Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) is a statewide organization led by leaders with developmental disabilities. It promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, equal rights and the self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities. It respects the capabilities of people with developmental disabilities. Self-Advocates of Michigan is guided by the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”. This principle means no policy should be decided without direct participation of people whose lives will be affected by that policy or decision. Self-advocacy means people with lived experience with developmental disabilities advocating for themselves.
