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Objective 1: SUFU will develop a training and train board members once a year on SUFU operations and structure after the election of new board members by March 31, 2007
This objective has been met.
Previously Directors participated in a two day board retreat and training, with recommendations to improve organizational operations facilitated by professional facilitator Vicki Smith.
New directors have received training developed by nine current and former self advocacy leaders, directors learn about the organization, obligations and expectations, and responsibilities. Participation and responses at BOD meetings increased.
Objective 2: Officers will receive training each quarter on issues such as 501(c)3, written and verbal reports, advisor evaluations, and other topics important to the operation of the SUFU organization.
This objective is on target.
In the first six months officers participated in two trainings in the roles, responsibilities, structure, allies, funding, by-laws, obligations, SUFU mission and general information.
In this quarter, the officers received basic budget training. Officers discussed why SUFU needs a budget, SUFU’s current funding and contributors. Included in the training were the obligations that come with the funding. Officers learned about organizational expenses by reviewing a current budget. Routine expenses such as staff, board, travel, administrative expenses were discussed and potential problem areas were identified. Then we looked at ways to reduce spending without affecting the quality of organizational operations.
Objective 3: SUFU will look for and apply for three grants using the help of our allies for technical assistance and partnerships by June 30, 2007.
This objective is ongoing.
No grants were actively pursued in the first quarter. SUFU has amended their “Articles of Incorporation”; they were accepted by the Secretary of State.
Previously SUFU submitted a letter of support for CCIDS to receive a grant to develop a training manual about volunteering opportunities and provide training to self advocates. CCIDS was not chosen for the grant.
Currently SUFU continues to do research on available grant opportunities to identify possible funding sources. This research will enable SUFU to be prepared as soon as non-profit status has been approved.
Objective 4: SUFU will form committees such as; Advisors evaluation, by-laws, membership, policy and others as needed to maintain the structure of SUFU. All committees will report to the full board each quarter.
This objective is on target.
SUFU Board has formed committees to maintain and improve organization operations.
In the first two quarters SUFU established a Budget Committee, Advisors Evaluation Committee, Website Committee, Budget Committee and a By-laws/Policy Committee. Each committee reported to the BOD in November and February.
In this quarter, Website Committee members with the support of CCIDS staff learned ways to use information collected from the site. This will aid committee members in identifying what areas of the website most people are looking at and when. The information will be used in planning changes to the website. Currently the site allows user to access a calendar of events that has links for more information. The site is updated on the first Friday of each month and as events are scheduled and new information becomes available. The SUFU website was updated in January, February and March. SUFU encourages site surfers with suggestions to improve the website to contact SUFU.
In February a Fundraising/Membership Committee was formed and a chair appointed. The four member committee met in March to discuss fundraising options for consideration. SUFU would like to raise money to supplement SUFU funding. SUFU sought information on membership and dues from our NEAT allies. The committee came up with a plan and recommendations to share with the board at a May BOD meeting. The plan contains suggestions for SUFU to raise money through membership fees and developing a fund raising campaign to be executed in the fall pending the approval of the BOD.
The Budget Committee, with a new Treasurer and a new member, met in February. The committee continues to learn about the SUFU budget, funding and expenditures. The committee does this by reviewing the most recent quarterly budget report. They have prepared a report to update the BOD on the SUFU Budget.
Several volunteer committees have met to review and update existing trainings; to add information and increase accessibility of the trainings. The goal of these committees is to ensure quality trainings with accurate information in a user friendly format. These changes will allow greater ease in presentation and more easily understood information. The committees have also identified resources and enlisted the expertise and support of our allies as needed.
Objective 1: SUFU will provide written reports and verbal updates on goals and objectives to the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, the Department of Health and Human Services and The Disability Rights Center quarterly.
This objective is on target.
In the first quarter a full assessment of the goals and objectives, performance indicators, in-kind contributions, and budget for the 7/05 to 6/06 fiscal year was provided to the Disability Rights Center (SUFU’s fiscal agent), the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (grantor of SUFU), the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (grantor of SUFU) and the Center For Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (SUFU website supporter and in-kind contributor).
