As a Self-Advocate Coordinator at Albertina Kerr, Artemus Guice brings lived experience to conversations about rights, self-advocacy, and what meaningful support truly looks like. The role helps staff strengthen support practices while creating space for supported people to speak up and be heard.
Below, Artemus shares reflections on advocacy and the impact of this work.
What does being an Advocacy Specialist mean to you?
“It means helping staff learn how to support people better and advocating for supported people so they can have the best life. It makes me feel proud to help other people, and this job gives my life meaning.”
What experiences help you connect with the people Kerr supports?
“I have Cerebral Palsy and know firsthand the struggles with the systems that supported people encounter.”
What do you want supported people to know about their rights?
“You have the same rights as any other human being, and it’s your staff’s job to support those rights.”
What are you most proud of as an advocate?
“Giving supported people a chance to speak up for themselves. I am teaching new hires to help the people we support learn how to speak up. I think focus groups are important because they teach the people we support about their rights and how to speak up for themselves.”
What impact has this work had on you?
“It makes a big difference in my life, giving me a career to contribute to. When I do training for staff, they often tell me how important it is to learn from a supported person.” Kerr Program Manager Tami Nelson shared, “It was really helpful for me to hear from Artemus about individuals’ rights at the Program Managers Workshop. It was meaningful because Artemus has lived experience and knows what it is actually like.”
Kerr currently has four Self- Advocate Coordinators whose lived experience helps inform training, advocacy, and organizational practices.
PHOTOS: Artemus with Job Coach Emilie Alpert and cat, Chad.