Free, In-Person Self-Advocacy Training Before Family Cafe

June 11 from 10 AM -- 4 PM -- lunch included!

Florida Self-Advocates Network'D's Breaking Barriers Training Academy is hosting an introductory-level workshop in self-determination and self-advocacy in Orlando June 11 -- the Thursday before the 28th Annual Family Cafe opens.

The Route to Self-Determination is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 16 or older, who are just getting started in self-advocacy. The training is delivered through short, plain language lessons, followed by interactive activities, role-playing, and goal setting.

A group of people engage in a collaborative discussion at a round table, participating in a workshop.

In this engaging, hands-on workshop, learners will come away feeling empowered to

• Make informed choices about their lives

• Participate meaningfully in their communities

Connect with other self-advocates, self-advocacy groups, and disability organizations

The workshop is free for self-advocates and one caregiver -- which can be staff, friend, or family. All participants must register. Lunch and training materials are provided.

More Info/Register Here

Trainers are all FL SAND Fellows, assisted by members of MAGICAL Self-Advocates of Greater Orlando, FL SAND's grassroots advocacy group in Orlando.

FL SAND is a network of 13 grassroots self-advocacy groups that work on advocacy projects and disability awareness in their communities. FL SAND founded the Breaking Barriers Training Academy in 2020 as a means to deliver self-advocate-inspired training to people with disabilities and other stakeholders in Florida.

Though designed for self-advocates, Route to Self-Determination is a great opportunity for caregivers and support staff to learn more about self-determination, self-advocacy, and how to teach the same to their clients. APD in-service credit approval is pending.

Support staff accompanying self-advocate learners are encouraged to register as observers. Staff and/or caregivers not accompanied by self-advocate learners who are interested in attending should contact us after May 31 to see if there are extra seats available

Route to Self-Determination is June 11, 2026, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Rosen Plaza is across the street from the Hyatt Regency parking garage. Check-in opens at 10 AM and all participants must be pre-registered. Learn more and register here. Please direct questions to contactflsand@gmail.com

Route to Self-Determination and the FL SAND Fellows are funded by a grant from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.