Reports for 7/1/06 to 9/30/06 were submitted in the first week of October 2006. Reports for October 1, 06 to December 31, 07 were submitted in the first week of February to the delegated parties that represent DHHS at the Office of Adults with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities, The MDDC, The DRC, and CCIDS. A SUFU delegate reported to the Adult Services Committee.
Objective 2: SUFU will recognize self advocates, supporters and allies by hosting a statewide ceremony to thank people for their support of self advocacy once a year at a central location by June 30, 2007.
This objective is on target.
Officers planned a spring time event in central Maine to thank and honor the many individuals and organizations that support SUFU. A recipient was chosen to receive the Paige Barton Award. Officers enlisted the help of a volunteer committee from Machias to implement the plan.
In this quarter SUFU and the Machias local self advocacy group have been working together to work out the details of the statewide event. The Machias group will host an event to thank the many self advocates, supporters and allies that make SUFU possible. The meeting is scheduled for April 17th at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer. The Machias group has shared, sought and received ideas from the SUFU BOD on ideas for the statewide event. Allies and supporters of SUFU have been invited to attend and notices have gone out to self advocates. The Paige Barton Award recipient will be announced and a slide show of SUFU’s past and present will be shown.
Objective 3: SUFU will provide certificates after completion of all SUFU trainings.
This objective is on target and ongoing.
In the previous quarters self advocates attending ‘Be A Leader, Be A Speaker’, Project Vote, Self Advocacy Training and Board Member Training received a certificates of achievement; Conference attendees have also received certificates of participation.
In this quarter SUFU provided trainings on Project Vote, Exploitation (x2), supporting self advocacy and self advocacy (x2); certificates were provided to all participants of the trainings upon completion.
Objective 4: Officers will meet at least six times a year to conduct routine business.
This objective has been met and is ongoing.
In the first two quarters officers united in July, August, September, October and November to conduct routine business. In December new officers received training to effectively conduct routine business and began the process of addressing current issues.
In this quarter officers conducted routine business via conference call in January and in person in February.
In March officers prepared a state report for the April NEAT (New England Advocates Together) meeting and created an outline to share their Exploitation Prevention Project with our NEAT allies.
Laurie Kimball, DHHS Region 1 Training Coordinator met with officers to discuss a possible partnership to further share emergency preparation training with vulnerable populations.
Officers discussed a recent editorial from the Portland Press Herald containing the “R” word and made a decision to take a public stand against the media’s use of such an offensive word.
In the afternoon officers discussed upcoming LD’s and received training on the SUFU Budget.
Objective 5: The SUFU Board of Directors will meet four times a year. Two meetings will be overnight retreats.
This objective is on target.
In the first quarter Directors united in August for a two day retreat to conduct routine business and held nominations for regional representatives. Directors received facilitation skills and suggestions for organizational development from professional facilitator Vicki Smith.
In November, Directors were trained on day one with a board meeting. Committee reports, officer’s nominations and elections were also held on the second day of the retreat.
In this quarter Directors met for an overnight retreat on Feb 27 & 28th in Bangor at DHHS regional office. Directors heard reports, assessed status of goals and objectives, and conducted routine business.
For cost reduction purposes officers made plans for Directors to stay at a less expensive hotel and meet at a separate location. Apologies were extended to the board for the inconvenience and explained the importance of keeping within our budget. Due to SUFU’s changes in fiscal year one BOD meeting was added in August of ’06 resulting in an added expense to the SUFU budget.
SUFU members shared reports from twelve committees actively conducting board business with fellow BOD.
The board’s leadership is creating a more efficient and creative board process by engaging board members in brainstorming and increasing participating at board meetings.
BOD previously voted to host one statewide conference. The decision from a prior meeting was revisited after self- advocates in regions one and two protested and brought their complaint to the SUFU Officers. Many self advocates in region one and two felt they did not have adequate representation and were not heard; Region one and two self advocates asked that the board revisit the decisions to hold one statewide conference in light of additional information. BOD members were concerned and did re-visit the decision to host one statewide conference. All members were given the opportunity to be heard, after the discussion the issue was brought to vote. The majority of board members voted to host two regional conferences, one in the Northern Region and one in the Southern Region of the state.
