Pathways Self-Advocates
A leadership journey for young people with disabilities. Find your voice, claim your rights, and lead in your community.
Building voice, leadership, and community.
Pathways Self-Advocates is a leadership and self-advocacy program of Southern Illinois Pathways for transition-age youth and young adults with disabilities. We are currently active in St. Clair and Madison Counties, with a goal of reaching self-advocates across all of Metro East Illinois.
What you'll do
Across eight monthly sessions, you'll explore:
- Self-advocacy and self-determination
- Disability rights and leadership
- Communication and public speaking
- Employment and life after school
- Goal setting and community engagement
How you'll grow
You'll build a personal advocacy portfolio, create original artwork that helps you share your story, and connect with peers who get it. Our curriculum is built on the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance Leadership Manual.
What's included
- All eight leadership sessions
- A free Arc of Illinois self-advocate membership
- A Leadership Certificate from Southern Illinois Pathways
- Your art in our Self-Advocates Art Show
- Our Self-Advocates of the Metro East celebration
Come to the Summit with us.
Register by July 24, 2026
Join SIP Arts Foundation as we travel to Normal, IL (or join virtually) for the Speak Up and Speak Out Summit 2026. Presented by The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Registration is $50, and financial assistance is available. If you would like our help registering or applying for a stipend, just reach out.
New to SIP? You can join our self-advocacy cohort any time. We have rolling admissions until we are full, and you do not need to attend SUSO to take part. Join the cohort →
Express Your Interest
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out with next steps. This is not a commitment, just the first step to learning more.
Thank you!
Your interest form has been received. Someone from Southern Illinois Pathways will reach out to you soon with next steps. We're glad you're here.