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Goals and Objectives
Fourth Quarter Report, July - September, 2012

Goal 1: SUFU will support local self advocacy groups and work on growth of the organization.

Objective 1: Accomplished
SUFU will support local self advocacy groups to increase membership by providing training, networking opportunities, and outreach.

• Oct 29- Brunswick local group hosted a pool party as a recruitment and outreach tool and shared SUFU information with attendees. It has resulted in 1 new member attending the local SUFU chapter.
• Nov 15- SUFU supported a new local chapter to start in Rockport. It was attended by 16 self-advocates and staff; the group is planning on finding a community setting to meet and hold a meeting open to all area self-advocates.
• Nov 18- SUFU supported a new local chapter to start in Dixfield. It was attended by nine self-advocates and three staff. They will have their meetings at the agency building and are inviting other area self-advocates to attend.
• Nov. 22- SUFU 101-11 people from STRIVE Next Step learned about the basics of SUFU self-advocacy through a presentation and a SUFU oriented BINGO game (CM and PKC).
• January 13- SUFU supported Presque Isle Local chapter to have a meeting with 5 self advocates in attendance. The group decided to work on getting more self advocates to the next meeting by hosting a pot-luck.
• March 29- SUFU supported Bangor local chapter to start meeting again. There were 4 self advocates in attendance and they have started to set their chapter up with officer elections and chapter rules.
• The Brunswick local group invited SUFU Region 5 self advocates to a potluck supper and games night, to get to know self-advocates from another region.
• March 19—SUFU met with self-advocates and supporters from Skills Inc. in Pittsfield, in an attempt to restart a local chapter there.
• April 10- SUFU supported the Presque Isle Local chapter to increase membership. The self advocates came up with a plan to invite self advocates to their next meeting.
• May 4--Two SUFU self-advocates met with self-advocates and supporters from the Morrison Center in Scarborough to educate them about SUFU and self-advocacy (CM; TI;)
• July 10- Supported Presque Isle Local Chapter with their efforts to increase number of self advocates attending the conference in Bangor. Worked out a fundraising plan for more self advocates to be able to attend.
• July 18th—SUFU self-advocates invited the full assembly of MACSP executives to become paid SUFU members and passed out brochures as well as membership applications.
• Sept. 27th--Two SUFU self-advocates met with self-advocates and supporters from ESM in Skowhegan to educate them about SUFU and self-advocacy (DR, PP).
• SUFU has continued to maintain a SUFU Facebook page for keeping self advocates informed about issues concerning people who have developmental disabilities.
• SUFU has developed email addresses for each paid chapter of SUFU. There has not been a lot of response from chapters to start using these. However, local advisors have continued to receive email updates from Regional Advisors to communicate upcoming events, issues, and receive input from self advocates.
• SUFU provided a training opportunity to teach self advocates how to access Skype for video conferencing. The feedback we have received about the use of video conferencing is that local chapters do not have access to computers or internet at their meeting places.

Objective 2: Accomplished
SUFU will develop a committee to look at what it takes to become a SUFU member and improve the process for renewing yearly membership. The committee will submit a report to the Board of Directors for review by May 2012.

The Committee was formed and 6 self advocates will begin meeting in January 2012 to start this process.

• January 26- The membership committee met for the first time and started working on recommendations to the Board for membership requirements. There were 7 self advocates in attendance.
• February 29- The membership committee met for the second time and reviewed recommendations they had talked about at the previous meeting. The committee moved forward in defining SUFU chapters and scheduled a follow-up meeting for March. Eight self advocates attended.
• March 15- The membership committee met for a final time. The group agreed to approve the final report for the Board through email and the report will be ready to be sent out to Board members, by April 18th.

The new membership process was rolled out in June.

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Objective 3: Accomplished through successful substitution
SUFU will work with stakeholder organizations including the Department of Education and high schools to get youth involved in self advocacy.

SUFU contacted Jan Breton at the DOE. She replied that although she supports SUFU’s work, she did not think the DOE was the best way to get the message out to students because it has no access to students.

Substitution: Although SUFU was not given the opportunity to collaborate with members from the DOE, it facilitated a connection between the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services/Maine Parent Coalition and the Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition, resulting in a first time joint meeting to be held in November 2012.

