Competencies

Session One:

History and Perceptions of People with Disabilities, History of the Parent, Self-Advocacy and Independent Living Movements, and People First Language.

Competencies for Session One:

1. Participants will be able to describe the history of services for, and perceptions of, people with developmental disabilities.
2. Participants will be able to describe significant contributions of the parent, self-advocate, and independent living movements. 
3. Participants will be able to note important ways in which self-advocacy differs from advocacy for others and why the difference is important.
4. Describe People First Language and why its use is of critical importance.

Session Two:

Creating Quality Inclusive Education, Using Effective Communication to Get What You Want, Education Round Table.

Competencies for Session Two:

5. Describe the reasons for quality inclusive education. 
6. Outline specific strategies to achieve inclusion in and quality education.
7. Demonstrate how to be assertive in team meetings.

Session Three:

Independent Living, Building Inclusive Communities, Person Centered Planning and Employment

Competencies for Session Three:

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for all individuals to experience changes in lifestyle across the lifespan.
9. Describe the importance of home ownership/ control as one of the defining characteristics of adult life in our culture.
10. Outline the basic principles and strategies being used to support people with developmental disabilities in their own homes across the lifespan.
11. Understand the concepts of person-centered planning and what supports are necessary to be fully included in the community.
12. Understand the concepts of supported and/or competitive employment including the use of natural supports.

Session Four:

Project Vote, Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), and Assistive Technology

Competencies for Session Four:

13. Describe how a bill becomes a law at the federal level.
14. Identify critical federal issues and the process by which one can personally address concerns.
15. Demonstrate how to meet a public official and express views and concerns.
16. Describe the importance of positive approaches to behavior change.
17. Describe examples of assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Session Five:

Self Determination/Family Support, Self Determination Waiver, Guardianship

Competencies for Session Five:

18. Describe a vision for the year 2020 and beyond for people with disabilities.
19. Understand the types of supports necessary for creating a positive home environment, such as family support, self-directed supports, natural supports, and/or Medicaid waivers.
20. Understand that a flexible, responsive system of supports for the families of children with disabilities is the cornerstone for a true system of community supports for people with developmental disabilities.
 

Session Six:

State Legislation, Mock Hearing at Capitol Building

Competencies for Session Six:

21. Describe how a bill becomes a law at the state level.
22. Identify critical state issues and the process by which one can personally address concerns.
23. Draft and deliver testimony for legislative hearings.

Session Seven:

Working with the Media

Competencies for Session Seven:

24. Identify how to use the media to effectively promote issues.
25. Demonstrate successful techniques for advocating for services to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and families.
26. Identify strategies for beginning and sustaining grass roots level organizing.

Session Eight:

Navigating the Service System

Competencies for Session Eight:

27. Demonstrate a knowledge of the service coordination system and/or the state service system and describe what services may be available.

*NOTE: Remember to distinguish between competencies and activities. Knowing how to complete forms, for example, is an activity, not a competency. Partners competencies are focused on best practices in disability issues and strategies to use when influencing policymakers.