Self-Advocacy

http://nichcy.org/schools-administrators/sexed

This resource page addresses one aspect of development that’s important not to ignore with children with or without disabilities—the development of sexuality. There’s so much to know and consider on this subject–what sexuality is, its meaning in adolescent and adult life, and the responsibilities that go along with exploring and experiencing one’s own sexuality. Children need information about values, morals, and the subtleties of friendship, dating, love, and intimacy. They also need to know how to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual exploitation. This is especially true when the young person has a disability.

The value of labels: An editorial on the proposed changes to the DSM-V regarding Autism

By

Haidee Copeland, Ph.D
Debra Eisert, Ph.D

http://www.autismhangout.com/default.asp

AUTISM HANGOUT is an online discussion forum that reports news, complies facts and community-submitted personal experiences and invites ongoing discussion to discover insights on how best to deal with the daily challenges of autism.

The Oregon Money Management Program

The Oregon Money Management Program offers free support to people with limited incomes who need help with money management tasks. Services are provided by trained and supervised volunteers who work one-on-one with individuals through three core services: Money Coach, Bill Payer, and Representative Payee.

Oregon Individual Development Account Initiative

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) provide an opportunity for low-income people to learn the financial skills they need to earn more money, give back to their communities and build Oregon’s economy

Qualified participants set savings goals and make monthly savings deposits. Every dollar they save is matched to help them reach their goals so they can:

• Launch a new business.
• Get the higher education and professional training needed to qualify for a better job.
• Purchase a new home and create thriving, stable neighborhoods.
• Make needed repairs to a home that is no longer habitable.
• Purchase technology needed to work, such as hearing aids or a wheelchair accessible van.

With Open Arms-Embracing a Bright Financial Future for You and Your Child

Easter Seals and the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) have collaborated to create a 72-page financial planning booklet for parents, caregivers, grandparents or others involved in the care of a special needs child. Included is information on estate planning, finding the right lawyer or knowledgeable financial planner, wills, special-needs trusts, government benefits, savings options insurance plans and other available resources. Easter Seals and NEFE encourage families to start financial planning when their child with a disability is at a young age

Jump$tart

Jump$tart is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the financial literacy of pre-kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, research, standards and educational resources. Jump$tart strives to prepare youth for life-long successful financial decision-making.

Money Management Technologies

Money Management Technologies that aid people with intellectual disabilities with learning about money concepts and managing money.

Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction (CBI)

The Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) is a friendly and easy to use learning tool that teaches the 10 modules of the Money Smart curriculum through a computer. The CBI can complement formal classes or enable people to study independently at their own pace. The CBI is for users age 13 and over with Money Smart for Young Adults and Money Smart Adult Financial Education Curriculum. Each module generally takes between 20-30 minutes to complete. Students receive ongoing feedback and, upon successful completion of each module, can print out a personalized certificate of completion. Espanol

http://www.rrtcadd.org/Resource/Publications/HP/Brief/assets/healthy_aging_fact_sheet.pdf

The RRTCADD’s Facts for Healthy Aging educates adults with disabilities about health conditions and impairments that typically occur in later life. Each fact sheet provides a concise and understandable explanation of the cause, symptoms and treatments of a specific health condition. These fact sheets were adapted from the “Age Pages” series for the general population developed by the National Institute on Aging. Currently available fact sheets are:

• Foot Care
• High Blood Pressure
• Exercise
• Arthritis

Incight empowers people with disabilities to become contributing members of society. We accomplish this through several dynamic programs focused in the areas of: Education, Employment, Networking and Independence.

In January 2010, twenty young people, with and without disabilities, flew from various locations across the United States to meet each other for the very first time in Washington, DC.We come from diverse backgrounds and places, but we share some common ideas. We believe that diversity makes us stronger, and that discrimination breaks us down. We know that hatred is a learned behavior, and that we can all strive to rise above fear and prejudice. We understand firsthand what we gain when everyone is included in our schools and our communities, and how much we lose when anyone is left out. We are united in our commitment to a world where people of various abilities have equal opportunities.The youth who met that January wanted to see a change. In just one weekend, we designed a campaign (I am Norm) in hopes of bringing about that change. Through this campaign, we hope to raise awareness about inclusion, provide opportunities for youth to share their ideas about inclusion, and promote inclusive practices in schools and communities. We want to encourage the acceptance, respect, and full inclusion of all youth,
including those with disabilities, in schools and communities.