• Dec 6, 2011 Three self-advocates talked to 13 parents and teachers about life after high school, social opportunities, the importance of community inclusion and shared information about SUFU and guardianship. They also talked to 10 students with and without disabilities about the importance of self-advocacy and self-advocacy opportunities.
• Oct 7- One SUFU self-advocate and advisor attend meetings of the Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition (SMACT) where a cross-section of service providers for transitioning youth gathered to discuss best transitioning practices. SUFU obtained a list of special education teachers in Portland’s high schools to be used as access to transitioning students.
• January 6-SUFU attended the Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition (SMACT) to obtain information and make contacts, with the hope that the effort results in contact with transitioning youth.
• Feb 15 --One SUFU self-advocate sent emails to Portland area high schools asking to speak to Special Education teachers to gain access to transitioning youth, with only one teacher responding.
• April 6--One self-advocate gave out 20 SUFU save-the date conference flyers to the SMACT assembly to use as an informational tool with people who are in transition.
• April 9--As a result of SUFU’s connection with SMACT, SUFU introduced Transition Strategist and facilitator of the Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition (SMACT), Annmarie Salzburg, to Cullen Ryan (CHOM). Annmarie informed the parents gathered at the Maine Housing Coalition about the transition process and now regularly attends their meeting.
• April 23--One self-advocate visited Yarmouth High School and talked to a Spec Ed teacher there about SUFU and its desire to connect with transitioning students to give them an avenue to advocate for their needs. The teacher promised to talk at IEPs to parents and students and to give out SUFU brochures and information about self-advocacy to both.
• May 24- A self advocate participated in the transition fair for youth. He presented to 13 people about SUFU and why transitioning youth should become involved in self advocacy. Also spoke with about 20 people about SUFU through a tabling event and gave 30 hand outs.
• May 15 - Self advocate trainers shared SUFU information with 5 transitioning youth with Developmental Disabilities at a Civil Rights Day, at Wiscassett High School.

Objective 4: Accomplished
SUFU will work to secure further funding for self advocacy.

• January 25- The Board of Directors voted to develop a fundraising committee to work towards holding a SUFU statewide fundraiser. The Board set a goal of raising $5,000.
• April 12- Two self advocates participated in a phone conference to start planning a SUFU fundraiser. Ideas were provided and discussed.
• May 10- Four self advocates participated in a phone conference to decide what event SUFU will plan for a fundraiser. The committee chose to do a raffle calendar.
• The committee will continue meeting into the new fiscal year with plans to hold the fundraiser next year.

Objective 5: Accomplished
SUFU will work with self advocates to take a more active role in running their organization through activities, including Power Up.

Power Up activity has been postponed by MDDC, pending further discussions between SUFU and MDDC.

• The Vice Chair received in person support to learn the duties of the Chair and skills for running meetings on 2/9 and 3/19.
• The Secretary received in person support on 2/9 to enable her to carry out secretarial tasks independently.
• As of March 2012, SUFU has requested information on when they can start their work with Power Up.
• The Board of Directors met on June 26 and 27 to assess the current Board training and provide input on how to improve the training process. Jodi Benvie, from the DRC, also assisted the advisors on how can better support the Board.

Objective 6: Accomplished
SUFU will finalize and begin using the new board member voting process by the next Board member election.

• The Voting Committee is sending their recommendations to the May Board meeting.
• In May the SUFU Board approved a new voting procedure including absentee ballots.
• September 6- The Nomination Committee met to review Board applications. Four self advocates participated in the committee and worked very hard to choose the candidates for the Board for this year’s new election process. (RD, PD, JS, SA)

Objective 7: Accomplished
SUFU will make bylaws updates as needed and provide Board policies to its Board members.

• Bylaw change suggestions from the membership and voting committees will be submitted to the board at the May meeting.
• May 30- The Board accepted all membership recommendations and made bylaws and policy changes.

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Goal 2: SUFU will support self advocates to be involved with legislative issues.

Objective 1: Exceeded
SUFU will support 60 self advocates and supporters to attend Advocacy Day.

• In January and February, 3 Advocacy Days were cancelled by the MDDC.
• During the entire legislative season, a total of 87 people attended Advocacy Day.

Objective 2: Accomplished
SUFU will support self advocates to call or meet with legislators and candidates from their home districts at least 12 times.

