Eddie is a soft-spoken 70-year-old, who isn't shy about speaking his mind. That's what makes him such an effective self-advocate.

He is happy to share his life experience with anyone who is interested in listening. He lived with his family in Somers, N.Y., for many years, and then on his own in his parent's home. He lived in a nursing home before moving into YAI's Belvidere Residence in Westchester County in 2001.

"We (people with disabilities) are not animals, as many people would think," he says calmly, from his wheelchair. "We shouldn’t be treated like animals. We're human beings, like everybody else."

Powerful words which were on his mind, but he took a more diplomatic approach when he spoke at a recent Westchester County Legislative Breakfast.

"On behalf of people with disabilities, I urge you to listen to our worries, fears and concerns about future cuts to services," he said. "Cuts would limit the quality of my life."

Eddie, a member of YAI's Westchester Self-Advocacy group and Human Rights Committee, has become a role model. Tracy Muhammad, Supervisor of the Belvidere Residence, says he will be training individuals to become more self-sufficient in a new independent living skills training program.

"It's very important for people to fend for themselves if they can,” he says. “It's no crime to have someone assist you with something if you can't do the task."

As part of his internship toward his master's degree in social work, Jonathan Goldwasser, Supervisor of YAI's Hastings Residence, has been meeting with Eddie weekly since October. "We've been working on finding his voice through advocacy," he said. "One of Eddie's goals is to have a positive effect on humanity."

Although Eddie has been involved in the Self-Advocacy group for a while, he hadn't taken an active role until recently. He now serves as vice-president of the group. As a self-advocate, Eddie is admitting that he has a disability. And by speaking up, and educating people to see beyond disability, he's empowering himself and others.

A fan of the New York Giants and the New York Mets, Eddie also enjoys listening to political shows and watching MSNBC. Perhaps that's why his message at the Legislative Breakfast was so powerful.

"I go out in the community to enjoy movies, sports events, or a show," he told attendees.

Praising staff at his home, he added, "We are all treated well, but differently, because we all have different needs and strengths. This helps us become more independent, and this is because we are given freedom to do what we want and are able to do so. . . . whenever you ask the staff for help, they are prepared to help you on whatever mission you wish to go on."

Eddie recalls life at a nursing home as following orders and not getting out in the community. "They had to take care of me, but I felt like it wasn't my home. They couldn't help me learn new skills. I feel my YAI residence is a real home."