March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We’re kicking it off with big news. Our new Real Talk series is out! Real Talk programs are created for self-advocates, by self-advocates. That means they are not just participants. They are leaders and teachers. Self-advocate leaders in the Real Talk series are paid for their work. They are recognized for their lived expertise.
Real Talk About Independent Living
Real Talk About Independent Living is led by James Meadours. James is a well-known leader of the advocacy movement. He has spent decades helping others build skills and learn to lead. He recently celebrated 34 years of living on his own. In Real Talk, James shares what he has learned about building a life in the community.
What Self-Advocates Will Learn
Real Talk About Independent Living includes six core courses. Each course builds skills from the ground up:
- Dreaming Big
- Planning Ahead
- Making Choices
- Solving Problems
- Finding Support
- Moving Forward
Learners hear real stories and advice from James in videos. They practice skills using learning games. They use worksheets that connect learning to real life. Self-advocates can use these courses on their own.
Resources for Supporters, Teachers, and Program Staff
Real Talk also has tools for families, friends, and anyone who wants to help a loved one learn. The Real Talk Supporter Series includes the six core courses. It also has a guide to helping self-advocates learn. The guide shares tips for asking good questions and handling frustration. It has ideas for bringing learning into everyday life.
The Group Learning Toolkit is for teachers, day program staff, or others who work with groups of self-advocates. It has options for whole-group and guided, independent learning. Step-by-step teaching guides make the program easy to use from day one. An In the Community guide shows how to build meaningful practice in the real world.
Learn More
Check out Real Talk About Independent Living at the Self-Advocate Network Academy. In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, we’re taking 15% off the program cost through March 31. Use coupon code DDAwareness15.
Real Talk About Independent Living is the first program in our new series. Stay tuned for more topics!