• Oct 14- Self-advocates from SUFUSun in Springvale met with Rep. Mark Eves to get to know one another and to share with him issues important to people with disabilities.
• Nov. 7- Lincoln chapter of Self Advocates met with their representative, Beth Turner. She prepared them for the upcoming voting day and explained the ballot and issues to vote on.
• December 8--One self-advocate from Portland called a representative from HHS Committee to invite him to the local group to speak about the proposed state budget cuts.
• January- The SUFU of Hancock group of self advocates made a phone call to Senator Rosen’s office concerning the proposed budget cuts.
• March- A self advocate from SUFU of Hancock attended the area caucus and spoke with her legislator about the budget cuts.
• Two self-advocates from the Springvale group made several phone calls to their legislators to invite them to their group to talk about the budget cuts. Legislators could not come because of their very busy schedules at the legislature (MD, CH).
• One self-advocate from the Augusta chapter has made numerous phone calls to invite past and present legislators to attend the SUFU statewide meeting on legislative action. He has either received messages saying that legislators were too busy, or no responses at all (DR).
• DR spoke to his representative, Meghan Maloney, about the proposed rule to require photo ID for use with food stamp purchases.
• DR successfully invited senate candidate Penny Plourde to speak at the SUFU statewide meeting about how to be legislatively active.
• AM called her legislator, Leslie Fossil, and expressed her concern over budget proposals.
• March 12--Self-advocates from SUFUSun in Springvale met with Rep. Mark Eves to question him about the state budget cut proposal and to voice their fears and concerns.
• April 4- Senate Candidate, Penny Plourde, met with self advocates during a statewide meeting on Legislative Advocacy. She supported self- advocates to write a letter to the Speaker of the House.
• June 11--The Springvale chapter met with Rep. Mark Eves for the third time this year. He listened to their concerns and promised to send them a copy of the budget cuts that were made.
• July 19- The Bangor Chapter met with House Representative Candidate, Ryan Tipping-Spitz, to talk about issues important to self advocates.
• August 16- The Bangor Chapter met with Morgan Pottle, the Penobscot County Democrats Organizer.
• August 16- The Bangor Chapter met with House Representative Candidate, Adam Kirkland, to talk about issues important to self advocates.
• August 30- The Bangor Chapter met with House Representative Candidate, Geoff Gratwick, to talk about issues important to self advocates.
• September 6- The Bangor Chapter me with House Representative Candidate, Mary Budd, to talk about issues important to self advocates.
• September 27th - Five self advocates attended the US Senate Candidates’ Forum, in Augusta. SUFU submitted questions beforehand to the moderator from the DRC (PP, DR, AM, EMo, TI).
• September - A self-advocate from Brunswick contacted Angus King’s office on multiple occasions to schedule a meeting with self-advocates. The Brunswick local group wrote a letter to clarify that they could be flexible about meeting with candidate King and the group was sent a copy of the Candidates Forum Flyer, which SUFU was a co-sponsor.

Objective 3: Accomplished through successful substitution
SUFU will support 5 self advocates to attend Disability Awareness Day.

• There will not be a Disability Awareness Day because of the short legislative season.

Substitution:

• March 12-39 self-advocates and supporters attended the legislature to be in the gallery of the House while House of Representatives voted on the Respectful Language Bill. They were recognized from the floor.

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Objective 4: Exceeded
SUFU will support self advocates to testify on legislation at least 5 times, send letters, and attend rallies.

Although it appears that this objective was not fully accomplished as written, we exceeded in fulfilling the contract stipulations. In the four testimonies given, SUFU weighed in on a full range of issues: People First Language, sub-minimum wage, waitlist, proposed closing of PNMIs, rent-subsidies, photo IDs at polls, combining of DHHS departments and many others.

• January- The Katahdin area SUFU chapter wrote a letter to Representative Clark concerning the proposed budget cuts.
• The SUFU of Hancock group wrote a letter to Senator Rosen concerning the proposed budget cuts.
• Dec 14 - SUFU gave testimony on LD 2678, the supplemental budget proposal –PKC.
• Dec 14 - Some SUFU self-advocates attended a rally at the State House, protesting the proposed budget cuts.
• Jan 27 - SUFU delivered written testimony on LD 1729, the sub-minimum wage law (SA).
• Feb 7 - SUFU officers wrote a letter to the Appropriations Committee thanking them for their hard work and asking them not to forget the people on the wait list.
• Feb 28 - SUFU provided testimony on LD 1812, requiring the use of photo ID when using food stamps (DR).
• March 20-11 SUFU self-advocates from the Portland chapter composed testimony for LD 1887 (PKC; JA: TL; AG; JG; RH; JJ; JE; CM; KB; EB).
• March 21 - SUFU weighed in on LD 1887--the proposal to restructure departments within DHHS (PKC).
• March 20th - Five self-advocates submitted letters to the legislature supporting the proposed change in the Office of Advocacy (RG; KB; LA; KP; TI;)
• Seven self-advocates wrote letters of concern about the proposed budget cuts to their legislators (JJ, ML, EH, NW, MB, SG, BL).
• March - Nine self-advocates from Springvale wrote letters to their legislators about the proposed budget cuts (BJL; TA; AM; LT; SB; CH; NC; JL; MD).
• KC wrote a letter to her Representative, Thomas R Longstaff, expressing her concern about the proposed cuts to case management and received from him a letter in response.
• Jan 18- Four self-advocates wrote letters to their legislators concerning the proposed budget cuts (MB, SD. JJ. ML).
• Feb 6- Three self-advocates wrote letters to their legislators with concerns over proposed budget cuts (EH, JD, BL) .
• 35 self advocates wrote and signed one letter to the Speaker of the House while at the SUFU statewide meeting on April 5.
• in August, DR attended a public hearing and spoke against the requirement for Voter ID.

Objective 5: Accomplished
SUFU will meet at least 1 time with each member of Maine’s Congressional delegation, or their staff representatives to discuss national issues important to persons with developmental disabilities.

