The Nebraska Statewide Disability Leadership Training Seminar Series will be held March 15 and 16 at the Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Ave.
The two-day training seminar is aimed at persons with disabilities, family members, concerned citizens and professionals who are interested in promoting the best outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families in Nebraska.
"In order to create successful opportunities for people with disabilities in our communities, we need informed stakeholders," said project director Mark Smith, assistant professor at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. "This seminar promotes constructive dialogue between policymakers, professionals and those who are impacted by disabilities. An informed constituency is a more effective and engaged constituency."
The seminar will provide leadership and advocacy training regarding systems of services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families, including philosophical tenets, current systems, opportunities for leadership, systems change strategies, and planning.
Participants will receive support at the seminar and beyond on developing advocacy plans, building and supporting state and local coalitions with the goal of improving services and systems for individuals with disabilities.
The training runs from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days.
There is no cost for the training. Travel and related expense support is available for individuals with disabilities and family members.
In addition to Smith, other speakers include:
- Eric Evans, Ph.D., executive director, Disability Rights Nebraska;
- Brad Meurrens, public policy director, Disability Rights Nebraska;
- Edison McDonald, executive director, Arc of Nebraska;
- Janet Miller, respite and adult services associate, Munroe-Meyer Institute;
- Jenn Miller, outreach coordinator, PTI-Nebraska;
- Jennifer Hansen, parent resource coordinator, Munroe-Meyer Institute; and
- Kathy Hoell, director, Statewide Independent Living Council.
Register on Eventbrite at https://disability-leadership-seminar-norfolk.eventbrite.com.
If you need any assistance in registering or have questions, contact Smith at 402-559-5744 or msmitha@unmc.edu.
The project has been funded by the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. Future seminars will be scheduled across the state in the next six months.
Munroe-Meyer Institute is committed to unlocking the potential of children and adults with developmental disabilities and genetic disorders through exceptional patient care, education and research. MMI provides more than 70,000 services annually to children and adults with special needs.
We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
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