Plan for 2012

Train parents and self-advocates in leadership and self-advocacy using the Partners in Policymaking training curriculum.
Develop a plan to grow the self-advocacy movement in the state by engaging self-advocacy organizations including People First and the DDS Self Advocate Coordinators.
Implement a Supporting Families Community of Practice in Connecticut that allows individuals and family members to take the lead in designing and delivering effective ways to supports families across the lifespan.
Create a consumer involvement fund to assist self-advocates and family members in participating in conferences, committees, and other meetings.
Support training initiatives to better meet the needs of parents who have cognitive limitations and the mobilization of a oad coalition to meet those needs.

Implement Project Search in Connecticut to increase opportunities for employment for people with developmental disabilities through appropriate job training.

Form a housing task force to identify barriers and model programs then develop recommendations for housing that is appropriate to the unique needs of individuals who live with developmental disabilities.

Create and implement legal-medical partnership to educate local hospital staff on the complexities of providing medical services to people with developmental disabilities; and empower individuals to enforce their right to adequate and appropriate health care.
Improve policy, planning, and emergency response for persons with disabilities in their communities.

Support the Aging in Place initiative through a pilot program of direct supports to a number of individuals.
Support Aging in Place through community conversations on civic engagement for people with disabilities in communities across the state.

Assist families in understanding their rights and effective strategies to protect their children from the use of seclusion and restrain in schools.
Implement an anti-bullying initiative to improve school climate for students with disabilities.