People First of St. Louis
People First is a self-advocacy organization that helps people with developmental disabilities reach their self-advocacy goals. Led by people with developmental disabilities, our People First Center is a disability rights organization tailored to those who also have developmental disabilities.
About People First
People First is a national self-advocacy organization led by people with developmental disabilities. By teaching self-advocacy skills, this group promotes equity and inclusion for people with disabilities so they can live the life they want in the community.
This advocacy organization consists of local affiliated chapters spread across the United States. The St. Louis chapter is funded by the Productive Living Board and the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources.
Our chapter members empower each other to reach their self-advocacy goals, learn about their rights and speak up for themselves. As part of a disability rights organization, they also advocate for community and systems change to ensure that necessary services, supports and opportunities are in place for people with disabilities to live their best lives.
For Self-Advocacy Skills and Beyond
Paraquad’s People First Center aims to empower people with developmental disabilities to not only advocate for themselves but also advocate for those around them. Our programming teaches:
Self-Advocacy Skills: Understanding your rights and responsibilities and speak up for yourself
Advocacy for One Another: Standing up for one another to help each person live the life they want with the support they need
Advocacy at a Systematic Level: Pushing for community services that allow people to have choice and control over the supports in their lives
Advocacy Within the Community: Influencing change in the community to ensure equal opportunity and meaningful participation for all people
Chapter Eligibility
Participation in People First of St. Louis is free of cost. We are always looking for new members ready to meet their self-advocacy goals. However, you must first meet certain requirements to join our disability rights organization. Members of Paraquad’s People First Center must be:
A resident of St. Louis City or St. Louis County
Ages 18 years old or older
Diagnosed with a developmental disability
Join Paraquad’s People First Center
The St. Louis chapter of People First is always ready to welcome new members. Programming for self-advocacy skills and beyond is hosted at Paraquad facilities. For more information on our programming, email Rush Wilkerson at rwilkerson@paraquad.org.