Community Organizing: Becoming a Change Agent

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this eighth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Identify ways to begin and sustain grassroots level organizing around specific issues Identify existing groups/organizations who could benefit from working with you/you working with them Recognize the issues that exist in local organizing efforts in DC Understand the importance of … Read more

Connecting Activities: Navigating the Community

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this seventh session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Understand accessible and affordable housing options including Sections 8 and 811 Recognize the protections under the Fair Housing Act Begin to explain what advance preparations may be needed before an emergency happens Be able to summarize the role of Independent Living Centers … Read more

Influencing Federal and State Policy

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this sixth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Be able to identify critical city and federal issues and the process by which they can personally address their concerns Understand how a bill becomes a law at the city and federal levels Understand the best ways to advocate for … Read more

Living a Healthy Life

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this fifth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Describe the components of a healthy lifestyle and how this applies to individuals with developmental disabilities Understand the Affordable Care Act and how people with disabilities are affected by it  Identify the healthcare and wellness systems, services, and networks in … Read more

Integrated Employment

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this fourth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Understand why employment is important for people with disabilities and for the community Understand what accommodations, modifications/adaptations, assistive technology and natural supports are in the workplace Learn about types of employment: competitive, supported, customized, entrepreneurial, internships, apprenticeships, enclaves, and sheltered … Read more

Inclusive Education

Competencies & Skill Sets Competencies In this third session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Understand the concept of inclusive education and its benefits to all students Understand how to be effective in IEP/ISFP/504 meetings Understand the histories and basic concepts of IDEA and Section 504 Understand parent and children rights under special education law Skill … Read more

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in the 21st Century and Service Coordination

Competencies  In this second session of DC Advocacy Partners, partners will: Be able to define what qualifies as a developmental and/or intellectual disability Be able to describe the service coordination system and the services that are available in DC for individuals with disabilities and their families Understand what the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act affirms Understand … Read more

Disability History, Public Policy and Services

Competencies & Skill Sets Partners will develop an understanding of: The purpose of the DC Advocacy Partners Program The connections between policy influencers and implementers The history of attitudes and practices toward people with disabilities The parent, self-advocacy, and independent living movements The importance and impact of personal stories in providing testimony The Americans with … Read more

Bringing It Home & Graduation

Competencies In this ninth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Understand strategies for effective involvement on boards, committees, and commissions. Learn about processes for getting appointed to positions and boards and commissions in the District of Columbia and in the Federal Government. Understand and be able to use Robert’s Rules of Order. Report advocacy … Read more

Community Organizing: Becoming a Change Agent

Competencies In this eighth session of DC Advocacy Partners, participants will: Identify strategies for beginning and sustaining grassroots level organizing around specific issues. Understand the role of and how to use the media to effectively promote their issues. Identify mechanisms to promote cooperation and coalition building that will result in combined strength to influence public … Read more