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Atlanta Bound

by Amy Madsen, Heidi Seger, Jim Oldenburg, Robbie Garland, & Jane Anderson

On May 24, 2006 we left Portland, Maine bound for Atlanta Georgia to experience the power of self advocacy on the National level at the 8th National Self-advocacy Conference: “We Had a Dream: Now We Have the Power !” Heidi Seger and Amy Madsen would say we got off to a bumpy start.

Heidi: “I have never been on a plane before, too much noise”

Amy: as we are about to take off, “I think I have changed my mind”!

All was well with Jim, Jane and Robbie seasoned flyers they were ready to support Heidi and Amy.

Robbie: “A piece of cake”, Jim: “You can do it”, Jane: “no problem”!

The first day we went to the Georgia Aquarium.

Heidi: “Wow what big fish, are we having fun yet?” Everyone agreed that we were having fun but it was Hot In Atlanta!

 

 

That evening Jim carried the Maine flag in the parade of flags - oops no one could see him. NH’s flag kept him hidden. That’s ok Jim, we got the picture to prove it!

 

...and now, down to business in Atlanta.

Left to right: Lois Curtis, Robbie Garland, Heidi Seger (standing), Jane Anderson (seated), Jim Oldenburg and Amy Madsen

We met Lois Curtis one of the women behind the Olmstead Court case that freed tens of thousands of people with disabilities from unnecessary and unjust institutionalization.

Lois is an inspiration to all who dream of having a life of their own choosing, she is a successful artist in Pine Lake, GA. Heidi, Amy and Jane had her draw a sketch of them. If you would like  contact her you may e-mail her at loiscurtisartist@bellsouth.net.

Heidi and Jim went to workshops to learn how to build relationships with that special someone. Robbie and Jim learned how to Feel the Power. Jane took part in a discussion on how to support people on boards and Amy learned more about Self Determination and Inclusion. Everyone networked and met new and saw old friends. We had the chance to spend time with our friend from Portland, Margaret Forbes.

One morning we sent our advisor off to network with other advisors and learn how other state self advocacy groups are structured, she made new contacts and saw old friends.

We heard speeches to encourage us to reach inside our hearts and take the power to make our own choices in our lives and make our Dreams Come True! Our chair, Jim, says “We are going to keep on working to make changers in policies that affect us, and help self advocate use the power with in to make changes in their lives and make dreams come true for all!”

We want to thank all who made this trip possible, all who raised funds, the DDC and DRC and especially Alice Conway and Michelle Huntley for their support on the trip.