The pace of meetings can be quite fast when the agenda is very full. Members are expected to stay on topic and to speak when they have something relevant to contribute. In addition, responsible board members arrive at meetings on time and with their action items completed. Self-advocacy organizations, such as People First, have helped their members learn some of the basics of how board meetings work. These organizations foster leadership in a supportive setting.
Information is put into plain language.
The amount of written information to be processed is limited and may be made available automatically in alternate formats to those who need it. Although this provides self-advocates with some valuable meeting experience, it does not fully prepare them for boards dominated by people without developmental disabilities. As well, many people with developmental disabilities who are asked to join boards have never belonged to a self-advocacy organization. Unfortunately, although many individuals have the potential to provide meaningful input, few have been given needed support and experience with board membership. As a result, those who become members of boards are frequently frustrated and overwhelmed by the amount of information they are asked to process.