Advocating for Disability Rights: A Conversation with Chester Finn

Chester Finn is a strong disability rights advocate with a rich history of advocating for individuals with disabilities. He has been involved with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and served as the president of the Self Advocacy Association of New York State from 1995 to 1997. With a passion for standing up for people's rights, Chester has dedicated his career to creating positive change in the disability rights field.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging conversation, Gina Scarpa interviews Chester Finn, a prominent disability rights advocate, about his journey and work in advocating for individuals with disabilities. Chester shares how he got involved with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and emphasizes the importance of listening to those receiving supports and services. He highlights the power of collaboration between direct support professionals (DSPs) and individuals receiving support in advocating for disability rights. Chester's insights shed light on the significance of trust, respect, and understanding in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy starts at an early age, with Chester's grandmother instilling in him the values of standing up for what he believes in.
• Collaboration between DSPs and individuals receiving support is key to effective advocacy and achieving positive change.
• Trust, respect, and understanding are fundamental in fostering meaningful relationships and advocating for disability rights.
• People with disabilities have valuable perspectives and insights that should be considered in decision-making processes.
• Advocating for respect and fair compensation for DSPs is essential in ensuring quality support for individuals with disabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• "You understand and you trust the person, you’re able to talk with them." - Chester Finn
• "When people respect us, they're going to respect you in your job." - Chester Finn
•  "You got to work together, you got to command that respect." – Chester Finn
• “It's their right. This is how they want things. With rights come responsibilities." - Chester Finn

Resources:

• Self Advocacy Association of New York State
• The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Chester Finn as he shares his experiences and insights on advocating for disability rights. Tune in to the full episode for more impactful discussions and stay tuned for future enlightening content from the podcast.

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