Objective 6: SUFU will share information on events, meetings and trainings with self advocates, supporters and other interested parties through use of email, newsletters, website, word of mouth, brochures and flyers on at least 15 occasions by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met and is ongoing.
It is with the generous assistance and support of our allies at the CCIDS that SUFU is able to reach a larger population. Through the use of technology SUFU is able to provide information beyond local groups, allies and our mailing list. The SUFU website is made possible and kept current by our website committee and our allies at CCIDS.
In the first quarter SUFU focused attention on the upcoming elections. Self advocates and supporters were notified of via phone calls, email, mailings and local group announcements on such as; trainings and conferences, community events, DOT meetings and the candidate’s forum.
Packets containing training brochures, flyers, newsletter, conference information, local group and contact information were shared with all interested parties, by routine distribution or per request.
In the second quarter SUFU members continued the Vote No on 1 and TABOR impact education. TABOR was defeated.
SUFU information and membership materials were offered at the Northern Regional Event.
A Statewide meeting invitation was mailed, posted on the website, and shared at local self advocacy meetings.
Information on an Emergency Preparedness Planning meeting and Exploitation Prevention training was shared with Aroostook self advocates.
In this quarter Information on SUFU activities has been shared around the state using mailings, emails, website, word of mouth and phone calls. We have been very busy!
Information was shared on the Advisor/ Supporter training in January by e-mail, flyers and many personal calls to supporters to extend an invitation.
In March self advocates and supporters were notified via email, flyers, mail and phone calls of new groups starting in Danforth and Houlton.
Legislative Awareness Day, outreach was done with agencies and advocates in the Portland, Lewiston, Casco, Norway, Rumford and Farmington areas. Agencies and self advocates were contacted by phone, in person and via email.
Self advocates were notified through phone, email and word of mouth about an April 2nd Editorial Board meeting in Augusta and the opportunity to let the Portland Press Herald know their decision to use the “R” word in any form is unacceptable.
SUFU information and training brochures along with the Voice of SUFU were shared at a Transition Fair in Lewiston on March 19th and at two self advocacy training events held in January and February. SUFU materials (newsletters, trainings and brochures) and information were also shared with support staff in Houlton, Eagle Lake, Bar Harbor, Ellsworth and Danforth.
We announced four upcoming trainings on Preventing Exploitation to our mail and e-mail list in Regions 2, 3, 4 & 5. A statewide meeting was announced at local groups and information sent by mail and electronic mail as well as posted on the SUFU website.
Notices to all local groups by e-mail and word of mouth announcing Advocacy Day information, flyers were distributed, along with personal calls, offers of assistance to attend and follow ups.
Objective 7: SUFU will provide technical assistance to two local groups in each region by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met and is ongoing.
In the previous quarters SUFU was very busy supporting local groups to grow and function as independent chapters; set local goals and ground rules.
Presque Isle self advocates prepared for a Regional self advocacy conference, Patten self advocates had received leadership training and Bangor group was focused on outreach. Close contact was maintained to keep the local groups informed about trainings, conferences and resources. Individuals were preparing workshops for upcoming conferences. SUFU had several requests to start local self advocacy groups.
SUFU provided technical assistance to Lewiston / Auburn area, identified resources and made contacts with existing allies to arrange information on community inclusion.
A very busy Portland group met with DRC’s Tim Fadgen to share information. They were reviewing the existing ADA in the Community Training and fellow presenters for the upcoming ISC. In their spare time they were practicing for a self advocacy training scheduled for Strive and Creative Trails.
SUFU was providing Augusta/Gardiner support to facilitate their meetings, hold elections and a Project Vote Training. Brunswick self advocacy group were hosting a Southern Regional Conference, while Elmhurst and Mobius were hosting an agency conference with SUFU supported elections. Sabasticook Independent Group was working with SUFU to train a new support.
In this quarter SUFU is working with the Augusta/Gardiner group to develop interview questions for self advocacy supporter from their community. The group hosted Exploitation Prevention training and invited self advocates from region three to join them.
