Resource Library

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GMSA is a strong organization because it is run by and for self-advocates. We have created resources and training materials that should only be presented by people with developmental disabilities. We encourage staff, teachers, parents, and allies to support self-advocates in teaching this material. However, our resources and trainings cannot be presented or used without self-advocates leading the way. If you have questions, contact us! We are happy to help you learn how to support people with developmental disabilities to use these resources.

There are 2 ways to find information:

  1. Type a topic in the search bar below

  2. Or click on one of the Resource Topics on the right-hand side.

Learn How to Become a Peer Supporter of a Person who was Abused

We are teaching these classes to help self-advocates become “peer supporters”. There are 2 manuals used to train “peer supporters”. #1 A Training Manual To Help Self-Advocates Become Peer Supporters #2 A Workbook For Classes To Help Self-Advocates Become Peer…

Classes About Sexual Violence

Peer To Peer: Bridging the Gap through Self-Advocacy Here are 3 manuals to use to teach classes about Sexual Violence. #1 A manual for trainers with disabilities on how to teach the classes #2 A workbook to be used by…

Classes About Domestic Violence

Peer-to-Peer: Bridging the Gap Through Self-Advocacy Here are three manuals to use to teach classes about Domestic Violence. #1 A manual for trainers with disabilities for Domestic Violence classes #2 A workbook to be used by people taking the classes…

Being an Ally in the Self-Advocacy Movement

This resource includes a recording of a webinar held in 2017 about Being an Ally in the Self-Advocacy Movement. The PowerPoint used for this presentation can be downloaded below.    

Living with Autism in the Classroom

This resource is a blog post. Kristofor Medina shares how it was to live with autism at school. He typed to communicate since third grade. He shares a message to “accept people for who they are and do not judge.”

Relationships for Sons and Daughters with Disabilities

This resource is a blog post. Max Barrows writes to parents of people with disabilities. He explains that true inclusion means that sons and daughters with disabilities will have relationships with others. Max gives examples of different types of relationships.…

Promoting Autism Acceptance

This resource is a blog post. Nicole LeBlanc shares the importance of emphasizing strengths when talking about adults with autism. She gives examples of strengths. She provides 10 ideas of how to promote autism acceptance.

How to Write a Blog

This resource is a blog post. Nicole LeBlanc shares how to write a great blog. She gives examples of topics to write about. She talks about why it is important for persons with disabilities to write blogs.

Brotherly Bond

This resource is a blog post by Kyle Moriarty. Kyle shares his story about having a sibling. He talks about his relationship with his brother Kevin. He includes both the positive and negative parts of growing up with an older…

Words Matter

This resource is a blog post. Max Barrows talks about the Respectful Language Bill proposed by Green Mountain Self-Advocates. It was passed into law in Vermont in 2014. He explains the importance of using respectful language. This means not using…