noun   dis·a·bil·i·ty ad·vo·ca·cy   

“The act of speaking, writing, or acting to promote, protect, and defend the human rights of people with disabilities. It involves working to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to services, education, employment, housing, and transportation and that they can fully participate in their communities. Disability advocates can also help people with disabilities speak out and defend their rights and interests. 

Some say that disability advocacy involves being on the side of the person with a disability, being concerned with their fundamental needs, and remaining loyal and accountable to them. It can also involve acting in a way that respects the rights of others and ensures duty of care. 

There are several models of disability advocacy, including: 

Self advocacy, Family advocacy, Citizen advocacy, Individual advocacy, Legal advocacy, and Systemic advocacy.”

TURN programs throughout Utah serve 650+ individuals who make community contributions statewide on a regular basis:

• Cleaning up Kaysville Ponds Day on Earth Day.
• Planting seeds at Sowing Seeds of Change in Farmington to supply needed plants for the community gardens.
• Visiting fire stations, police stations, and hospitals in Davis County with cookies, balloons and birthday cards to thank first responders for the work they do.
• Creating hearts at the Meraki Art Center in Farmington with encouraging messages to give to shoppers and wish them a good day.
• Friendshipping with the residents of the Country Pines Retirement Community in Clinton, where they go play games, chat and catch up with residents they know and care about.
• Serving dinners at the RevRoad Car Rally.
• Sanitizing toys at Kids on the Move.
• Bringing new levels of joy to exercise classes in Weber County.
• Impacting an estimated 350,000 people in the Freedom Festival Parade where TURN’s Miss and Mr. Inspiration and their courts smiled, waved, and danced through the crowds while those lining the streets clapped, cheered, and thought about the unique contributions these individuals make as they advocate for change by courageously overcoming obstacles to serve in these very public roles to show the community the beauty of their lives.

Connect with your legislator:

• What is their role?
• How do I reach them?

Email or send a postcard. Your legislators really do want to hear from you!
Build genuine connections — build relationships.

Don’t wait until the session starts to build a relationship now. Use info from this site: https://www.thepolicyproject.org/ to learn about policy and how to use your voice for change

Sample script:

Representative _______,

Thank you for all you do to make Utah a better place for our community. I am a constituent in your district and would like to address [state the issue clearly and concisely]. Why it matters to you – stories help get the point across – How it can be solved.

Sincerely, [name of constituent]

Recent entrepreneurial projects spearheaded by Phil Shumway include the following. TURN has partnered with the Utah Works project, which aims to gain employment for persons with disabilities. TURN has had contracts to clean bus shelters for UTA, clean state buildings, and maintain the Legacy Parkway Trail.  TURN has recently started a secure document destruction business as part of a State contract and has also started a small business to deliver groceries to home-bound people. Phil is always looking for innovative ways to employ people with disabilities in dignified and respectful employment situations.

With each interaction, individuals in the TURN Community reshape the perception of what it means to have hopes and dreams.

Come join the TURN Team! You'll find purpose, meaning, and
great benefits every day.

We are an ever-growing team that has career opportunities throughout the state of Utah. From Brigham City to St. George with roles from management to entry-level. Check out the openings through the link below!

Great people, Great benefits, Great work experiences.