Ten consumers and Rosewood Services staff had a “most excellent adventure” last weekend when they attended the “Self Advocacy is Risky Business” conference in Topeka. The theme, “Everyone Has the Right to Risk,” was front and center during the three day conference, which was organized by the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK). SACK’s vision is that “all Kansans with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to express opinions and make choices in order to create a life where they are treated with the same dignity and respect as persons without developmental disabilities.”
Karla Franklin, Samantha Purcell, Peggy Scott, Kim Reynolds, Cheryl Mendenhaul, Josh Trimmer, Dustin Alkire, Abbie Garrett, Herbie Douglass and Shawn Ledesma represented Rosewood consumers. Jennifer Stoddard and Andrea Ehrlich were the two staff members who attended. Stoddard, Rosewood Activities Coordinator, said “our folks had a great time. They enjoyed all the interesting sessions and came away with new tools to use in their individual and group advocacy efforts. We have a very active and involved consumer group which is always working to advance the rights of those with developmental disabilities. I’m proud of the work they accomplish!” Various quotes from the advocates themselves included “this conference ROCKS!,” “I learned a lot and will help others stand up for their rights,” I can’t wait until next year!” and “we did a really good job at the conference!”
There were numerous workshops provided for attendees, including several that dealt with the new “Employment First” mandate signed into state law at the end of last year. This new state-wide focus encourages people with various disabilities to become employed, more independent, earning higher salaries and making decisions that put individuals in charge of their lives. “Disability in no way should limit a person’s right to make choices, pursue meaningful careers, live independently and participate fully in all aspects of society.” (Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas)
The “Employment First” push is intended to give all interested individuals, regardless of disability, the right to be self-sufficient, tax-paying members of the communities in which they live. Steve Curtis, a Working Healthy Benefits Specialist, briefed participants on the WORK (Working Opportunities Reward Kansans) program. Additional specialists gave information about the Employment First Kansas Task Team and how numerous providers, state agencies and consumers are making great strides in advocating for work opportunities throughout Kansas.
Robert Siedlecki, new Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services, discussed the various developmental disability services available to consumers state-wide. Attendees were given the opportunity to openly discuss with the Secretary the types of services they want to see in Kansas.
A great worry for social service agencies statewide is the growing number of Kansans placed on long waiting lists for services. Always a concern, the wait is getting even longer as agencies undergo budget cuts while, at the same time, trying to meet the needs of more and more individuals. Numerous Kansans have died before the necessary services begin. Such delays are upsetting for parents, guardians, loved ones and the agencies who know the needs are reaching a critical state. Tim Wood, director of the “End the Wait Campaign,” gave a workshop discussing effective ways to educate both the public and policymakers about this critical issue.
Other information was given to participants to “arm” them to talk effectively with various stakeholders at the Kansas Capitol. Attendees learned about effective advocacy and how to create opportunities to make positive change in the political system, as well as about how to respectfully, but firmly, continue to work for improvements in the political system. Participants learned that the outdated and negative phrase “mental retardation” is now being replaced by a more positive term, “intellectual disabilities,” which stems from a national push for respectful, “person first” wording.
Keynote speaker was Nancy Ward, Co-Director of the National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access. Ward was named “Citizen of the Year” by the ARC of the United States in 2000 and received the Advocacy Award from Access Living, one of country’s largest Independent Living Centers, among a host of other honors. Ward is the Information Coordinator for the Medicaid Reference Desk, which is the first accessible website on Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities. The program is located at the Oklahoma Protection and Coordinator Advocacy Center.
The conference ended with a dinner, awards ceremony and dance. SACK gave self-advocacy awards to all nominees, stating that it was too hard to select only one awardee due to the excellent work of all during the past year. The last page of the conference program had the following “marching orders” for participants: “There will always be issues to wrestle and obstacles on our path to personal empowerment and independence. The only way we will prevail is to work together. You’re a SELF advocate. You have been given the keys to the community, now it is time to open the doors of opportunity and use your RIGHT TO RISK and live the life of your dreams.” The attendees from Rosewood Services came away from the conference even more motivated to get on with the important work ahead as they advocate for themselves and others in Kansas.