SAU1 – Knowledge is Power

Photo of group of people, all different ages, heights, ethnicities, and abilities at SAU1 event.

Self Advocates United as 1 or SAU1 is a Pennsylvania based non-profit group that supports and encourages self-advocates to empower them to work toward their dreams or goals. People are encouraged “to live their lives, their way” through the My Life, My Way self-advocate values. The Board of Directors, SAU1 Power Board, are voluntary positions comprised of people with disabilities. SAU1 Power Staff, who believe in and support the SAU1 mission and vision, are also people with disabilities.

Used with permission from SAU1 from website March 23, 2023.

Through SASE (Self Advocacy Support and Empowerment) project, they work towards their goal to support and strengthen statewide advocacy in Pennsylvania. SASE is funded by a grant from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council. Meeting regularly to encourage growth and learning opportunities, they share information through webinars, newsletters, social media, and teleconferences.

The SASE Ambassadors are comprised of people with disabilities who are SAU1 staff. Ambassadors attend various events giving insight at a number of committee meetings. Notable events include the Mental Health Advisory Committee, Information Sharing and Advisory (ISAC) of The PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and the Provider Oversight Committee. They offer Zoominars on a variety of topics. Additionally, they welcome self-advocates who may be interested in SASE or SAU1 to reach out for more information. People can even sign up to shadow the Board of Directors as well.

In addition to supporting their mission, SAU1 has partnered with other organizations that share the same values and goals, including ODP and The PA Developmental Disabilities Council. For more information on these partnerships, you can check it out here: SAU1 Power Partners

Photo from above of a large crowd of people at a public event. Many people are holding signs. — Used with permission from SAU1 from website March 23, 2023.

SAPNA or Self Advocacy Power Network for All, is a project managed by SAU1 for ODP. It is led by trained Power Coaches and Facilitators with the goal of changing communities and lives through peer education and resources. They cover a wide range of “Power Event Topics” that are written by the Power Coaches and approved by ODP. The material covers issues which are important to people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Topics include Let’s Speak Up!; Let’s Get to Work! ; Let’s Talk About Your Vision For YOUR Everyday Life! ; and Let’s Power Up!. Power Events also host conversations with self-advocates revolving around Sexual Abuse Awareness. SAU1 has positions for Power Coaches available on their website under “Jobs”.

SAU1 has a full calendar of virtual and in person meetings scheduled for April 2023. Find upcoming opportunities here on the Power Events Page: sau1.org/power-events.

An important part of SAU1 is sharing that Knowledge Is Power. This goal is achieved by the following:

Connect with people and organizations whether in person or through other means.
Include and support the participation of all kinds of people in our work.
Listen to self-advocates to learn what they think, what questions they have, and what they want to see happen in their lives.
Learn from people about their lives and learn about other issues that may be important to people.
Share info that may help people make positive changes in their lives and communities.
Speak up at meetings and events so the voice of self-advocates is heard.
Impact people’s lives and communities through all of our work.
Unite as one. When we work together as one team, we are a powerful group!