Self-Advocacy Classes

Upstream Arts is proud to offer Minnesota’s first arts-based
Self-Advocacy classes for adults with disabilities!

Your story is yours to tell.

Join our growing community of self-advocates expanding our voice and choice through the arts!

Our Self-Advocacy classes offer a fun, creative, and experiential learning environment for participants to strengthen self-advocacy skills with and alongside Upstream Arts artists and peers.

We  use the arts to explore topics related to informed choice and person-centered planning, integrating theater, dance, poetry and music activities into our weekly classes.

Through these classes self advocates will have the opportunity to explore their interests and strengths, increase their ability to express what they want and need, and “rehearse” independent living skills through theater and role-playing real life experiences.

Our classes support individuals in:

  • Strengthening self-advocacy skills through self-expression and the arts
  • Acquiring skills that enable individuals to exercise control and responsibility over the supports they receive.
  • Connecting with others and fostering meaningful, healthy relationships
  • Developing advocacy skills and understanding around making informed choices and person centered planning

Classes are open to all adults with disabilities 18+, including members of our community who are non-verbal or non-traditional communicators. We welcome self-advocates at all skill levels.

*** NOW ENROLLING! ***

SPRING 2023 SELF-ADVOCACY CLASSES!
Spring classes run 1-hour a week for 12-weeks
ASL Interpretation and online Closed Captions provided  

Online MONDAYS 4-5pm CST 
DATES:  February 13, 27  March 6, 13, 20, 27  April 10,17, 24  May 1, 8, 15

In Person WEDNESDAYS 11:30-12:30pm CST          
DATES:  February 22  March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29   April 12,19, 26  May 3, 10, 17, 24
Classes held at Pillsbury House Community Center 3501 Chicago Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55407

Pay with a Waiver

Upstream Arts’ UMPI number is A795408000

BI, CAC, CADI and DD Waivers are billed under “Family Training and Counseling” under service code: Family Training S5110 and/or S5110U4

As units are utilized, we will bill the waiver on a monthly basis.

Under S5110 (in person) and S5110U4 (online) we ask that you authorize 48 units (12 hours of time) per 12-week class at $25.50 per unitgraphic of yellow hand drawn lightning bolt

For Service Agreements, the date range can be up to 12-months to accommodate missed sessions or continued class participation. To build in flexibility, we recommend that you authorize both S5110 and S5110U4