Скачать или смотреть How Leaders with Developmental Disabilities built a National Movement — And How Montana Can Too

In this video, we look back at the powerful leadership that came out of the intellectual and developmental disability community in the 1970s — and what it teaches us today.
I share a short clip from a historic self‑advocacy video available on SARTAC's YouTube channel, showing disabled leaders in Oregon organizing one of the earliest “People First” conventions.

Full documentary on SARTAC's youtube page:    • People First Film (1976, 34 minutes)  

For more info on SARTAC , you can also check out their website: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/

Everyday people built a national movement from scratch: creating agendas, voting on themes, planning conventions, and running everything themselves.

That early work became the foundation for the self‑advocacy movement across the United States.

And here’s the important part:
We can build the same kind of movement in Montana today.

In this video, we talk about:
✅ The origins of the self‑advocacy movement
✅ How early disabled leaders organized themselves in the 1970s
✅ Why their leadership still matters 40+ years later
✅ Why Montana can build its own strong, local self‑advocacy network
✅ How you can get involved right now

If you want to join a local or statewide self‑advocacy group in Montana, I’ve got a sign‑up sheet ready. Comment below or send a DM, and I’ll send you the link — or a phone number if you prefer talking directly.

This month, during Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we’re building something big.
But these videos are here year‑round to teach, inspire, and grow the next generation of leaders with developmental disabilities.

Let’s build Montana’s self‑advocacy movement together.
It’s been done before — we can do it again.
#selfadvocacy #DevelopmentalDisability #DDAM2026 #PeopleFirst #DisabilityRights #DisabilityHistory #IDD #Montana #Leadership #Inclusion #CommunityLiving #DisabilityCommunity

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Disability Rights Montana is leading a cultural shift in how we view, value, and support people with disabilities. Our videos and podcast episodes explore real stories, legal victories, and advocacy strategies that empower disabled Montanans to live with dignity, autonomy, and purpose. Whether you're a self-advocate, family member, service provider, or policymaker, this channel is your hub for disability justice, inclusive community-building, and systemic change. Join us in making Montana a place where disability is recognized as a vital part of our culture—not something to fix, but something to celebrate.

Let's change culture together to make Montana Culture, Disability Culture!