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DDS self-advocate coordinators report statewide activities, training and technology distribution to RAC
Summary
Self-advocate coordinators for the Department of Developmental Services’ West Region presented their annual work: trainings, a disability-awareness pledge, assistive-technology training and outreach efforts aimed at promoting self-advocacy and self-direction.
At a Regional Advisory Council meeting for the Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) West Region, self‑advocate coordinators presented an annual report on programs and outreach they said aim to increase self‑advocacy, self‑direction and community participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tracy Pollock, a transition advisor who provided technical support to the coordinators, introduced the presenters and said the coordinators “worked very hard” to produce a revised presentation specific to the West Region. Jeremy Powell, a self‑advocate coordinator, told the council his focus area is public and internet safety. Natasha Cole, a coordinator focused on positive living and Special Olympics, and April Perez, a coordinator focused on health internships, also summarized work in their offices.
The coordinators described several statewide and regional activities they said they lead or support: an annual disability‑awareness and people‑first language pledge (601 pledges reported this year and more than 7,260 total pledges to date), collaboration with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England on a simplified Healthy Relationships series (more than 100 participants reported), and assistive‑technology training tied to devices distributed in “book bags” that include a Chromebook, iPhone, hotspot and headphones.
The presenters said they also produce transition videos for youth on self‑advocacy and self‑direction, create person‑centered health‑standards presentations for preventive care, run virtual bulletin boards, and deliver presentations on self‑determination. The coordinators reported roughly 2,410 people were using self‑directed services and that coordinators conducted about 20 presentations on self‑determination during the year. The presentation referenced 11 self‑advocate coordinators statewide.
Council members asked about social opportunities for young people. Coordinator Natasha Cole described a fitness‑and‑social group she runs that uses locations such as local gyms; she said participants need physician permission and case‑manager approval to join and that she can be contacted by email for details. Members also mentioned local social programs such as Club 203, a Lower Fairfield County rec group for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The coordinators closed by listing upcoming conferences and events where they will participate and by sharing contact information for anyone seeking more details.
Why it matters: self‑advocate coordinators are state employees who the presenters said act as liaisons and trainers to promote people‑first language, independence, assistive technology use and opportunities for participation in community activities.
Contact: the coordinators provided email contact information during the meeting for follow‑up.
