The Arc of Greater Cleveland Seeks Participants for its 2016 Partners in Policymaking Program

Transcription

1 Seeks Participants for its 2016 Partners in Policymaking Program Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training program for selfadvocates and parents of young children, under the age of 12, with disabilities. It provides state-of-the-art knowledge about developmental disability issues and builds the competencies necessary to all participants to become advocates who can effectively influence public officials. is currently seeking applications from interested people who have developmental disabilities or who are parents of young children, under the age of 12, with developmental disabilities to participate in Partners in Policymaking. This program is designed to provide information, training and skill building so that participants may obtain the most appropriate state-of-the art services for themselves and others. Partners learn about current issues and best practices and become familiar with the policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels. The overall goal is to achieve a productive partnership between people needing and using services and those in a position to make policy and law. Partners attend 2-day training sessions five times during the year (March through May) with sessions beginning Friday early afternoon and concluding Saturday mid-afternoon. Each session is devoted to specific topics with national and regional presenters. Partners are expected to complete a homework assignment between sessions and to commit to a project such as serving on a Board, organizing a letter writing campaign, or other project that corresponds to the mission of the Partners in Policymaking program. In general, session topics include: History of the Parent, Independent Living, and Self-Advocate Movements Inclusive Education Service Coordination by Local/County Government and Visions for the Future State and Federal Policy and Legislative Issues Community Organizing, Media and Advocacy Supported Living, Supported/Competitive Employment Parliamentary Procedure and How to conduct a Meeting Partners in Policymaking Series 2016

2 is actively seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in the Partners in Policymaking program. We are looking for members of the group to represent different ethnic backgrounds, different geographic areas of Ohio, and a variety of disabilities. Please feel free to make copies of this packet for dissemination to interested individuals or call The Arc of Greater Cleveland at the number below to obtain additional copies. Lodging and meals for program participants will be provided by The Arc of Greater Cleveland as funds are available. Expenses for travel, child care, personal care attendant services and translator services will be reimbursed on an as needed basis. Applications MUST be received by 5pm on Friday, January 15, 2016 to be eligible. Faxed copies will be accepted. Final selection will be made by February 1, The tentative dates for the monthly training sessions are: March 11 & 12 April 1 & 2 April 22 & 23 May 6 & 7 May 20 & 21 All trainings will be held at the Highbrook Lodge on Aquilla Road, Chardon, OH There is so much information to be covered in a short period of time, so attendance is mandatory!!! Please send applications to: 2421 Community College Ave. Cleveland, Ohio Phone: Fax: cnorwood@thearcofgreatercleveland.org Supported in part by: Partners in Policymaking Series 2016

3 Partners in Policymaking Application for Participation Class of 2016 Advocacy, Respect, Commitment Name: Address: City: Zip: County: Home Phone: ( ) Cell Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( ) 1. Are you a person with a disability? Yes No If you checked yes, please go to question number Are you a parent of a son or daughter with a developmental disability? (Please tell us if you have more than one child with a disability.) Yes No a) Describe the disability and how it affects the ability of your child to function in at least three (3) of the areas of major life activity (refer to section D of developmental disability definition). b) What services (school, respite care, case management, etc.) is your child currently receiving? c) Describe the school placements: Page 1 of 4

4 3. Do you have other children? Yes No 4. Why are you interested in participating in the Partners in Policymaking Program? Is there a specific issue, area of concern, or problem that encouraged you to apply for this program? 5. Will you make a time commitment of two days (Friday and Saturday) each scheduled month? Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Yes No a) If employed, have you talked with your employer and arranged your work schedule? Yes No 6. Sessions will be held in a location yet to be determined. Is there any reason why you may not be able to travel to any location within Ohio? Yes No 7. Are there any accommodations that you need to participate in this program? Yes No If yes, please circle the accommodations that you need: a. interpreters b. physical accessibility please describe: c. alternative formats for learning materials: please describe: d. child care e. personal care attendant f. other 8. Are you currently involved with any advocacy organizations? If so list the organization(s) and any office held. It is important to note that membership is not a requirement for participation in the Partners program. Page 2 of 4

5 9. Please tell us a little about yourself and your family. If you are a parent, please include children s ages? (Continue on the back side if needed) 10. List two (2) references complete name, addresses and telephone numbers: a. b. 11. How did you learn about Partners in Policymaking Program? 12. My hometown newspaper is (name and city): Inquiries about this program can be directed to: 2421 Community College Ave. Cleveland, Ohio Phone: Fax: cnorwood@thearcofgreatercleveland.org Warning Please note: The information requested on this application is for the purpose of selecting individuals who meet the criteria for participation in the Partners in Policymaking program. The list of names and addresses of Partners graduates that is prepared for each Partners class is taken from applications and considered public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. This list may be requested and will be released upon request. Supported in part by: Page 3 of 4

6 Developmental Disability Definition The term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability of an individual 5 years of age or older that a. attributed to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; b. is manifested before the individual attains age 22; c. is likely to continue indefinitely; d. results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity self care learning capacity for independent living economic self-sufficiency receptive and expressive language mobility e. reflects the individual s needs for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and is individually planned and coordinated, except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals birth to age 5, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided. Source: Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, as amended, 2000 (Public Law ) Page 4 of 4