With the support of SUFU and the MDDC, a couple of the Augusta/Gardiner members are actively involved in policy change and legislative issues. They have been sharing Advocacy Day information and inviting others to join them at the statehouse.
In March Waterville group was visited by SUFU staff to assist the new support. The group wanted SUFU’s support to look at the pros and cons of uniting with the Sabastiscook Independent Group or continue meeting independently. The group decided to join SIG whenever possible.
The Portland local group received SUFU support to practice and then do two presentations for self advocates in the area. Portland area self advocates and a support staff braved the bitter cold to attend a Legislative Awareness Day hosted jointly the SUFU legislative team and the MDDC.
On two occasions, support was provided to the Lewiston group for planning to teach other local self advocacy groups ways to tell their stories. A second Lewiston group received technical assistance to obtain information and training on rights and community inclusion, on three occasions.
SUFU is providing technical support to the Presque Isle Peer Group to plan and host a regional self advocacy conference in September.
Presque Isle self advocates met with Presque Isle Nursing Home Activities Director to share skills they felt would be beneficial to the population served by the nursing home. Self advocates created a long list of their skills and abilities and shared SUFU information and our mission. As a direct result of this meeting two self advocates have been connected with natural supports to volunteer at the nursing home.
Technical support was provided to the SUFU Chair to prepare and meet with staff at Northern Maine General in Eagle Lake. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss NMG providing primary support and physical meeting space for a local self advocacy group in Eagle Lake. SUFU shared information on self advocacy supports and provided information on technical support SUFU is able to provide. In a follow up conversation with the Chair, NMG has suggested SUFU write a proposal for a local self advocacy group.
Houlton self advocates have long expressed the desire to restart a former self advocacy group. SUFU provided information and outreach at a meeting with five members of CLA (Community Living Associates) staff. CLA and SUFU will work together to restart a Houlton Self Advocacy group. Two local self advocates have been supported to create an informative SUFU presentation and answer frequently asked question to kick off the May 3rd event. Flyers and emails have been sent, the first self advocacy meeting will take place May 3rd at the Houlton Career Enhancement Center.
Danforth Habilitation Association and SUFU have been working together to start a self advocacy group in Danforth. A Portland area self advocate moved to Danforth last year, he missed his local group so he asked SUFU to help start one in his area. SUFU has provided technical support to create an SUFU information presentation to share with the new group in Danforth. The first meeting will take place on April 2nd, attendees will enjoy pizza and soda after the presentation.
Lincoln and Bangor local groups are supported by KFI. SUFU shares information and stays connected via phone and email; available to provide answers to questions, access to services and training.
SUFU has provided technical support to SUFU Machias to assist in the planning of the upcoming statewide event, as needed.
SUFU staff has made two visits to Patten this quarter to share information with the new supporter and aid the group with their fundraising plan to attend the Northern Regional Conference. Self advocates have had difficulty focusing on their goals during recent support change.
Objective 8: SUFU officers will receive support to stay connected with, share views, training ideas, and information with SABE/New England Self Advocate Together through email, phone calls, and meetings on at least 4 occasions by June 30, 2007
This objective is on target.
In the previous quarters SUFU Co-chair monitored the NEAT (New England Advocates Together) list serve and contacted officers with information. Officers provided suggestions and feedback on the November NEAT agenda. Officers attended the two day meeting in New Hampshire and delivered our state report, listened to updates from other states, heard information on new trainings and issues of importance on the national level.
NEAT members connected with the Region 8 SABE representative through a conference call to get an updated on SABE’s national activities. SABE’s region eight representative filled NEAT members in on a request from SABE’s finance committee to request $5,000 from each state DD Council for SABE. After discussion NEAT members have chosen not to sign on to the request. NEAT provided written notification to SABE BOD of their decision. NEAT members were planning to meet with DD Directors in January to review progress on the three priorities identified last year; sheltered workshops, transportation, and removing the “r” word.
Maine was represented at self advocacy conferences in Connecticut and Rhode Island hosted by sister self advocacy organizations and fellow NEAT members. Representatives attended workshops on a variety of self advocacy topics.