• A self advocate contacted Senator Collins’ office to invite her, or a representative to attend a statewide meeting on legislative action. The office declined the invitation and did not feel that the training opportunity was in the scope of what they can do. They were asked to speak with self advocates about what their office does and why self advocates may want to access the senator’s office.
• September 26- Three self advocates met with US Representative, Mike Michaud, at this Bangor Office. The self advocates brought up 3 areas of concern including employment, transportation, and community inclusion. (MF, JO, JL).
• September 26-Two self advocates met with Constituent Service Representatives from US Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s office, in Portland. They brought up issues about employment, transportation, community inclusion and the issue of people with disabilities losing SS benefits when they marry another person who also receives SS (PKC,CM).
• Sept. 27--Three self advocates met with Constituent Service Representative, Michelle Michaud, from US Sen. Susan Collins’ office to talk about 3 areas of concern: employment, transportation, and community inclusion (TI, EMo, DR).

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Goal 3: SUFU will work with allies to improve employment issues for people who have developmental disabilities.

Objective 1: Accomplished
SUFU will support at least 2 self advocates to attend the Alliance For Full Participation conference.

• Nov 17- 18--Two self-advocates and two advisors attended the Alliance for Full Participation in Baltimore, Maryland, which focused on employment for people with DD. While there, they attended several workshops on the subject of employment and town hall style meetings (JM, TI).

Objective 2: Accomplished
SUFU will support self advocates to participate in the Employment Institute led by the DRC.

• February 8--A self advocate attended the Employment Institute at the DRC.—(TI).

Objective 3: Accomplished
SUFU will partner with DHHS representatives, Department of Labor and other stakeholders to work on employment issues for people who have disabilities.

• SUFU has been working with the group of stakeholders on making Maine an Employment First state. Two self advocates have been regularly participating in these ongoing meetings (TI, JM).
• SUFU connected with members from the Procter & Gamble team and as a result, SUFU members received an invitation for a tour and round table discussion.
• At least 3 SUFU members were committed to attend the Governor’s Commission on Disability and Employment and the State Rehabilitation Council on March 15, when their plans fell through due to lack of transportation. (TI; JL; ME).
• SUFU wrote a letter of support for a statewide grant that is being pursued by Vocational Rehabilitation and APSE (SA).
• June 5- A self advocate attended the APSE conference on employment, representing SUFU (EM).
• June 21 and on-going--Two self-advocates (TI; EMo) attended the Governor’s Commission on Disability and Employment, with one of the self-advocates requesting an application to become a member of that Board (EMo).

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Goal 4: SUFU will support self advocates to advocate for improved transportation for people who have developmental disabilities.

Objective 1: Accomplished
SUFU will continue communication with the Office of Maine Care about changes that are happening in the transportation system of Maine.

• March 5--SUFU sent an email to MaineCare Services for an update on the RFP for independent brokers and SUFU’s future involvement in issues concerning transportation, with the result that SUFU members will be included in future stakeholder group meetings.
• Aug 2—One self-advocate and advisor attended the Bidder’s Conference on Non-Emergency Transportation (NET).
• Following the Bidder’s Conference, SUFU submitted questions and comments to MaineCare Services

Objective 2: Accomplished
SUFU will work to get better agency support of transportation to self advocacy events.

• SUFU met with two representatives from MACSP and began the conversation of getting better agency support for transportation. Four self advocates participated in this meeting and plan to bring this conversation up at the next meeting of the MACSP executive assembly, in April.
• Self advocates in Brunswick, who are getting dropped off early and picked up late, at times due to a lack of drivers, have set a meeting with their transportation agency to develop a joint project to find more volunteer drivers.
• Three self advocates met with the full MACSP executive assembly and brought up the conversation of obtaining better support for transportation. As a result of this meeting, a working group will set up a Facebook page as a ride share resource. Working with MACSP on the issue on transportation is on-going.

Objective 3: Accomplished
SUFU will support self advocates to find informal supports for transportation.

• Nov. 2011- A self advocate arranged her own transportation to a Board meeting by connecting with a service called Friends in Action. She called them and completed an intake and received a ride from them to the BOD meeting. She is planning to continue to use this valuable service.
• Dec. 2011- A self advocate recently moved to a nursing home for age related health reasons. She wanted to continue to be involved in her SUFU group so she advocated for transportation to SUFU meetings from the nursing home facility so she can remain active in SUFU.
• At the encouragement of SUFU, 2 self-advocates from Augusta have found community supports to give them rides ( DR, PP).
• January- A self advocate from Ellsworth has worked with a community based volunteer ride program to bring her to several SUFU related meetings in Bangor (RD).
• June 13--A self-advocate from Lincoln talked to a group of 45 attendees at a statewide meeting about how he obtains rides from community members through the connections he has made in Lincoln (LB).

Objective 4: Not accomplished - beyond SUFU’s control
SUFU will work with CCIDS on a rural transportation project as requested by CCIDS.

• This goal will not come to fruition because CCIDS’s hope to partner with Penobscot County and The Eastern Maine Development Corporation fell through.

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Goal 5: SUFU will provide at least 20 trainings to self advocates on topics that are important to them and will also provide opportunities for getting trainings from outside resources.

Objective 1: Accomplished
SUFU will host at least 3 state wide meetings on topics of interest to self advocates and at least 3 regional meetings.