The Northwest Down Syndrome Association Youth Board does advocacy work
around social awareness and disability. If you would like more info about the Youth Board, or are interested in joining, please call 503-238-0522.

Northwest Down Syndrome Association Mission is to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with Down syndrome.

The NWDSA will accomplish this mission by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by Down syndrome. We will work to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with Down syndrome. Our vision also embraces professionals and the cross disability community. Our statement of values is the core of our organization and the basis for how we make decisions to support our mission.

Self-Advocacy Online is an educational and networking website for those involved in making change for people with disabilities. Through our online Learning Center, you can build your skills in many areas of self-advocacy. And the national self-advocacy will connect you with other across the country working on similar issues.

The Riot! is a newsletter for “self-advocates.” A self-advocate is somebody who has a disability and speaks up for themselves. Are you a self-advocate? If you are, then The Riot! is for YOU! We hope that other people, like parents, staff and policy makers will enjoy it too. But these pages are written mostly for our main audience, self-advocates!

The mission of the Autism Women’s Network is to provide effective supports to autistic females of all ages through a sense of community, advocacy and resources.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement in the world of autism. Drawing on the principles of the cross-disability community on issues such as inclusive education, community living supports and others, ASAN seeks to organize the community of Autistic adults and youth to have our voices heard in the national conversation about us. In addition, ASAN seeks to advance the idea of neurological diversity, putting forward the concept that the goal of autism advocacy should not be a world without Autistic people. Instead, it should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights and opportunities as all other citizens. Working in fields such as public policy, media representation, research and systems change, ASAN hopes to empower Autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of our common community. Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Band-Aides and Blackboards: When Chronic Illness…or Some Other Medical Problem Goes to School This website is designed for kids, teens, and young adults growing up with medical problems. The site content is arranged by age groups. A wide range of disabilities including leukemia, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, panic attacks, limb amputation are included. There are many stories told from the perspective of kids with a disability and the challenges they have faced. Topics such as dealing with teasing, stories from a siblings perspective, tips for parents, teachers and doctors, and how to make the most of a stay in the hospital are covered. A book of pages designed and written by Joan Fleitas, Ed.D., R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing, Lehman College, Bronx, New York.

National Youth Leadership Network- NYLN’s mission is to promote youth leadership and education.  We teach young people how to advocate.  Our goal is to make sure that young people with disabilities have the chance to set and reach their own goals.

Youth Empowerment Alliance (YEA) – An online youth from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council leadership training program, “Take Control of Your Life,” is self-paced so that users can take as much time as they like, and can pick and choose modules. The program is designed to engage youth and young adults as emerging leaders as they transition from school to the adult world.

Abuse of children and adults with disabilities is a serious issue. People with disabilities are more likely to be abused than people without disabilities, and often these individuals are isolated and have difficulty getting help. There is little consumer accessible information on the web that helps people with disabilities understand the definition of abuse and the people who can help. In addition, abuse is often suspected first by friends, neighbors and co-workers. You may wonder what to do if someone comes to you and seeks advice. The information that follows is designed to help people with disabilities understand some basic definitions of abuse and some phone numbers you can call. In addition, there is more information on the listed websites.

Publications produced by programs at the University of Oregon, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities:

• What can I do about abuse of people with disabilities? A Users Guide
• The Health and Disability Concerns of Survivors of Domestic Violence
  by Deborah Olson and Debra Eisert
• Family Violence Prevention Fund – National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Information on Violence Against Women With Disabilities
• Adult Disability Abuse – Power Point Presentation
• Recognizing Child Abuse – What You Can Do? – Program Evaluation of a Case-Management Program For Survivors of Domestic Violence

DisabilityResources.org – This collection of links covers a broad range of disability and abuse topics.

Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations. The Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions (CDIHP) at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, has producedd a 36-page guide to help people with disabilities better prepared for large or small-scale emergencies. The guide’s focus helps people with disabilities take responsibility for their own safety during emergencies and evacuations and work effectively with first responders. Print the guide in pdf. from the link above. Email: evac@westernu.edu

Lane Independent Living Alliance The Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) is a consumer-controlled organization serving persons with a range of disabilities in Lane County, Oregon. Our mission is to enhance options which maximize independent living.

The Oregon State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) ) is a group of consumers, advocates, business and community representatives, appointed by Oregon’s Governor to advise the Department of Human Services’ (DHS’) Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS, formerly VRD) in the development, implementation and review of rehabilitation service delivery for Oregonians with disabilities. Their website includes links to other governmental offices and links to community resources.