In this quarter NEAT Representatives voted to bring their state reports in hard copy to the April NEAT meeting instead of reading the reports each state will do a one hour presentation (or training) of their choice and bring the materials to share with other states. This will be an opportunity to share ideas and materials that each state has developed for self advocacy. This change offers states the ability to bring information and available trainings back to their home states and may reduce the replication and waste of resources. NEAT groups are hoping to make greater use of each others training and skills. They are promoting a unified New England self advocacy voice.
Objective 9: SUFU will promote network growth by offering membership, support to plan two regional self advocacy events and connecting self advocates to existing self advocacy groups by June 30, 2007.
This objective is on target.
In the previous quarters SUFU provided support to self advocacy groups in Presque Isle and Brunswick to plan and host regional self advocacy events in Northern and Southern Maine. Approximately two-hundred and fifty self advocates and supporters attended the regional events. Self advocates participated in workshops, allies’ information tables, elections, Marcia Rosen Award Ceremony, and outgoing Directors were thanked, new Directors members were introduced. All attendees were offered the option of SUFU membership. The regional events were a huge success; many self advocates were able to attend a SUFU conference for the first time. It was very exciting! Plans are underway for Northern and Southern regional events for fall of 2007.
Objective 1: SUFU will improve and make more accessible at least two trainings to included role play, graphics, visual aides and or other interactive tools by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met and is ongoing.
In previous quarters SUFU updated the Project Vote training by adding a video tape made by SABE. The tape features visual aides such as a prototype of the new accessible voting machines, voter scenarios, self advocates in Augusta/Gardiner group previewed the revised training and provided feedback. FYI from SUFU “Identifying and Preventing Exploitation” was updated to include easy reference hand outs, the draft was completed and ready for editing. Portland self advocates were in the planning stages of updating the ADA Rights in the Community to make it more interactive. Several self advocates added their personal stories to ‘A Place to Hang My Hat’.
In this quarter FYI from SUFU: Identifying and Preventing Exploitation has been updated, previewed twice and sent to DHHS training coordinator Laurie Kimball for suggestions and feedback. Funding has been made available through DHHS to train self advocates in skills to prevent exploitation.
SUFU Board of Directors and Officers Trainings have been updated to include graphics and easier to understand goals and objectives.
Work on updating the ADA Rights in the Community training continues with the Portland local group.
Objective 2: SUFU will work with allies such as the Disability Rights Center, Department of Health and Human Services, Muskie School Center for Learning, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies and the Developmental Disabilities Council on to provide trainings on topics such as exploitation, rights, independence, guardianship, voting, emergency preparedness, community inclusion, healthy living, relationships and self advocacy on at least ten occasions by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met.
In the previous quarters Lewiston area self advocates worked with DHHS, Muskie, along with other members on a Health and Wellness committee. The group was developed a guide for people with developmental disabilities and support staff to show healthy choices for living. The committee presented at the Southern and Northern Regional Conferences entitled Healthy, Happy and Well to get feedback from self advocates attending the conference.
SUFU worked with allies at the Disability Rights Center and the Secretary of States Office to present a workshop on voting with a demonstration using the new accessible voting machine at the Southern Regional Event.
Elmhurst self advocates and supporters attended Preventing Exploitation in September due to the joint efforts of SUFU and the DRC.
Several SUFU members worked with Laurie Kimball (DHHS Training Contractor) to train vulnerable populations in Emergency Preparedness. A self advocate adapted a Red Cross/MEMA personal emergency preparedness supply checklist by adding graphics for individuals with limited literary skills.
SUFU partnered with two Bangor Agencies OHI and KFI to provide Project Vote and Self Advocacy training to Bangor self advocates and supporter.
In this quarter the local Portland group continues to work with DRC advocate Jodi Benvie to update the ADA Rights in the Community training.
SUFU worked with the DHHS and DRC this quarter to announce and share a March training on identifying and preventing exploitation in Augusta. DRC Advocate Jodi Benvie shared information on what happens after exploitation has been reported and steps that can be taken to make sure people remain safe. April trainings in Bangor, Sanford and Lewiston have been scheduled and announced.