• Nov 7- Regional Meeting, The local chapter from Springvale organized a regional meeting in Sanford with around 50 people in attendance. They invited speakers and held workshops. Self-advocates networked and ended the event with a dance.
• Nov. 7- Making Choices: Controlling your own waiver services- 43 people learned how to use the PCP to choose and control services under the waiver. Presenters: Jane Anderson, Irene Mailhot, Julie Moulton.
• Nov. 7- The R Word campaign- 35 people learned about the history of the R word and what they can do to educate others about its hurtful use. Presenters: Julie Moulton and Irene Mailhot.
• January 4- A SUFU self-advocate and an advocate from the Disability Rights Center presented ‘Kelly’s Rules’, a rights training, to 14 self-advocates and 4 staff persons in Brunswick, SUFU’s region 5. Self-advocates from the Bath, Brunswick, Rockland, Rockport and surrounding communities attended.
• April 4 - 62 self-advocates and staff attended a statewide meeting on the topics of how to talk to legislators and voting.
• April 25 - Rick Langley from the DRC visited Waban Lifeworks and talked to 32 attendees about the subject of voting.
• May 30 - DRC’s advocate Jodi Benvie and a self-advocate presented a Rights Training to 15 people at DHHS, in Biddeford.
• June 13 - 45 self-advocates and supporters attended a statewide meeting on the subject of transportation. Attendees received information on how to get rides through community connections and/or their PCP process.
• June15 - DRC’s advocate Jodi Benvie and a self-advocate presented a Rights training to 42 self-advocates and 8 supporters, in Springvale.
• August 7- Rick Langley from DRC came to present Project Vote information. Only 1 self advocate and 1 Office of Advocacy advocate were in attendance. Another training will be rescheduled.
• August 8- Rick Langley from DRC came to present Project Vote to 22 self advocates and supporters in Bangor. After the training, the self advocates took part in a regional meeting to talk about regional SUFU issues.
• September 10- SUFU presented Project Vote in Presque Isle to 12 self advocates and 6 supporters. After the training a regional meeting was held to talk about regional issues for SUFU, mainly membership.
• September 26- A statewide meeting on Internet Safety was held. Twenty self-advocates and 6 staff persons attended. Guest speaker, Brianna Bryant, from Rape Response Services, presented information.
• September 20- A Voter Training was held in Lewiston. Two self-advocates and 2 staff persons attended. Although turnout was low, one staff person registered to vote that day for the first time, and both self-advocates attended the next local self-advocacy group meeting in Lewiston, in September.
• September 17 - A Voter Training was held in Rockland. Eight self-advocates and 2 staff attended.
• September 25 - SUFU held a Meet and Greet Event in Auburn. A flyer was sent to local area agencies and the intended outcome was for self-advocates and staff to learn about SUFU membership and opportunities as well as meet their areas Disability Services advocate, and learn about the Volunteer Correspondents program. Although only 4 self-advocates and 4 staff attended the event, 2 of the self-advocates expressed interest in getting involved in self-advocacy and 3 chose to speak privately to the advocate about challenges. The people who attended were contacted and encouraged by a DHHS case manager (ISC).

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Objective 2: Exceeded
SUFU will provide training for at least 10 local SUFU groups on leadership skills and how to conduct local group activities.

• Dec. 2011- SUFUSun group members are campaigning within their agency, Waban Lifeworks, for the positions of officers. New officers were elected who are taking on a leadership role for the first time (MD; BB, AD, JL). They will receive on-going training and guidance in this role from their advisor for their weekly meetings.
• Nov. 16-The local SUFU chapter in Saco started its efforts to re-establish itself after a better meeting time and day was set. The group included three members new to SUFU and the meeting went very well. Ruth, a personal support, will support EMo as the leader of this chapter. He is establishing himself for the first time as a leader. They will receive on-going training and guidance in this role from their advisor.
• Dec. 13- SUFU supported 12 self advocates to meet in Presque Isle. The chapter had not been meeting regularly for almost a year and they made decisions to find a new meeting place in the community and set up a regular meeting schedule in hopes that new members will want to join. They began the process to develop leadership skills needed to run their own meetings and make decisions about when and where they will meet.
• Nov. 2011- The new Rockport self-advocacy group received training on group leadership and choosing issues and activities for the group to advocate for change.
• Nov. 2011-The new Dixfield self-advocacy group received training on group leadership and choosing issues and activities for the group to advocate for change.
• February 15 - Supported newly formed chapter in Saco, especially their chosen leader in leadership skills. Support is on-going.
• March 19 - SUFU supported newly formed group in Pittsfield. Leadership election will take place at next meeting.
• The Portland chapter rotating leaders receive on-going support in leadership skills during their monthly meetings.
• The Augusta chapter is receiving support in their effort to revive their dwindling membership.
• February 14- SUFU supported Presque Isle Local chapter to have a meeting and elect chapter officers. There were 8 self advocates in attendance.
• February 1 - Brunswick local chapter leadership received training on conflict resolution, a barrier to the growth of the group.
• March 28- SUFU provided support to a chapter in Bangor that has recently started meeting. The self advocates reviewed and voted on group rules to help run their meetings.
• SUFU supported the Patten local chapter to begin working on leadership skills for self advocates in January and February. They are continuing to work on this at each meeting.
• May- SUFU supported the Presque Isle local chapter with leadership skills development and to start being in control of their own meetings.
• May - Casco-Norway SUFU Chapter received calendars to help them with setting their own meetings.
• June- SUFU supported the Millinocket Chapter of SUFU with leadership as their chapter undergoes changes to advisors and meeting structure.
• September 14, 15, 16- SUFU supported 5 self advocates to participate in training at the GROW weekend. They attended workshops on grassroots organizing, fundraising and media involvement. They networked with other participants and learned a lot of information to bring back to strengthen SUFU.

