Group to offer disability advocate training sessions

Registration for the Disability Leadership Network of Houston will begin on Wednesday, June 15.

Disability Leadership Network of Houston is a local leadership and advocacy training program for parents, adults with disabilities and community members who are interested in learning more about disability issues.

Participants develop skills necessary to make personal contacts for the purpose of advocating for people with disabilities from an individual level up to and including broad public policy changes. This basic or “entry level” training includes key fundamental topics relating to disability advocacy activities and introduces the values of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

After completion of the program, attendees may be able to advance to specialized or statewide leadership and advocacy training programs.

The first session feature “History of the Disability Movement” by Laura Buckner and “Disability is Natural and People First Language” by Kathie Snow.

The second session will present “The Importance of Belonging, and Why Inclusion Begins in Kindergarten” by Charlene Comstock-Galagan. The session will also feature a panel of youth sharing personal experiences about inclusive education.

The third session will present “Self Determination and Employment, Imagine Enterprises and Person Centered Planning” by Laura Buckner. The session will also feature a panel of young adults sharing personal experiences about independent living and employment.

And, the fourth session will present “Creating Systems Change by Influencing Public Policy” by Jonas Schwartz.

Training will be held in Sugar Land on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8.

Training will also be held in Clear Lake on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.

The sessions are free to adults with disabilities, $30 for family members and $100 for professional/community members. Fees will be refunded to family members who attend all four training sessions, complete required evaluation forms and document the numbers of materials given or personal contacts made for the purpose of self or public policy advocacy.

People can register online and pay by credit card here. They can also download a registration form on that web page if they want to pay by check. Registration will not be complete until payment is received.

For those in need of financial assistance to participate, call 713-466-6304.