The Rhode Island Cross Disability Coalition’s Speakers Bureau brought its engaging presentation, “Life Is Good,” to Avatar – AvaVoice Self-Advocacy Group, where residents gathered in the community center for a lively, interactive discussion about what it means to live a fulfilling life on their own terms. Presenters Tanja Blicker-Ucran, Christina Battista, Nathan Markley, and Kevin McHale each explored one of the four pillars at the heart of the presentation: Independence, Productivity, Self-Determination, and Inclusion. From sharing personal goals to discussing employment, relationships, and everyday choices, the group enthusiastically contributed ideas and experiences that brought these principles to life.
Following a brief introduction to the Cross Disability Coalition’s mission and its upcoming meeting on Peer Support Specialists, Christina explained how Coalition meetings help participants learn about resources and opportunities available to them. The organization focuses on leadership, public education, and accessibility, empowering people with disabilities to become informed, active participants in their communities.
Independence: Taking Charge of Your Life
Tanja led the discussion on independence, inviting residents to define what it means to them. The responses reflected a shared desire to make personal decisions, take responsibility, and do as much as possible for themselves. Independence can mean owning a home, deciding where and how to live, understanding responsibilities as a citizen, and exercising the right to vote.
The conversation also explored the importance of taking risks, learning from mistakes, and accepting responsibility for everyday tasks, including paying bills. Tanja shared her own experience of taking a risk by moving from California to Rhode Island, illustrating how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can open the door to new opportunities. Driving offered another example, bringing together the privileges, risks, and responsibilities that come with greater independence. The group also acknowledged that access to reliable transportation remains a significant challenge for many people.
The discussion reinforced an important message: independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about having choices, opportunities, and the support needed to direct your own life.
Productivity: Finding Purpose in What You Do
Christina introduced the pillar of productivity, broadening the conversation beyond employment to include the many ways people contribute and find meaning in their lives. Having a real job or building a meaningful career can be an important part of productivity, but Christina offered a definition that resonated with the group: “Doing something important to me with my time.”
Participating in community life, contributing to a team, and being recognized as a valued employee are all ways to experience productivity. Residents responded positively to the idea that their efforts and accomplishments matter. The discussion highlighted the pride that comes from doing something meaningful, developing skills, and knowing that others recognize your contributions.
Productivity, the group agreed, is personal. It is about having opportunities to pursue interests, achieve goals, and make a meaningful difference in the places where we live, work, and participate.
Self-Determination: Making Your Voice Heard
Nathan led the discussion on self-determination, asking residents what the term meant to them. The responses came quickly, reflecting the group’s enthusiasm for the idea that everyone has the right to make choices, establish goals, and determine the direction of their own lives. When asked about personal goals, one participant immediately offered “education” as an example.
The conversation expanded to include decisions about living arrangements, whether independently, in a house or apartment, or in a shared living setting. Speaking up for yourself and having your opinions heard emerged as particularly important themes. When Nathan emphasized the importance of having a voice, the group became animated, sharing thoughts about the choices that shape their everyday lives.
Another essential part of self-determination is receiving information in a format that is understandable. Complicated or difficult-to-read information can create barriers to making informed decisions. Nathan encouraged residents to request whatever assistance or resources they need to live their best possible lives. That can include accessing benefits and inviting the people they choose to participate in their meetings.
Christina reinforced a message worth remembering: “The person-centered planning meeting should be about you.” People should know that they can invite individuals they trust and want involved in discussions about their lives.
The message was clear: self-determination means more than having choices in theory. It means having the information, support, and opportunity to make those choices and have your voice respected.
Inclusion: Being Part of the Community
Kevin McHale brought the fourth pillar, integration and inclusion, to life with an easygoing question about whether residents planned to attend Halloween parties. His lighthearted approach opened a broader discussion about being invited to events, experiencing new things, meeting new people, and having your opinions taken seriously.
The conversation also touched on a fundamental principle of self-advocacy: no one should be discussing your life without you being included in the conversation. Participants recognized the value of diverse social groups and described friendships and everyday interactions with people who do not have disabilities.
As residents reflected on their own experiences, it became clear that inclusion is often built through relationships. Some described coworkers who felt like family. Shari spoke up several times, sharing that she treats the people in her group home as family. Others described similar connections with the people around them.
These personal reflections illustrated how inclusion goes beyond simply being present in a workplace, residence, or community setting. It means feeling welcomed, respected, valued, and connected to others.
Building a Better Future Through Opportunity….and Employment, too
Questions throughout the presentation brought the four pillars together, particularly when residents discussed their working lives and whether to disclose a disability to a potential employer.
Christina explained that employers cannot legally refuse to hire someone simply because of a disability when the person is qualified for the job. She encouraged participants to speak up for themselves and request reasonable accommodations when needed.
The discussion underscored the importance of equal employment opportunities and the right of people with disabilities to pursue meaningful work, contribute their talents, and be treated with dignity and respect.
Ultimately, the residents’ comments and questions reflected a strong desire for the same opportunities everyone wants: the freedom to make decisions, the satisfaction of doing meaningful work, the ability to direct their own lives, and the chance to belong in inclusive workplaces and communities.
A Life That Is Good – On Your Own Terms
The “Life Is Good” presentation at Avatar Residential was more than an introduction to four important principles. It was an opportunity for residents to share their perspectives, learn from one another, ask questions, and recognize the choices and possibilities available to them.
Through the Cross Disability Coalition’s Speakers Bureau, these conversations help promote greater awareness, self-advocacy, and community participation. By encouraging people with disabilities to speak up, pursue their goals, and take an active role in decisions that affect them, the Coalition reinforces a powerful message: everyone deserves the opportunity to live a good life—one defined by their own choices, aspirations, relationships, and contributions.
