The Riot was very saddened by the news of Judy Cunio’s passing in June. Judy was a pioneer in the self-advocacy movement and was known by many across the nation. She was the first president of People First of Oregon. For the past ten years, she worked as the Self-Advocacy Coordinator at the Oregon Council …

The Riot newsletter is used in some of the training courses that direct support professionals get through the College of Direct Supports! This is an awesome partnership. Check out the article about The Riot on the College of Direct Supports website. Are you a direct support professional? Tell us how you support people with developmental …

Self-advocacy organizations all over the country are losing their funding or having their budgets cut. In some states, self-advocacy groups are struggling to stay alive. Some people say that groups are losing their funding because they just aren’t as effective as they used to be. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities is holding five regional meetings …

Some people within the disability community prefer people first language (e.g. “people with disabilities”) and others prefer disability pride language (e.g. “disabled people”). What is the difference? People First language is part of the history of the disability movement and the idea that and individual should be seen as a full person instead of labeled …

Check out this video and let us know what you think!

The Riot is proud to announce an upcoming National Conversation series for 2011. On the first call, experts in the field will talk about how self-advocates are in charge of their lives and how to get the right supports. The second call will be about how self-advocates are in charge of their self-advocacy groups. The …

VSA is an international arts organization on arts and disability. They are calling for artists to submit work (no entry fee) with a particular theme that describes a SHIFT in their life. But don’t wait! The deadline is March 11, 2011. Click here for more details!

John Kelting is an artist whose work will soon be featured on the Riot’s Spotlight Studios! We are excited to add John to our gallery of featured artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. John lives in Portland, Oregon. He grew up drawing next to his father and sister. His passion is painting portraits of his …

Hey there fellow Riot fans! Like our new look? We’re just trying to stay ahead of the curve. But never fear, we will stay true to that Riot style you’ve come to know and love: edgy, fun, and full of cool stuff for self-advocates around the nation. How about that latest issue of The Riot! …