Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Self Advocacy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Self‑advocate coordinators outline statewide work, pledge and partnerships
Summary
Self‑advocate coordinators for the Department of Developmental Services presented accomplishments, a people‑first language pledge and partnerships (Special Olympics, Planned Parenthood) and described technology and training efforts serving thousands statewide.
Shannon, director, opened the meeting and introduced four self‑advocate coordinators who presented a condensed West Region version of their annual report and invited questions from the Regional Advisory Council.
Jeremy Powell, a self‑advocate coordinator in the West Region, said coordinators help individuals “advocate for themselves in different situations,” including at day programs and group homes, and connect people to regional program staff and case managers. He described coordinators’ focus areas across divisions and their role in promoting independence through training and peer supports.
Presenters said they are 11 statewide self‑advocate coordinators and emphasized a people‑first approach. April Perez led a disability awareness pledge and reported that coordinators documented 601 pledges in the past year and that “over 7,260 people have taken the pledge,” encouraging use of people‑first language and urging colleagues to stop using derogatory terms.
The coordinators outlined partnerships and programs, including Special Olympics activities and a healthy‑relationships series delivered with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (11 classes per session). Natasha Pohl described a Fit Club she runs that requires medical permission and coordination with case managers; members interested in joining are advised to contact coordinators for registration details.
They also described work with the system technology team to train people on devices distributed in 'book bags' (Chromebook, iPhone, hotspot and headphones), creation of informational videos for youth about self‑advocacy and self‑direction, and development of person‑centered materials on preventive health care.
Council members praised the presentations, asked coordinators to share contact information, and suggested stronger outreach to social activity providers. The coordinators closed by listing upcoming conferences and providing contact information for further follow‑up.
