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 adults 18+ 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, visual arts, poetry and music 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.  Family members and/or support staff are welcome and encouraged to join in our classes.

*** Coming Soon!***

Spring 2025 SELF-ADVOCACY CLASSES!
Classes run 1-hour a week for up to 11-weeks
ASL Interpretation and online Closed Captions provided  

Classes held at Pillsbury House Community Center
3501 Chicago Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55407

Registration Coming Soon!
Pay with a Waiver

Upstream Arts’ UMPI number is A795408000

CDCS and 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 44 units (11 hours of time) per 11-week class at $25.50 per unit

For Service Agreements, the date range can be up to 12-months to accommodate missed sessions or continued class participation.