Download PDF. - Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Self-Advocacy Leadership
Partners in Policymaking (PIP)
This leadership and advocacy training program graduated 23 advocates in
November, 2011, including one self-advocate and 22 family members. PIP
is sponsored by the Council and teaches self-advocates and family members
how to become community leaders and obtain the best available services
for themselves and others. PIP graduates participate in many Council
activities, including conducting workshops at state-wide conferences for
individuals with disabilities and their families, developing grassroots advocacy
organizations and setting up programs in their communities that benefit
the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Youth Leadership Forum
The Able Trust, in partnership with the Council and other public and private sponsors,
brought together 50 high school students who participated in four days of leadership
training during the 2011 Youth Leadership Forum. This is an annual conference
for high school juniors and seniors with a variety of disabilities. Attendees
learned about community and academic resources, disability history, career options
and personal leadership. Students also had plenty of time to socialize, which allows
them to network and learn from each other and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Florida Self-Advocates Network’D (FL SAND)
As part of the effort to promote the development of self-determination for individuals with
developmental disabilities, the Council initiated Florida Self-Advocates Network’D
(FL SAND), a program led by self-advocates. The statewide program is currently comprised
of 12 local self-advocacy groups supported by advisors. Local groups meet monthly to plan
and implement advocacy programs, social activities and fundraising initiatives. They are
taught to lead their own groups, and transition to adult responsibilities in work, daily living
skills, social skills and post-secondary education experiences.
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