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Objective 3: Accomplished
SUFU will host at least 1 statewide conference to share information with self advocates and provide training.

Oct 11, 2011 SUFU Conference, Brewer

SUFU hosted one statewide conference at Jeff’s Catering, in Brewer. Nearly 100 self-advocates and their supporters attended the conference. There were six different workshops offered and self-advocates elected board members and award recipients from their regions Throughout the day they networked, made social connections and ended the evening with fun at a dance.

Trainings provided on Oct. 11 at the statewide conference:

• Transportation- 28 people received a training on the changes to the system for Non Emergency Medical Transportation. Presenter: Michelle Probert from MaineCare Services
• SUFU 101- 27 people learned about the basics of self-advocacy through a dialog between two self-advocates and a SUFU oriented BINGO game. Presenters: Bridgette Gleghorn, Stacy Atter
• Let’s Talk Back - 35 people learned about the job of a case manager and the most helpful way to work with them to get needs met.  Presenters: Joe Adamo & Katie Kingsbury
• Relationships- 22 people found out about all types of relationships and how to identify what to look for in meeting friends. Presenters: Rose Davis & Monique Stairs
• First Aid- 27 people gained a basic understanding of the life-saving techniques of First Aid and CPR. Presenters: Carlene George Adams & Katahdin Area SUFU
• Making Choices- Controlling Your Own Waiver- 35 people learned how to use the PCP to choose and control services under the waiver. Presenters: Julie McKown, Jane Anderson, Julie Moulton & Laurie Kimball

Objective 4: Accomplished
SUFU will provide at least 1 training for staff on how to best support self advocacy groups.

• June 21- Provided a training for advisors and staff on how to best support self advocacy. Two local advisors attended the training.

Objective 5: Exceeded
SUFU will provide at least 3 trainings for students in public schools, colleges and universities.

• Nov. 18 - Two self advocates and a volunteer supporter attended an anti bullying fair at school in Mars Hill, reaching students in Grade 7-12.
• Nov. 27 - Three self-advocates from the Portland group told their story to 90+ students on Diversity Day, at the Gorham Middle School (TI,CM, PKC).
• May 15 - Four self-advocates shared their stories and involvement with SUFU at the St. Thomas Consolidated School, in Sanford (CH;BB;TA;MD).
• May 15 - JD, EB, and AM shared their stories about bullying to 14 students and 5 teachers at Wiscassett High School on Diversity Day.

Goal 6: SUFU will work to improve services for people with disabilities through education and advocacy on a local, state, and national level.

Objective 1: Accomplished
SUFU will educate self advocates about waiver services.

• Oct. 2011- 35 self-advocates and supporters attended the newly developed waiver training in Brewer.
• Nov. 2011- 43 self-advocates and supporters attended the newly developed waiver training in Springvale.

Objective 2: Accomplished
SUFU will provide suggestions to agencies for improving staff turnover rates.

• July 20--SUFU connected with an advocate from the DRC for suggestions on how staff turn-over can be made less painful. SUFU intends to use those suggestions in stakeholder talks with DHHS and MACSP.
• September- Self advocates from the Patten Chapter of SUFU engaged staff at their agency in a conversation about improving staff turnover rates. Self advocates asked staff members what they liked about their job, what would help keep them in their current job, and reasons that they might leave their job.

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Objective 3: Exceeded
SUFU will support self advocates to actively participate on at least 10 boards, committees and councils including at least 5 people who have not been supported in the last 2 years.

