South Dakota Parent Connection

- - -Impact Public Policy- - -

Apply Now for Partners in Policymaking

From Partners in Policymaking Graduates:

I will now be able to educate my children on how to advocate for themselves.
This training changed my life.
Disabilities are not the real problem-attitudes are.
I learned to stick up for myself and how to make better decisions. I learned about friends and about talking to friends. I learned how to listen to my heart and all my feelings.
The drive to do something more is something Partners has helped foster in me.
I learned you have to stand up for yourself because there may not be anyone who is willing to stand up for you.
I will not only advocate for myself now but also for others.

Partners in Policymaking is a FREE 6-month leadership and empowerment course (one weekend per month) from November through April for self-advocates and parents or family members of individuals with disabilities. Partners in Policymaking is in its 19th year in South Dakota and applicants are now being recruited; applications due 9/20/2010.

You are invited to learn more by visiting www.sdadvocacy.com. On the left side of the page click on the Training button and follow the links. Here you will find information about Partners, testimonials and an application. You'll also find a Videos button. Here you can view the Partners in Policymaking video. The video takes a few minutes to download, but well worth your time!

Please contact Sandy Stocklin Hook at hooks@sdadvocacy.com, 605-224-8294 or 800-658-4782 with questions.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)
National Priority Survey

ADD wants to work on the issues that are most important to people with developmental disabilities. We are looking for your ideas about Projects of National Significance (PNS). We also want to hear your ideas for other ADD programs. Hearing about your problems and your experiences will help make sure that PNS projects work on the issues that are important to you.

Take the survey and impact public policy:

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/survey/survey_coded_final.html

Take the National

FINDS Survey

The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) survey is a free, online survey designed to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the Intellectual/Developmental Disability community, including self-advocates.

Results from this confidential survey will provide greater understanding about what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are needed. Average time to complete survey is 30-45 minutes. Copies of survey available in Spanish, large print and Braille; contact Ann Cameron at 202-534-3711 or caldwell@thearc.org

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The Arc is working in collaboration with the following organizations on the FINDS survey: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Autism Society of America; Best Buddies; National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities; National Council on Independent Living; National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services; and Office on Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor.

NOEWAIT (The National Organization to End the Waitlists) is proud to present a powerful and touching video, "Disabilities Don't Wait."

Get engaged:

http://www.youtube.com/noewait1

Visiting Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin in Washington DC - January 26, 2010

From left to right: Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Coordinator, SDPC; Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin; Elaine Roberts, Executive Director, SDPC.

ALLIANCE Reception on the Hill

January 27, 2010

Washington, DC

From left to right: Elaine Roberts, Executive Director, SDPC; Rachel Knust, Legislative Correspondent, Senator Thune; Jane Tschetter, Legislative Assistant, Senator Thune; Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Coordinator, SDPC.