In January SUFU and Lisa Sturtevant from DHHS provided support around community inclusion to a fledgling self advocacy group in Auburn. The group identified things they would like to learn about or enjoy doing, then brainstormed where they could get connected in their community.
The Lewiston group also identified a goal of working on community inclusion. An idea being considered to achieve this goal is an inclusion scavenger hunt. Teams of three or less could go into the community to ask questions from certain community organizations, businesses and members, and bring inclusion information back to share with the group.
SUFU and Lisa partnered again in March to bring personal inclusion stories to self advocates and staff.
The Portland local group previewed the DHHS/SUFU Emergency Preparedness workshop and offered feedback. Emergency Preparation Training was also provided to vulnerable populations in Aroostook. Several self advocates were provided with stipends by DHHS to co present with Laurie Kimball (DHHS Training Coordinator).
In the month of March, SUFU worked with Jodi Benvie, an advocate at the DRC, to bring a rights presentation to self-advocates and support staff at an agency self advocacy group in Lewiston. SUFU and the DRC teamed up again to bring a rights training to Oxford Hills and Casco areas.
In March SUFU’s Laura Antranigian and DRC’s Jodi Benvie attended John Bapst High School's 'Day of Mutual Respect' sponsored by their Civil Rights Team. They presented to three groups of students on Rights and Respect of people with disabilities. Co presenters shared information on SUFU and DRC and talked with the students about how they can help include people with disabilities.
A South Portland self advocate is working with the Developmental Services staff to update books used by persons receiving services and staff in the PCP process, this group will be looking at a project to provide peer mentoring to the PCP process.
In January a panel of three self advocates from the local Portland group presented a workshop on the importance of self advocacy and SUFU information to people at USM, eleven were attendees of STRIVE U students. The training resulted in a request for more information on working with caseworkers and an inquiry about a SUFU workshop on independent living.
One SUFU member continued to work with the Healthy and Well project in January, the workshop is in the process of being field tested, the information will be made available also on the web, and a strategy for outreach is being developed.
Objective 3: SUFU will work with allies such as the Muskie School Center for Learning to provide opportunities for self advocates to gain skills and tools to share personal stories. At least one training in each of the six regions will be made available by June 30, 2007.
This objective is on target.
In the previous quarter two trainings were offered at the ‘Let Me In” conference on October. One workshop offered skills on using “graphics to tell your story” through SUFU’s connection with Paul Tabor (DHHS). Paul was unable to attend but offered his expertise via email support. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to learn how to create an “about me” box to use as a tool to share their story.
In region three SUFU is working with Creative Memories and DHHS to develop a training based on using scrap booking to help self advocates tell their story, and as a tool in the PCP process for some.
The Lewiston/ Auburn local self advocacy group worked with three students involved in the Community Services Learning program at USM. The students chose three existing ways for people to tell their stories; an ‘About Me’ box, scrap booking, and drawing, or having someone draw graphics to tell about them, and did a workshop to teach these skills, a train the trainer workshop. The participants are now able to teach others how to tell their stories. The eight participants of this workshop had the opportunity to do all three techniques. The Lewiston Auburn group is planning on sharing the training with other local groups in region four and looking into region five opportunities to share the training. The Lewiston/ Auburn local group has developed and action plan, identified presenters, set a practice date and scheduled a date to present a sharing stories workshop with the Casco Norway group
A region two board member has developed a training that encourages people to share their stories and identifies a wide variety of tools people can use to tell their stories and have fun while doing it. The training also shares information on why people need to tell their stories. The training will be presented in May to Sunrise Opportunities self advocates and again in September at the Northern Regional Event.
Objective 1: SUFU members will testify, write letters, make phone calls and attend rallies on issues that improve the lives of people with disabilities on at least ten occasions by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met.
In the previous quarters SUFU officers identified three issues for people with developmental disabilities, and submitted questions to ask at upcoming candidate forum; signed on to an ‘OMB Watch’ letter opposing Sunset Legislation and opposed TABOR. Self advocates attended the Maine Social Forum for diverse groups interested in inclusive communities. Self advocates attended an employment forum and the Blaine House Conference on Aging to address barriers and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislators.