Oregon State Independent Living Council promotes choice, equal access, and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the State of Oregon. their website is packed with information, reports, contacts and links to resources.

Becoming an Effective Self-Advocate is a chapter from the Learning Disability Self-Advocacy Manual, and iis geared toward transition age students with learning disabilities. Included are a glossary of terms, ‘Ten steps to becoming an effective self-advocate’, and tips for students for meeting with their teacher to negotiate accommodations.

The chapter Planning for Your Future is also geared toward transition age students with learning disabilities. Planning for high school, after high school, and a career are the main topics addressed

Coglink is a personalized, simple-to-use, safe email program that comes with automated training and unlimited access to friendly Help Desk staff for questions and troubleshooting. The program is simple and easy to use, even for those who have found other systems too challenging.

Full Access Brokerage envisions a world where equal access ensures that all people live, work, and recreate in their community, consistent with their preferences and choices. This is a world where partnerships thrive and support is a natural extension of community membership. In the Full Access Brokerage vision, dreams are pursued through active community participation, choices, and advocacy. Contact information for their offices in Eugene, Cottage Grove, Bend and Madras, Oregon, is available on their website.

Kids as Self Advocates (KASA) is a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth. We are teens and young adults with disabilities speaking out. KASA knows youth can make choices and advocate for themselves if they have the information and support they need.

Transition: School to Work Self-awareness (self-knowledge) is critical for the student in determining the direction that transition planning will take. This website explains the concept of self-advocacy, identifies strategies for teaching students to be self advocates, and illustrates the application of these concepts in the IEP process and transition planning.

The Involvement of Students in Their Special Education Mediations identifies some of the benefits and challenges that warrant consideration by families, educators, and dispute resolution practitioners as they create opportunities for students to participate in the mediation process.

Promising Approaches in Planning for Transition This article discusses the skills students need to participate in planning an IEP, teaching those needed skills, considerations for teachers, recommendations, and improving results for students with behavioral disorders.

Self-Advocacy for College Students This website is geared toward college students with learning disabilities. Four common myths are highlighted with responses describing suggested practices and tips for addressing these concerns. The myths cover such topics as the label of “learning disabled”, meeting students needs, grades and parental involvement.

United Cerebral Palsey of Oregon and SW Washington offers direct service, information, and advocacy for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities based on an individual’s need and choice.

Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Council members are appointed by the Governor to promote the independence, productivity, community integration and inclusion of Oregonians with developmental disabilities. Those who benefit from this council’s work are self advocates, parents, direct care providers, case workers, families and individuals, and many others with individual concerns and issues. Their newsletter, the Clarion and the Bulletin are available on their website.

New Publication: Impact Feature Issue on Employment and Women with Disabilities

	CSC Job Seeker Internet Resources for Oregon Community Services Consortium is a nonprofit agency that develops, manages, and provides services and support to individuals and families who lack sufficient financial resources to meet their basic needs or to provide the kind of quality life they desire.
	Lane Specialized Support Services An Employment and Training Program. Specialized Employment Services provides employment training and education to adult students who experience developmental disabilities. SES operates as a cooperative venture between Lane Community College, the Lane County Office of Developmental Disabilities, and the State of Oregon’s Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Division.
	Mckenzie Personnel Systems is dedicated to employing adults with developmental disabilities. Mckenzie Personnel Systems was founded as a non-profit organization in 1984, becoming the first free-standing supported employment program in Oregon.
	Pearl Buck Center Vocational Training and Employment Services For decades, Pearl Buck Center has helped adults with developmental disabilities learn job skills, find jobs, and contribute both to their own support and to the community in which they live. The results are measured in changed lives and increased self-esteem, but also in more tangible ways. With our help, working adults with developmental disabilities are earning wages and paying taxes. A variety of services are provided for those seeking training and employment, and a directory of offices and services is provided on the web site.
	Goodwill Industries serves Lane and the South Coast Counties through employment, training, and education centers. Our business is to develop a qualified work force by creating job opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment, in their quest for greater dignity and self sufficiency.
	Oregon Department of Human Services – Employment Services is a state and federally funded program that works in partnership with the community and with business to develop employment opportunities for people who have disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation programs are custom-designed for each individual. Visit the site for details on all the employment programs and services.
	St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. – Helping people identify and overcome multiple barriers to employment and housing. Core Vocational Services: Job assessment, evaluation, training, development, placement, and follow-up. Services may also include instruction in skills such as budgeting, time management, and finding child care.