• Oct. 13 and on-going- One self-advocate attended a stakeholder group on LD 1252, on privatizing public guardianship. She is prepared ahead of time by her advisor about the agenda to allow her a better understanding of what will be discussed (PKC-new).
• Oct. 17 and on-going- one veteran self-advocate attends the Housing Coalition Meeting every second Monday of the month (TI).
• Nov 10 and Jan 20 .- One veteran self-advocate was supported to understand the concept and goal of a work group where she represented SUFU at a stakeholder forum for LD1115 (JMcK)
• Jan - May—One self advocate participated in a meeting of the Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition (SMACT) (CM).
• Jan 11, March 14 &28, May 31 & July 11—Two self advocates are serving on the DD Council Board (EMcV, LA).
• Jan 18, Feb 8 & 17, March 7 & 29, May 9, June 18, Sept 24—Meetings of the employment stakeholder group that aims at making Maine an Employment First state (TI, JM).
• Oct. 19 & Jan 18 - SUFU’s Chair, Jon McGovern and Vice Chair, Tyler Ingalls, met with the full MACSP executive membership assembly to foster a relationship between agencies and SUFU that will be of benefit to self-advocates.
• April 18 - Three self-advocates met once again with the full MACSP assembly to discuss new and unresolved agenda items (TI; JM; SA-new);
• Oct. and on-going, 1x monthly--One self advocate attends monthly meetings of the APSE Board -(EM)
• Jan 24 and on-going - Two self advocates serve on the Oversight and Advisory Board (EM, TI).
• Jan 26 & Feb 16- One self advocate participated in an Excellence Committee meeting. (JM)
• Oct. and on-going, 1x monthly - One self-advocate is an active member of the Kennebec County Democratic Committee Meetings (DR).
• Oct. and on-going, 1x monthly - One self-advocate is an active member of the City Democratic Committee Meetings (DR).
• Jan 10, 2012-Dec 2015 - One self-advocate has been appointed by the mayor to serve as member of the Augusta Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (DR).
• Oct. and on-going, 1x monthly - One self advocate serves on the board of the Consumer Council System of Maine and on the same board of the greater Bangor area (EM).
• March 28 - Two self advocates (JM, MS) attended a talk on housing for people with disabilities with Bob Laux. One self advocate participated the first time in over 5 years.
• March 7 & June 25, - Three self advocates participate in quarterly meetings with DHHS’ acting Director Ricker Hamilton, along with allies from the MDDC and DRC (MD, BB (both new) and TI).
• April - One self-advocate (JW) presented at a SUFU display table at the Maine Emergency Preparedness Conference in Augusta. The display highlighted SUFU’s Emergency Prep training.
• May 19/July 18/ Aug 15/ Sept. 5- SUFU self-advocates attended the emerging Portland Disabilities Commission where they met with Portland’s Mayor and City Manager and people interested in making Portland an inclusive city. (CM, LA, PKC).
• May 16 - Three self-advocates (TI, PKC, MD) attended a stakeholder informational meeting on the Supports Intensity Scale and how it will be administered.
• June 20 and on-going - One self-advocate attends the Provider Education and Advocacy Outreach Committee, in Augusta (DR).
• June 21and on-going, 1x a month - Two self-advocates are attending the Governor’s Commission on Disability and Employment, in Augusta (EMo, TI).
• Aug 3/Sept.7 - one self-advocate is providing input in the LD 1816 stakeholder group meetings (AM).

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Objective 4: Exceeded
SUFU will meet at least 4 times with DHHS and at least 1 time with allies such as MDDC, DRC, CCIDS and MACSP to exchange information.

DRC:

• Oct. 27th - Two self-advocates attended a planning meeting, held at the DRC, via phone, in anticipation of the upcoming AFP summit.
• March 21- SUFU Board of Directors met with Rick Langley from the DRC to provide input on the goals the DRC will be updating and working on next fiscal year.
• April 25 - Rick Langley talked to 9 people of the SUFU chapter in Saco about the priorities that DRC is working on and offered his help and that of the DRC as advocates.
• June 27- Jodi Benvie from the DRC attended the SUFU Board meeting and assisted the Board in a brainstorming activity to help improve the operations of the Board.

DHHS:

• Oct 14- Self-advocates from SUFUSun in Springvale met with Peter Auger, DHHS Regional Supervisor from Sanford, to obtain information about administrative and other changes at DHHS.
• Nov. 7th - Region One Team Leader, Brian Scanlon and DHHS’ Regional Supervisor from Sanford, Peter Auger, came to the regional meeting held in Sanford, to update the 50 or so self-advocates who attended that meeting on personnel and other changes at DHHS.
• Dec 28 - Three self-advocates met with acting Director of the OACPDS, Ricker Hamilton, to let him know about the importance of SUFU as an independent voice in the policy making arena and to share SUFU’s concerns about a variety of issues. This included the supplemental budget and lack of information about proposed cuts. The outcome of this meeting was to set up regular meetings to exchange information.
• February 8- SUFU met with the DHHS team from Region 3. One self advocate was in attendance and exchanged information with DHHS for how response time by case managers could be improved.
• March 7- Three self advocates met with Ricker Hamilton to exchange information along with our allies. Two of the self advocates were new to being involved with committees (TI; BB; MD). These 3 self advocates will continue to be the designated members to meet on a quarterly basis with Ricker Hamilton and our allies.
• March 21 - DHHS’s Region One Training Coordinator, Laurie Kimball, presented at the March SUFU board meeting about the proposed changes to the PCP process.
• April 2 - The Springvale chapter met with Peter Auger from DHHS to exchange information.
• May 23- Karen Mason and Denise McCarthy attended the SUFU Board meeting to exchange information, especially concerning the SIS process.
• June 25- Three self advocates met with Ricker Hamilton and Karen Mason to exchange information, along with allies from DRC and MDDC. Two self advocates had to participate by phone due to transportation issues. (TI, MD, BB).
• July 30- Self advocates met with Ricker Hamilton, Karen Mason, Gary Wolcott, and Rick Moores to exchange information. (DR, JM, BB, MD).

