Project Description:
The UCEDD Consumer Advisory Council (Council) was established to provide a vital level of input to the UCEDD to guide the direction of the center and to inform the community of our outreach activities. The Council members meet three times a year to develop strategies and provide feedback to the UCEDD to improve services, training, and policies that are needed to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council is comprised of self-advocates, family members of children and adults with developmental disabilities, and directors from the UCEDD, Disability Rights Washington, and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. The majority of Council members are individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. This composition allows the voices of these communities to be heard and provides a mechanism to ensure that major initiatives of the UCEDD are responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Council members act as a sounding board for UCEDD faculty and staff when new programs are developed and existing programs are up for renewal. Council members also identify issues for UCEDD outreach efforts, such as inclusion, diversity, siblings, pre-service connections for health care providers, health promotion for adults and elders, criminal justice, teaching behavioral skills to providers, training school district staff on positive supports, housing, and creating inclusive communities.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