SUFU self advocates worked with (MEDAC) Maine Disabilities Advocacy Coalition (Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Center and other disability allies) to learn about the legislative process, issues, and policy change.
SUFU Officers wrote a letter urging the Governor to restore all of the $7.5 million of the Real Estate Transfer Tax intended to go into the HOME Fund (Housing Opportunities Maine).
Two region one self advocates attended emergency preparedness meetings to help identify what needs to happen for all communities and populations in Maine to be better prepared for disasters and pandemics.
Self advocates from the Portland, Lewiston/Auburn and Presque Isle area attended transportation forums hosted by the DOT their communities.
In this quarter, officers responded to an editorial commentary in the Portland Press Herald using the quote “The Population of the Nanny State, being composed of irresponsible rednecks, rejects and retards, must not be allowed to have Arms." Officers stated their outrage at the lack of sensitivity and knowledge people have around the word, pointed out the paper has a public responsibility, and asked for respect. The editorial board held a public meeting at the statehouse, six self advocates from different areas of the state attended, and another made her voice heard by asking to have her letter read. They made it clear they would accept no excuses or justification from the paper on why the word was used, and asked for a public apology.
SUFU members and officers have testified before the legislator on LD 1032 “An act to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Maine” and LD 726 “An act to provide service for adults with diagnosis of mental retardation and other development disability”
In February, two self advocates and one supporter attended a press conference at the state houses regarding the federal budget. In March the SUFU legislative team talked with legislators to gain support for the upcoming respectful language bill.
Self advocates, supporters & family members have attended Disability Advocacy Days to meet their legislators, learn how the State Legislature operates and to be heard; however there are many more individuals that want to attend but face barriers such as lack of support and transportation.
Objective 2: SUFU will help members share their stories through newsletters, booklets, speeches, connecting speakers with listeners, and trainings on at least five occasions by June 30, 2007.
This objective has been met.
In previous quarters, a self advocate spoke to a group of youths at the Bridges Camp, three self advocates made a video sharing how self determination had affected their life and were interviewed by their local newspaper, articles were submitted to “The Voice of SUFU”, a panel of self advocates presented at the ISC Conference and SUFU hosted a statewide event inviting allies to share and hear information.
After the elections two self advocacy leaders shared stories regarding their own or a friend’s story about using the accessible voting machine. Theses stories were sent on to the DRC.
The Developmental Services Region 1 newsletter carried an article about a SUFU member from South Portland with a passion for helping her peers with their PCP process.
The editorial written by SUFU officers in response to the Portland Press Herald’s use of the ‘R’ word was printed in the editorial section of the paper, and shared with disability allies.
With the goal of starting a local self advocacy group, a former Cape Elizabeth self advocate shared a presentation based on his self advocacy story and brief personal history at the Danforth Habilitation Association.
Objective 3: SUFU will help people identify natural supports for people on councils, boards, and committees; such as Healthy Choices, Hiring Committees, Maine Disability Advocacy Coalition, Independence Plus, Quality of Life and self advocacy assessment on at least four occasions by June 30, 2007.
This objective is on target.
In the previous quarter three self advocates obtained natural supports to work with MEDAC and All Maine Votes.
Two Self advocates received natural support from the DDC to offer a tour of the State House to members of PASA on Advocacy Day.
Self advocates received natural support from the DRC to work with DHHS and the court master for the Community Consent Decree.
A self advocate received support from DRC advocate, Jodi Benvie to present an Preventing Exploitation Training at the Elmhurst conference.
Two members of the Health and Wellness Committee have engaged natural supports while at the meeting.
Self advocates working with DHHS contract training coordinator Laurie Kimball received natural support to participate in Emergency Preparedness Training Project.
Two self Advocates have received natural support on two committees with the DHHS to provide valuable input on the content, mission and intent of a housing grant.
Self advocates were also provide support by the DRC to share input on legislation that ensures the department continues providing quality services to people with developmental disabilities after the community consent decree ends. The legislation will identify the duties, limitations and responsibilities the oversight entity.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gayna M Cook
Speaking Up
For Us
PO Box 1133
Presque Isle, ME 04769