MACSP:

• Oct. 19-- SUFU’s Chair, Jon McGovern and Vice Chair, Tyler Ingalls, met with the executive membership assembly of MACSP to foster a relationship between agencies and SUFU that will be of benefit to self-advocates.
• Jan 18- 2 SUFU members met with MACSP’s executive membership assembly to exchange information (TI, KC).
• February 24-Three SUFU members met with MACSP leadership to talk about barriers that prevent SUFU members from attending SUFU activities (TI, JM, DR, and SA (new).
• April 18 -Three SUFU members met with MACSP members at their executive membership assembly (TI; JMcG; SA).
• May 22 - Three self advocates participated in a meeting with MACSP representatives Mary Lou Dyer and Heidi Mansir. (JM, SA, TI).
• July 18 - Two SUFU members met with the full MACSP Assembly (TI, SA, EM).

CCIDS:

• July 5 - SUFU self-advocates worked with CCIDS on simplifying the language of a document for the Employment First Maine workgroup (SA, JMG, BG).

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Objective 5: Exceeded
SUFU will provide input on a national level by sharing information with NEAT and/or SABE at least 1 time.

• February - A self advocate participated in a national phone conference sponsored by SABE to speak about Maine’s process of closing sheltered workshops.
• April 10 - One self-advocate listened in on the NEAT sponsored call, titled:
• People taking Responsibility for Advocacy in their own Lives.
• A self advocate applied to teach a workshop at the SABE national conference and was accepted. His workshop will be about legislative advocacy and will be presented in August at the SABE National
• Conference. (EM).
• July 25 - One self-advocate attended the SABE webinar (CH).
• August 29 - September 2- Two self advocates and a SUFU advisor participated in the National SABE Conference. They networked and attended educational workshops.
• September 1 - A self advocate presented a workshop on Legislative Advocacy titled “If I don’t change it, who will?” at the SABE National Conference in St. Paul, MN. There were 14 self advocates and supporters in attendance.
• Self Advocate Eric McVay was voted in as SABE Region 8 alternate Board member. He will be participating on a national level and supporting the elected Board member.

Other notables:

• Nov 30, 2011- The board of Directors met for a full day of board training.
• Dec 1, 2011- The BOD met in Bangor, elected new board officers for the year, attended to SUFU business, made plans to do outreach to selected legislators, and after looking at pros and cons, decided on three regional conferences.
• Goals and Objectives Approved unanimously by officers Jan 10, 2011.
• The Board of Directors met on March 21st and worked out the issue of having the Chair of the Board resign and how they will continue this year. The Board decided to have the vice president take on the duties of the Chair and not to elect another officer for this year.
• Self advocates from Region 2 have been meeting regularly to plan their conference for this coming fall. Their planning process is almost complete and they have chosen a date of October 10th, at the Bangor Motor Inn in Bangor.
• SUFU sent out a Press release to many statewide newspapers and TV stations concerning the passage of the respectful language bill.
• David Rand was quoted as a democratic caucus attendee in the February 27 Sunday edition of the Kennebec Journal article “Democrats mix hope with need for hard work,” By Susan McMillan smcmillan@mainetoday.com, as saying: "As long as the Republicans enjoy fighting one another, it makes us look a lot stronger and ready to unite behind Obama."
• Paulina Klimek-Cornett was mentioned in the Bangor Daily New on March 21, in an article: " Will DHHS Restructuring harm the mentally ill or increase efficiency?” about her in her testimony on LD 1887 as follows: “Paulina Klimek-Cornett of Portland, speaking on behalf of an advocacy network for people with developmental disabilities, said the group has had little time to learn about the reorganization plan. “We feel that mostly we have unanswered questions, with the biggest one being how is the proposal of restructuring departments going to affect our services?” she said.
• Christina Mailhot was quoted in the Lewiston Sun Journal as Daily News, on April 5, regarding the passage of LD 1885, also know as the respectful language bill. The Lewiston Sun Journal’s Article was titled: Maine Law to change offensive language, and the Bangor Daily’s : Maine law changes disparaging language in state statutes, programs. Christina said (about the offensive language): “It’s legal talk; they are legal words saying we are stupid,”... “I’m not that stupid, you know.”
• June - David Rand participated as a delegate at the Democratic Convention , in Augusta.
• August 4, EB, AM, and JD self-advocates from the greater Brunswick area talked to 47 people about SUFU and the organization’s mission and people first language.

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Follow the links below to view Goals and Objectives from Previous Years.

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2010 - 2011

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2009 - 2010

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SUFU Goals and Objectives 2007 - 2008

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2006 - 2007

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2005 - 2006

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2004 - 2005

SUFU Goals and Objectives 2003 - 2004

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