Partners Community Advisory Committee

2015

The Community AdVisory Committee (CAC) of Partners has been active in the development and review of Partners CORE grant applications. Members of the committee participate in a priority establishing activity for input into what activities to expand and what activities need to be added. This has resulted in a current effort to look at transportation, housing and assistive technology issues within the state. The Committee provides recommendations and input into not only the CORE grant but into other projects and activities of the agency. These recommendations are utilized in a large percentage of Partners grants and projects. If recommendations are not used then dialog occurs with the committee regarding the reasons for this. This interchange of communication is the foundation for the efforts. The Consumer Committee of the UCEDD in Tennessee, the Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities has representation by providing an ex officio member. Therefore, information between the two UCEDDS are shared creating strong collaboration across agencies and state lines. Among projects initiated by the CAC is Arkansas Can Do, Inc. formerly Arkansas Can Do Campaign Committee,a statewide multimedia campaign designed to increase the positive perceptions of all people regarding the vitality, importance and value of persons with disabilities. This campaign over the years has expanded its membership and scope. What originated as a goal of the advisory committee has developed into a statewide multimedia campaign through educational workshops on people-first language, disability etiquette, an educational video appropriate for most audiences and educational materials. Public service announcements were filmed and air on local television channels. T-shirts, posters, displays, bookmarks, stickers and brochures have been developed and distributed. This campaign expanded and continues today as a separate group of even more individuals with disabilities and representatives from 17 agencies, divisions and organizations. the CAC is instrumental in developing Sibshops across Arkansas.Sibshops provide peer support for siblings of children with disabilities through recreational and other learning activities

advisory, committee, needs assessment

Developing & Disseminating Information

Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban

State

N/A