People First of Missouri FY2021
Project Description:
Description/Features
People First is a self-advocacy training and support group for people with developmental disabilities. Members learn from other members how to solve problems and practice self-direction and self-advocacy skills. The Institute assists members by providing technical assistance as needed (e.g., conduct surveys, writing mission statement, etc.). The Institute also serves as a contact and disseminates information on behalf of People First.
Need
As people with disabilities take their rightful place within the community, their needs must be made known to others. People First allows people with disabilities to learn self-advocacy skills and to speak as a united group within the community.
Outcomes
People First co-sponsored a rally in Jefferson city to protest the cutting of almost 100,000 individuals from the state Medicaid program. This protest drew national coverage in print and television mediums.
People First members hosted a statewide self-advocacy conference with Missouri AAMR and Direct Support Professionals of Missouri.
People First Steering Committee members present at the annual national Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered conference.
Presentations have been made at high schools, Nursing Schools, Disability Connections, AAMR, and the Institute for Inclusive Education Conference.
There are currently 23 active People First Chapters in Missouri
Benefits
People First of Missouri served on committees and boards for the Department of Mental Health to assist the service system in becoming more consumer driven.
People with disabilities learn self-determination and self-advocacy skills from each other.
Keyword(s):
People First; Self-Advocacy
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Quality of Life, Other
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