Band-Aides and Blackboards: When Chronic Illness…or Some Other Medical Problem Goes to School This website is designed for kids, teens, and young adults growing up with medical problems. The site content is arranged by age groups. A wide range of disabilities including leukemia, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, panic attacks, limb amputation are included. There are many stories told from the perspective of kids with a disability and the challenges they have faced. Topics such as dealing with teasing, stories from a siblings perspective, tips for parents, teachers and doctors, and how to make the most of a stay in the hospital are covered.

LD Perspectives Booklets Four online booklets presenting the story of a learning disabled adult in his or her own words followed by a discussion of the issues raised in their stories. The booklets can be read online, and an order form is available to order a hardcopy of one or more of the booklets (prices range from $1 to $3).

National Youth Leadership Network- NYLN’s mission is to promote youth leadership and education.  We teach young people how to advocate.  Our goal is to make sure that young people with disabilities have the chance to set and reach their own goals.

Winners-On-Wheels, or WOW, is a scouting type organization for kids ages 4-17 who use a wheelchair part time or full time. The focus of the meetings is on discovering and enhancing the abilities of each individual child.  When a child discovers he/she CAN make a difference, they dare to challenge their limitations and can achieve their dreams.

Youth Empowerment Alliance (YEA) – An online youth from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council leadership training program, “Take Control of Your Life,” is self-paced so that users can take as much time as they like, and can pick and choose modules. The program is designed to engage youth and young adults as emerging leaders as they transition from school to the adult world.

Gotta visit Zigawhat! A Web site for learning, connecting, growing, coping, and fun for young people with disabilities and their peers. There are games, stories, tips for kids (and their teachers andparents). Check it out!! Zigawhat is maintained by the folks at NICHCY.

Native Americans with Disabilities – This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of laws affecting American Indians with disabilities and their over-representation in special education. The information presented is intended to identify and recommend tribal and educational strategies to overcome barriers to appropriate care for American Indians with disabilities.

The American Indian Parent Network provides workshops and individual assistance to parents and professionals, including those from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal and charter schools.

Expanding the Circle – Transition Resources for American Indian Students American Indian students who prepare for the transition from high school to postsecondary experiences based on a clear understanding of themselves and their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional selves are more likely to weather this transition smoothly. The Expanding the Circle curriculum offers culturally relevant activities that facilitate the successful transition from high school to postsecondary experiences for American Indian students.

Abuse of children and adults with disabilities is a serious issue. People with disabilities are more likely to be abused than people without disabilities, and often these individuals are isolated and have difficulty getting help. There is little consumer accessible information on the web that helps people with disabilities understand the definition of abuse and the people who can help. In addition, abuse is often suspected first by friends, neighbors and co-workers. You may wonder what to do if someone comes to you and seeks advice. The information that follows is designed to help people with disabilities understand some basic definitions of abuse and some phone numbers you can call. In addition, there is more information on the listed websites.

Publications:

What can I do about abuse of people with disabilities? A Users Guide

The Health and Disability Concerns of Survivors of Domestic Violence
by Deborah Olson and Debra Eisert

Family Violence Prevention Fund – National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Information on Violence Against Women With Disabilities

Adult Disability Abuse - Power Point Presentation

Recognizing Child Abuse – What You Can Do? Program Evaluation of a Case-Management Program For Survivors of Domestic Violence

Resources:

Victims of Crime With Disabilities Resource Guide On this site, you will find descriptions of hundreds of resources, which are intended to be helpful to professionals, self advocates and laypersons who need information on the victimization of people with disabilities.

Childhelp acts as a clearinghouse for information, consultations, and training opportunities for professionals dealing with child abuse issues including the unique issues of children with disabilities and special health care needs. To receive up-to-date, free e-bulletins, subscribe to their free e-newsletter.

SafePlace: Disability Services ASAP – Disability Services of SafePlace is conducting a two-year National Training and Technical Assistance Project, grant-funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Through this project, Disability Services staff provide trainings on the issue of abuse against individuals with disabilities at sexual assault, disability, and domestic violence conferences throughout the United States.

DisabilityResources.org – This collection of links covers a broad range of disability and abuse topics.

Child Welfare Information Gateway – Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.