Samantha Perry had a great year of advocacy in 2025, including winning a Franklin County DD Community Star Award in the self-advocate category. Dateline caught up with Perry—known to her friends as Sam—during a recent meeting of the Franklin County DD Self-Advocate Advisory Council.

She also was recognized last fall for contributing artwork to the Birds of Encouragement mural at APSI (Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc.), where she once was a guardianship client.

What does self-advocacy mean to you, Sam?

It’s learning how to speak up for yourself, learning how to take responsibility, and learning how to get the proper provider. And it’s learning how to become your own guardian, which I did.

Is that one of your biggest accomplishments?

It is. The attorney who used to be my guardian said, ‘You do very well advocating for yourself.’ He said to have fun, and remember, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ I think that’s a line in Spider-Man.

Now that you’ve tackled guardianship, what’s a new goal?

Learning how to drive. I’ve got my temps, and we’re looking for driving schools. Not online. I’m a hands-on learner.

What advice do you have for others who want to take more control over their lives?

Keep advocating, and keep your focus on what you want to accomplish. If you do that, the sky’s the limit!

The Franklin County DD Self-Advocate Advisory Council winter meetings will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on January 15, February 26 and March 19 at Franklin County DD, 2879 Johnstown Rd. For more information, email [email protected] or call 614-342-5984.