The self advocacy movement began in Europe in the early 1970s, and quickly spread to the United States. The movement brought people with developmental disabilities together to fight for their rights, including the right to be treated with dignity, to make their own decisions, to speak for themselves and to live independently. Self-advocates continue to fight for the right to equal protection and recognition under the law.

Karen Loven discusses her rights with Judge Donovan Frank.

A group of self advocates share their understanding of their rights with Judge Donovan Frank at a recent visit to the Judge’s courtroom in the federal courthouse in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Judge Frank on Chief Justice Roberts

Judge Frank’s Interest in Disability Justice

Judge Frank: Getting Karen Loven on the Panel

Judge Frank: Karen Loven’s Influence on Judges

Judge Frank: MLK, Aristotle and Inclusion

David Gillette, TPT, produced An Illustrated Essay: Know Your Rights, based on interviews with self advocates.