Click on a word which is in blue and bold to read what it means.
![Logo as JPEG Easy-to-read logo](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Logo-as-JPEG-150x150.jpg)
![Austria](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Austria.png)
![Self-advocate](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Self-advocate.png)
![support3](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/support3-150x150.png)
My name is Johann Stadler
and I am 55 years old.
I live in Graz in Austria.
I have been employed by Atempo
in self-advocacy since 2007.
I live in my own flat and am
supported there by residential
assistants twice a week.
![Independent living](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Independent-living-150x150.png)
![Support PwD](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Support-PwD-150x150.jpg)
![shealter workshop](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shealter-workshop.png)
The road to this independent
and autonomous life has not always been easy.
There have been ups and downs,
but I have been well supported along the way.
In my younger years,
I was in a full-time supported living facility
and worked in various sheltered workshops.
![Disability rights](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/disability-rights-150x150.png)
Back then I was often promised a job,
but the promise was never
kept after the placement.
I was sometimes taken advantage
of at internships or not treated well.
Because I don’t put up with anything
and stand up for my rights,
I often changed sheltered
workshops or internships
![Self-advocate](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Self-advocate.png)
When I came to Atempo,
I found out that this quality is one of my strengths.
I can use it well as a self-advocate.
I have been working at Atempo for 15 years now.
I have achieved a lot as a self-advocate.
![Interview](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Microphone-150x150.png)
![Growing](https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Growing-150x150.png)
For example, I also give talks
about my path to independence.
This way I can encourage other
people with learning disabilities.
If you believe in yourself and
don’t let yourself be distracted
from your goals, a lot is possible.