"[Since coming to Soltane], family and friends have noticed Ashaun's gained confidence, ability and determination in voicing his thoughts, and that is inspiring to us all...being in an environment amongst his peers has given him a greater sense of self and comfort within his own being, which we view as maturity."
The Soltane community in firmly based on the principles of advocacy, the recognition that each person can speak for him or herself - letting others know what they need to be healthy, safe, and fulfilled in their lives. We cultivate an environment where students and community house members with disabilities are encouraged to articulate their needs, concerns, and wishes. Coworkers take on the role of active listeners and facilitators, learning from the students and community house members, and supporting them as they make choices towards their well-being and self-development.
Advocacy also encompasses relationship and sexuality counseling, and serves to bring about safer, more respectful interactions in friendships and other relationships.
AmeriCorps Member Ariana W. writes, "Our work at Soltane is not to simply make people happy all the time and keep people from experiencing pain, fear, or sadness. These emotions and the experiences that evoke them are all a part of life and are something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience." Continue reading more thoughts on advocacy...
Advocacy is integrated into all aspects of life at Soltane including household life, work, classes, activities, and special groups. The Soltane Advocacy Team, consisting of trained coworkers and interested students and community house members, holds regular meetings. Our formal activities and programs include Person Centered Planning for each student, well-being agreements in house communities, abuse recognition and prevention classes, confidentiality agreements, men’s and women’s groups, relationships and sexuality classes, and advocacy class. Many students and residents choose to participate in the regional Speaking for Ourselves organization, of which Soltane sponsors a sub-chapter.
Our students and residents are outspoken about their needs both on a personal level, and as part of a larger community of individuals with developmental disabilities. The video below features Soltane resident Pamela S. discussing her views on the elimination of the term "mental retardation" from government documents - a movement spearheaded by State Senator Andy Dinniman.
We are also committed to learning to recognize and prevent abuse of any kind, and we provide ongoing education for students, community house members and coworkers in this area.
Advocacy also encompasses relationship and sexuality counseling, and serves to bring about safer, more respectful interactions in friendships and other relationships.