This episode of the THINK+change 2025 podcasts features Romi Shannon, a person with a disability who grew into being her most powerful advocate. Hear directly from Romi about how she took control of her life and stood up for herself in some very difficult situations. And now, Romi wants to see others speak up for themselves, develop resilience, and become empowered!

Discussed in this episode

• Romi’s stories of advocacy;
• Overview of advocacy;
• Building up courage;
• Developing advocacy skills;
• Becoming your own guardian; and
• Advice to other self-advocates.

Learn more by watching a vodcast (video) or listening to podcast (audio) episode 90.

Romi Shannon: Self-Advocate

Timestamps:

• • 01:30 – Romi’s story of standing up for herself
  • 05:15 – Building the courage to speak up
  • 06:45 – What is advocacy?
  • 07:35 – Becoming her own guardian
  • 10:25 – Developing the skill of advocacy
  • 12:25 – Benefits of self-advocacy
  • 14:00 – Helping others self-advocate
  • 18:10 – Romi’s advice to others
  • 20:00 – Navigating the advocacy journey every day
  • 21:00 – Final Thoughts

This work is made possible through support from Developmental Pathways, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, The Limbaugh Law Firm, Aftersight, and The Arc of Aurora.

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Watch our past podcast/vodcast series!