WHAT?
Advocates In Action is an innovative self-determination leadership training program designed to train individuals with disabilities; family members,siblings of family members with disabilities; or professionals working with people with disabilities.

Advocates in Action provides state-of-the-art knowledge about issues relating to developmental disabilities and builds the competencies necessary for Advocates in Action participants to become advocates who can effectively influence public policy.

HOW?
Advocates In Action presenters will utilize videos, overhead materials, handouts, etc., to educate participants on the following topics:

A. History of disability services;
B. Principles of self-determination and individualized funding, community organizing, and advocacy;
C. Finding and using natural and community supports;
D. The current Commonwealth and local providers and services;
E. Assistive technology and adaptive environments:
F. Employment, and
G. Policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels.

WHY?
In addition to this basic information, Advocates In Action participants will be assisted in developing their own Master Advocacy Plan (MAP).
Each individual MAP will incorporate at least one goal in each of the following categories:
1. Meeting a current personal or community need:
2. Becoming an active member of a community or advocacy organization to address systems issues;
3. Actively seek a decision-making role with a community or advocacy organization or group;
4. Contacting at least one local, regional, or state decision-maker to educate regarding one or more developmental disability issues; and
5. Seek a conference in order to network and expand knowledge of disability issues and attend if possible.

WHEN?
Advocates In Action training sessions will include two statewide events. Participants are required to make the commitment to attend all parts of both sessions. Contact the Arc of Kentucky office for upcoming dates.

Throughout the advocacy training period, with consultation with the project director, the participants will work toward achieving the goals set out in their personal MAP.

WHO?
The Arc of Kentucky is actively seeking twenty (24) highly motivated men and women to participate in Advocates In Action who want the best possible services for themselves or their families. The Arc of Kentucky is particularly eager that the members of the group represent different ethnic backgrounds, different geographic regions, and a variety of disabilities. Reaching persons who are not actively involved in existing advocacy organizations is also a priority.

Travel expenses for lodging, mileage, meals, respite care and support services for program participants will be reimbursed according to individual needs.

Please feel free to make copies of this information for dissemination to interested individuals or call The Arc of Kentucky office to obtain additional copies.

For additional information contact:

The Arc of Kentucky, Inc.
706 East Main Street, Ste. A
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
502-875-5225
1-800-281-1272
502-875-5226 (fax)
e-mail: arcofky@aol.com

Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request.

The Arc's Core Values
People First, Democracy, Visionary Leadership,
Community Participation, Diversity, Integrity
and Excellence.

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