YAI's Self-Advocates presented a thought-provoking and emotional workshop, titled "In My Shoes," May 7 at YAI's International Conference. They shared their own stories about defining moments in their lives, about love, fear and hope, while advocating for acceptance and respect. 
The group collaborated with the MOTH, a non-profit organization devoted to interactive storytelling told without notes, to organize its stories and bring them to life. The Self-Advocates' stories covered a wide range of topics including, the joy of graduating college, the thrill of experiencing one's first kiss and the sorrow of losing a loved one.

"Don't judge a person, because you don't know what she has been through in her life," said Alem Blount, a Self-Advocate who described the pain she felt after her first boyfriend died in a tragic accident.
"We all get judged. I get judged, you get judged. Just because you're not a jock or a stud or you can't dance, doesn't mean you can't make love," said Ismael Nunez, another Self-Advocate.
The Self-Advocates have joined the campaign to "Erase the R-Word." Michael Gunther and Jerry Lipsky, spoke about how they experienced such verbal abuse in the workplace.
"If you hear something, say something. Don't speak out with violence, go to a staff person and go to anyone who can help you," Gunther said.
The group paid a special tribute to Malvin Palmer, a fellow Self-Advocate who died earlier this year.
Jared Morgenstern, who has been a Direct Service Professional at YAI for nine years and is the social work intern working with the group, said that giving the self-advocates the tools and the space to talk about their stories is all about being able to connect with the individuals and feeling the reciprocity of caring.
"We always need to remember as staff that the individuals we serve take care of us just as much as we take care of them," Morgenstern said.