Conversations with Self-Advocates
WITH recently expanded its Self-Advocate Advisory Committee (SAAC), which, among other things, reviews the proposals that the Foundation receives and provides input on whether or not applicants should receive funding, and whether a proposal is designed well for people with disabilities.
Today’s conversation is with SAAC member Andraéa LaVant
A smiling woman with brown skin and long braided hair wearing a purple sweater and a green scarf.
How did you learn about WITH?
Andraéa: I learned about WITH based on my relationships with a couple of board members. It seemed to align well with both my personal and professional experiences, so thought it was worth exploring.
What has been your experience with health care through the years?
Andraéa: My health care experience as an adult has not been very smooth. As a full-time wheelchair user that requires daily care from personal care attendants, I have undergone a variety of battles with private and state-funded health care entities, specifically with regard to funding. I’ve found that my employer-sponsored health insurance has been helpful for providing quality care for things such as medical procedures and equipment, but my daily care that provides assistance with activities of daily living has been more difficult. My battles have required media, state and federal level intervention; however, I’m grateful for strong allies and the strength I’ve gained by undergoing these battles.
What is the most common misconception that people have about you?
Andraéa: I find that, for those of us with disabilities that have pursued any level of independence, or, just choose to LIVE and attempt to thrive, we are often given labels that don’t accurately describe us: brave, inspirational, courageous, etc. Quite frankly, I don’t consider myself to be any of these. I simply desire to live my life in a manner comparable to that of my able-bodied peers. This means living in my community, working in a field that I enjoy, having an active social life. It’s simply what we all deserve. These are rights, not privileges.
Was there an “aha” moment when you realized that you wanted to advocate not just for yourself, but for others with disabilities too?
Andraéa: There actually was an “aha” moment for me. I never really wanted to be the “disabled person on the frontlines”…
In fact, I wanted to be just the opposite. I wanted to shirk away from even acknowledging my disability, and didn’t want others to acknowledge it either. However, I had a moment when I moved to a city that I expected would be perfect for me. I was assured that it would be perfectly accessible, and that it would have all of the resources and services I’d need to live independently. When I realized this was not the case, and that I would have to fight to gain and maintain a life I knew I deserved, it simultaneously sparked a fire in me to fight not only for myself, but for my disabled peers and those that would come after me.
What kinds of things would you like to accomplish on the Advisory Committee of WITH?
Andraéa: I’d love to continue to ensure people with disabilities are at the decision-making tables for things that will undoubtedly affect them. Moreover, I’d love to see this on a practical, grassroots level. While high-level research is important, I’m a results-driven person that looks for program concepts that will ensure forward-movement for all involved.
Thank you Andraéa!
The mission of the WITH is to promote comprehensive healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities.