People First Of ConnecticutStrategic Planning Retreat

September 12th and 13th 2009Hawthorne Inn, Berlin Connecticut

E

Education

Educate the public about what people first are all about Eliminate all derogatory words and language especially ``R” word and stereotypes Encourage public not to underestimate what people are capable of Bigger and better People First Conference People First to be notice as an organization in the community

Be more ``out there “ Participation

Training 1.Long List 2.Help staff listen and respond with respect

F

Work With Advocacy Groups

Closing sheltered workshops `` Real Work with Real Pay” `` No Chump Change “ School and community integration

1. People with disabilities accepted into the community 2. Not segregated 3. Socialize with all people 4. Community projects- go to school – group to educated others

G

Healthcare

Learn more about and get accurate information about healthcare Medicare, benefits, health care SDDI THEN- advocate to insure well being of those who need it most (people with disabilities )

H

PAY

Paid position within people first – self advocate and /or advisor

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total RankA 7 4 8 5 7 1 7 7 7 53 7

B 6 1 5 6 4 5 6 6 5 44 6C 1 8 4 7 1 2 2 1 1 27 1D 5 2 3 1 2 7 1 2 6 29 2E 2 6 2 4 3 3 3 3 4 30 3F 4 7 1 2 6 6 4 4 3 37 4G 3 3 6 3 5 8 5 5 2 40 5H 8 5 7 8 8 4 8 8 8 64 8

Action Steps

1. Communication 2. Transportation 3. Education 4. Advocacy

1.Communication

Website Committee Deadline - December 2009 Include- facts sheet, People First Language, mission statement , history , legislation, newsletter Video progress

Newsletter Committee

Deadline – Committee Meeting – extended deadline until July 30th, 2013 All articles may be submitted and approved for release to public and published on the CT people

first website

CT People First Brochure Deadline – Extended August 2013

Legislation Communication Committee Deadline ongoing Use / introduce website, brochure, newsletter

Fundraising Committee Was Formed in March of 2010- Mary Gonzalez, Chairperson, Sandy Amotto Member

Email Contact List Deadline – ongoing Sarah, Secretary Officer

Legislative Seminar ``sit down “ & CDAC Convention - next Press Deadline – First Meeting January 2010 for September 2010 end Date

2. Transpiration Voucher –

Deadline – Attended the next meeting Work with connect-ability, Glendine Henry, DSS,BRS, CDAC,CT Transit Vouchers for taxies, busses Apply to in-state and interstate busses

Buy own Vehicle – Too Expensive

Decision made to Not do this Use other group’s vehicles, school busses, other agencies Local contact

Investigate Peter Pan / Bonanza & Others

Deadline ongoing

3. Education – ``Work WITH me not ON me”-

Trainings – Develop staff training at people first Conference Deadline –March 2010 First meeting by April 2012 Conference Committee – All Deadline in May 2012

Educating the Public / Public Employees

` We cannot change who people are but we can teach them how to treat us better and not fear us “

1. Deadline – ongoing 2. Have Seminars 3. Go to Press 4. DDS ``Day Of Respect “5. Special Olympics ?6. ``R” Word Out !

4.Advocacy

Work with Other groups

Deadline – First Meeting January/ February 2011 Reach out to schools – both colleges and high schools SABE NEAT KASA CDAC P&A Joe Navara Youth Leadership Forum Invite KASA to PF Statewide Meeting Kathleen Cabara

A

Autism

Make people more aware of Asperger’s Syndrome spectrum of autism and new technology

*Merged With C*

B

Starting a Friendship / Social Club

To do something fun One weekend a month One day of the week Everyone included Good Communication- be in contact To get more people involved Fundraisers can be fun

Recreation

Various activities / must be fun Must have master phone. Email , contact list

C

Communication

Make people more aware of People First New technologies Facebook page

Trips to capitol Communication among ourselves more openly and with more respect through websites and

email 1. Do not talk over one another 2. Listen More3. More respect

Outside advocacy groups to know what People First Of Connecticut is doing

1. Some groups do not want People First information shared 2. Some groups are fearful of thoughts and idea of People First

People First Advocates – teach- pass out information to regions Develop brochure/ fact sheet about People First Educate the community about People First Language Video tape meetings

1. Broadcast on cable, eyewitness news

Legislative Advocacy 1. Get the President of The US to be aware of and to get his input on bills in

Connecticut Do Fundraisers

1. Baseball games 2. Restaurants 3. Dancers

Website 1. Communicate directly with legislators, town leaders, Governor, about important issues.

Communication includes email, phones, coming to meetings Help People First members vote

1. Oversee elections

*Merged with A

D

Transportation

Have transportation available to People First memmbers Have own vehicle Car pooling Transportation to people first

2013 CT People First Board Of Directors.Carlos M. Colon Jr

President

.Chad SinanianVice President

.Sarah LiebeskindSecretary

.Varian SaltersTreasurer

.Laura Maloney-HastilloAdvisor

.Leslie SimoesThe Arc Of CT Director

CT People First Statewide Chapter Rep / At Large Members

.Jamie Lazaroff -  Self Advocates United Danielson CT chapter.Mary Gonzalez - People First Social Club

.Mike Ruzzi - A NEW WAY Chapter.Carol Grabbe - Self Advocates Unlimited Middletown Chapter

.Jossie Torres -  Dept Of Developmental Services Self Advocate Coordinator.Denise Tift - Shooting Stars Chapter Arc Of New London.Larissa Gionfriddo - MARC Inc Guardian Angels chapter

.Quentin Hughes - People First at Large Member.Sandy Amato-  A New Way Chapter/ CEO Southington Arc Of CT

.Jorge Ortize -  People First Spanish chapter Si Podemos Hartford area.Kyle Guzze - Yes I can Chapter New Britain CCARC

Publish by Carlos Colon Created by Laura Hastillo