Self-reported training needs and training issues of advisors to self-advocacy groups for people with mental retardation.

My purpose in this paper is to describe the self-reported training needs and training information of advisors to self-advocacy groups for people with mental retardation. A telephone survey was administered to 118 advisors randomly selected, resulting in 90 completed surveys and a response rate of 76%. Major findings are reported in training topics, preferred training formats, hours and frequency of training, how training needs change, and differences in training needs based on advisor demographic data. The results can be used by individuals and groups to help better support the self-advocacy movement by assisting self-advocacy groups to better prepare and train individuals to be successful and useful advisors.