Self-advocacy is more than speaking up — it’s about knowing your rights, making informed choices, and shaping the life you want to live. Across Indiana, Self Advocates of Indiana (SAI) is empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to do just that.
Noble is proud to be connected to this important work through our local chapter in the West Central region, serving the Indianapolis area. Together, we are helping people strengthen their voices, share their experiences, and influence change in their communities.
What Is Self Advocates of Indiana?
Self Advocates of Indiana is a statewide, non-profit organization run by and for people with disabilities. Its mission is to empower self-advocates to speak for themselves and others, and to promote equality, opportunity, and respect in every area of life.
SAI’s work includes:
- Hosting monthly and regional meetings
- Providing leadership training and education
- Creating opportunities for self-advocates to connect and collaborate
- Advocating for policy and community changes that improve quality of life
Learn more about Self Advocates of Indiana.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Self-advocacy helps individuals:
- Understand their rights and responsibilities
- Make choices about their own lives
- Speak confidently with employers, service providers, and legislators
- Build connections with others who share similar experiences
- Become active participants in shaping their communities
For people with disabilities, self-advocacy is not only a skill — it’s a pathway to independence, confidence, and leadership. It ensures that the people most impacted by decisions have a say in making them.
SAI Chapters Across Indiana
SAI has local chapters—like the Noble Self Advocates Chapter—across the state, giving self-advocates the chance to connect regularly and address topics that matter most in their region. Chapters meet monthly or bi-monthly, host social events, and collaborate on projects that build leadership skills and community engagement.
Here’s a list of all SAI Chapters.
The West Central Region & Noble’s Chapter
In the West Central region — which includes Indianapolis — there are several local chapters. The Noble Self Advocates Chapter meets once or twice each month. Members talk about current issues, learn new skills, and take part in community activities. They also enjoy events like the Annual Self Advocates Picnic in September, where members from across the state come together to celebrate and connect.
Recently, the Noble chapter worked on a t-shirt design project, giving members the chance to express creativity as well as their group spirit.
How Noble Is Involved
At Noble, our role in our Self Advocates chapter is one of support—it is not our place to lead the chapter. The Self Advocates themselves decide what they want to do, plan, and accomplish — with Noble staff there to assist as needed.
That might mean:
- Helping coordinate meeting spaces
- Assisting with event logistics like the annual picnic or guest speakers
- Offering resources or connections when the group requests them
- Providing encouragement as members take the lead on projects, such as the t-shirt design initiative
This approach ensures the Self Advocates have full ownership of their goals and activities, building leadership, independence, and confidence while knowing Noble is ready to help behind the scenes.
Getting Involved
For individuals served by Noble, joining the Self Advocates of Indiana local chapter is a powerful way to connect, learn, and make your voice heard. Whether it’s sharing ideas at meetings, helping plan events, or collaborating on creative projects, every contribution matters.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Noble Self Advocates chapter, contact us for more information.
