Self-Advocate Participation

SELF ADVOCATE PARTICIPATION ON THE TRANSITION TEAM

2nd Draft
April 2, 2002

The job of a self advocate on the transition team is to:

	Represent the coalition as a self advocate (not my self advocacy group or my own personal issues).
	Attend all meetings of the transition team and the Community Living Coalition.
	Prepare for meetings by reading the materials.
	Participate in meetings by listening and talking.
	Ask questions when I don’t understand things or need help.
	Be able to talk to other self advocates about the Coalition and the transition team.

Self advocates on the transition team may require any combination of the following supports:

Travel costs (Transportation, Accommodations, Meals).

Personal care attendant.

Someone to help prepare for meetings by reviewing the materials with them and to talk after the meeting to make sure they understand decisions that were made.

Someone to attend meetings with them as a support “buddy” of their choice.

Plain language materials.

Lots of visuals (e.g. flipcharts) to explain what is being discussed.

Accessible space for meetings.

Lots of notice about meetings.

Access to fax, computer, or other technical aid to get information quickly.

Support from the co-chairs to make sure that all transition team members meaningfully include/involve self advocates.

Support to communicate with other self-advocates around the province.

Support people for Self-Advocates:

	Self-Advocates on Transition Team will need a person/persons who can give direct support
	Support person(s) should know a lot about the coalition and understand the issues.
	There should be "support for the supporter" - person(s) in that role may need assistance themselves
	Self-advocates have the right to choose their support person(s).
	Support persons' role is not to contribute to discussions or to be a transition team member... it is a supportive role.

Skills/Experiences needed by Self Advocate Representatives on the transition team:

	Experience attending and participating in meetings.
	Experience as a self-advocate in the community living/self advocacy movement.
	Commitment to representing self advocacy issues (not just personal issues)
	Good listener and good communicator
	1 of 2 representatives must receive services from MCFD
	Understand and support the goals and vision of the Community Living Coalition
	Ability to represent self-advocates outside the Lower Mainland

Nominations Committee

	3 or 4 self-advocates to collect nominations.
	Committee will review nominations and select the two Self-Advocate representatives for Transition Team. They will also select an alternate representative who will stay involved and be available to step in if one of the two selected representatives is not able to continue. As well, the Committee should select a third representative who they will forward to the Minister as a nominee for his appointment. This third nominee might be someone who could represent self-advocates outside the lower mainland.
	Nominations Committee: Today's meeting acted as the Nominations committee.
	Two people need to be selected. A third person will be forwarded to the Minister as a recommendation for his appointment. If that person is not selected by the Minister, they will be the Coalition alternate.
	An election will be held at the April 10th Coalition meeting if one is needed. Only self-advocates will vote for the self-advocate representatives.

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The Alliance is an open and inclusive gathering of people and organizations dedicated to empowering individuals and families to make decisions about how they lead their lives in the community.	Alliance for Community Living Contact the Alliance Last updated: 07/25/08