My ODP

Self Advocates United as 1, Inc. (SAU1) is a group of people with disabilities from across Pennsylvania. The group has been working towards its mission since 2007 – to Support the Self Advocacy of People with Disabilities for Positive Impact in Our Communities and in People’s Lives.  SAU1 envisions a world where people with disabilities and their families are united to share knowledge, empower others, and use their voices to transform their communities and people’s lives.

SAU1’s Board of Directors are people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from all over the state who volunteer thousands of hours to fully direct the work of the organization.  SAU1 has 501 (c)(3) status, which means it is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a charitable non-profit organization.

SAU1’s work funded through a grant from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) includes Board meetings, free teleconferences and quarterly newsletters about people and issues important to people with disabilities. The PADDC grant also supports SAU1 members to fully participate in local, regional, and statewide advisory groups, committees and meetings to bring the self advocate voice to the table.

SAU1 leaders began advocating in 2014 for a training and outreach project created and presented by self advocates for self advocates.  SAU1 will soon be managing the new Self Advocacy Power Network for All (SAPNA), funded by the PA Office of Developmental Programs.  The project will feature competitive employment for self advocate presenters and mentors who will provide targeted training and technical assistance to self advocates across PA to further empower self advocacy.  

Do you have questions or comments about SAU1 or SAPNA?  Would you like to be included on our electronic or US mailing list? Call our 24 hour free message line at 1 724 588 2378 and one of our friendly staff will get back to you soon.