PARTNERING WITH YOUR COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: ONE STATE'S MODEL
There is a Council on Developmental Disabilities in each state. Some have mini-grants for local groups to develop new programs for students with disabilities.
BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A.
WHAT IS A COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES?
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Councils) are federally-funded, self-governing organizations charged with identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state or territory. Councils are committed to advancing public policy and systems changes that help individuals with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities gain more control over their lives. The 56 Councils across the United States and its territories work to address identified needs by conducting advocacy, systems change and capacity-building efforts that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion. Council members are appointed by a state's governor and by law, the majority (60%) must consist of individuals with I/DD or their family members. Key activities include conducting outreach, providing training and technical assistance, removing barriers, developing coalitions and community partnerships, encouraging citizen participation and keeping policymakers informed about disability issues (See resources to find the Council in your state).
NJ PROJECT ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) awarded the Hackettstown Elks Lodge #2331 a $3,500 grant to purchase outreach kits for first responders. Celebrate the Children School (CTC) (celebratethechildren.org) developed the outreach kits. The kits are used to help first responders communicate more effectively with people with I/DD during a crisis. The Hackettstown Elks purchased the kits from the CTC. Every police department in Warren County, as well as five Morris County police departments, received free kits. Each kit contains tools to help first responders support people with disabilities during traumatic events.
IMPROVING SYSTEMS : I/DD COUNCILS
NJ COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES njcdd.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILS ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (by state) nacdd.org/councils
READY, SET, GO : CREATING AN OUTREACH KIT
What helps children with special needs during emergencies? There were many considerations when creating the content of the bags. These include:
- Sound canceling headphones: Headphones can help children who are sensitive to loud noise, like sirens.
- Sunglasses: Dark glasses can help with sensory issues such as bright lights from emergency responders.
- Social story on riding in an ambulance: The story helps children know what to expect and helps reduce anxiety.
- Fidget items: These things can help with waiting and increase self-regulation.
- Pain chart, body cutout, and yes/no cards: These can help children with speech issues to communicate where and how much it hurts and answer simple yes/no questions.
- Toys/hat/stickers: Because they're kids!
CTC also provides free training sessions for first responders in how to use the kits. Sessions also include Q&A and tips from educators, autism experts, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
This is just one example how Councils on Developmental Disabilities can help organizations improve systems for children and adults with I/DD. •
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is a parent of a medically-complex young adult and serves as the Coordinator for Family Voices-NJ and as the regional coordinator in her state's Family-to-Family Health Information Center, both housed at the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network at spanadvocacy.org