At the late April 2015 People First of Missouri Conference “A Season for Change,” Jason Mize – Vice-president, People First of Boone County – was honored as the Self-advocate of the Year.

“It was exciting to be recognized,” said Jason. “I was surprised.” Jason was one of several People First of Boone County chapter members who made the trip to the Lake of the Ozarks for this annual conference. “We always look forward to this conference. It’s a lot of fun.”

Jason also serves as an officer for People First of Missouri, and he is on the Missouri Protection and Advocacy board. He has been involved in disability rights advocacy at the state and local level for many years, and is highly deserving of the honor. “It’s important for people to be self-advocates and stand up for what’s best for them,” said Jason.

People First of Missouri is a state-wide organization that promotes equality for and inclusion of people with disabilities. Members are spread across the state in more than 20 chapters. The annual conference gives members from across the state an opportunity to get together to network, share ideas and stories and to have fun. This year’s keynote speaker was Tim Harris, owner of “Tim’s Place” in Albuquerque, New Mexico – the first restaurant owned by a person with Down syndrome. “I always have fun seeing friends from all over Missouri and hearing from all the speakers,” said Jason.

The Boone County People First chapter meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Friends Room at Boone County Family Resources, 1209 E Walnut Street and is open to anyone, not just people with disabilities. For additional information about People First, contact Mark at 874-1995 ext. 154.

Congratulations, Jason, on being recognized as the 2015 Self-advocate of the Year!