2016 DISABILITY INTEGRATION PROJECTS · 2016 DISABILITY INTEGRATION PROJECTS A REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY DECEMBER 16, 2016 The Olmstead Academy is a program of the ACT Center for Disability

DEC

EMBER

201

6

©2016 Advocating Change Together

ACT OLMSTEAD ACADEMY, CLASS OF 2016

2016 DISABILITYINTEGRATION PROJECTS

A REPORT TO THE COMMUNITYDECEMBER 16, 2016

The Olmstead Academy is a program of the ACT Center for Disability Leadership

2016ReporttotheCommunity--ProgramBook.qxp_Annual Report 2014 12/12/16 4:07 PM Page 1

2

ACT Olmstead Academy, Class of 2016

Advocating Change TogetherAdvocating Change Together (ACT) is agrass-roots disability rights organizationrun by and for people withdevelopmental disabilities. ACT’smission is help people across disabilitiessee themselves as part of larger disabilityrights moment and make connections toother civil and human rights struggles.

Olmstead Academye Olmstead Academy is a program ofACT. e 2016 class was funded withthe generous support of the MinnesotaDepartment of Human Services. anksalso to the Minnesota Department ofEmployment and EconomicDevelopment for program supports aswell as providing a meeting space for theAcademy, and to the Institute onCommunity Integration, University ofMinnesota.

ACT Center for Disability Leadership(on Intellectual and DevelopmentalDisabilities) incorporates a number ofACT’s longstanding programs, as well asnew ones, into a structured frameworkfor equipping groups to understanddisability equality, make it happen, andinform others. In addition to theOlmstead Academy, ACT Center forDisability Leadership includes Self-Advocates Minnesota network, andACT’s new, multi-level DisabilityEquality Training Series.

Contents ......................................................2

Program for today’s event .............................3

About ACT’s Olmstead AcademyExecutive summary .....................................4Program evaluation.....................................5

Team Project SummariesMeridian .....................................................6Metro ..........................................................8SAM Southwest ........................................10New Challenges ........................................12Lutheran Social Services...........................14Opportunity Partners...............................16SAM Central.............................................18

Olmstead Academy Leaders........................18

CONTENTS



©2016 Advocating Change Together

Advocating Change Together1821 University Avenue, Suite 306–S

St. Paul, MN 55104651-641-0297800-641-0059

www.selfadvocacy.org

33

��

&0�*265-/)/,2(�

@

33@

@ @

@3 3 3 3

@3 33 3 3 3 3

,

@

@


EVENT PROGRAM

3


Report to the CommunityOlmstead Academy Pilot Year

Public event hosted by Judge Donovan Frank

December 16, 2016

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Devitt Ceremonial CourtroomWarren E. Burger Federal Building & United States Courthouse316 North Robert StreetSt. Paul, MN

-------------------------------------------1:30 p.m. Program

Opening procession: Academy participantsWelcome: Judge FrankAcademy overview: Mary Kay KennedyPresentations of project results: Seven regional teams Comments by Judge FrankClosing song

2:30 p.m. ReceptionGuests are invited to join Academy participants for project exhibits and light refreshments in the Jury Assembly Room (also on the 1st floor)

A Dazzling Bouquet

Refrain: This is a place where everybody's welcome. I know it's true 'cause I got through the door. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. Jump in the vase, 'cause we've got space for more.

1. Come here, all you six foot gladiolas.Come all you purple lilacs shining bright.Come let us all bloom together in one garden:A carnival of fragrance and delight. (Refrain)

2. We don't simply cross our fingers hopingWe're digging up the soil around the stateAnd we must all plant the seeds of integrationTill every face will grace the grand bouquet. (b

y Bre

t Hes

la)


Building self advocate leaders by working on projects toadvance community integration.

4


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TIMELINEJanuary 2016 through December2016

ACADEMY GOALCreate a culture within Minnesotawhere self-advocacy is afoundational piece in the state'sOlmstead plan and self-advocatesare playing meaningful roles in itsimplementation.

ACADEMY STRUCTUREThe Olmstead Academy is a 12-month program featuring eight daysof classroom sessions, and 9months of required field work onDisability Integration Projects.Participants enroll as teams of three

(two self-advocates, one ally) fromaround the state. Teams learnleadership skills and organizingtools for creating change to advancecommunity integration. Each teamdevelops and implements a projectin their home community.

2016 PROGRAM FEATURESTeam-based participation –•two self-advocates and oneally.Participatory, innovative,•proven methods of PopularEducation and Kolb theory.Mentors assist each team to•create and complete project.Each team receives up to•$5000 to implement a project

in their community.Participants build relationships•with key state allies during“dinner with leaders.”

DISABILITY INTEGRATIONPROJECTSEach team chooses and leads alocal project to advance integrationfor real people in their community. [See pp. 6-17 for results of each ofthese six projects.]

Olmstead Academy Class of 2016: Building self-advocate leaders byworking on issues to advance community integration.


21


NOTES



Program DesignMary Kay Kennedy Bret Hesla

Program FacilitationMary Kay Kennedy Bret Hesla

Session LeadersMary Kay KennedyBret HeslaMary Fenske, Self-Advocates MinnesotaDeb Holtz, ConsultantLinda Breitag, Professional artist/musicianCarolyn Levy, Hamline UniversityLaura Mann Hill, Hamline UniversityPatrick Mitchell, Advocating Change TogetherKatie Thune, Yoga Calm Carla Tice, Self-Advocates MinnesotaMaggie Treichel, Self-Advocates MinnesotaLynne Lindholm, CateringDeni Berigan-Pirro, CateringPaul Rogers, photographyJohn Anderson, photographyJohn Lindholm, photographyCheryl Jensen, program evaluation

Team Project Mentors Mary Fenske, Self Advocates MinnesotaCorbett Laubignat, Independent consultantLes Bauer, MN Quality CouncilKristi Radeliius Palmer, U of M Human Rights CenterKenneth Brown, Independent consultantNick Wilke, Center for Independent LivingMaggie Treichel, Self-Advocates MinnesotaBeth Fondell, Institute on Community Integration

Dinner HostsSheryl Grassie, MN-CCDAlex Bartolic, MN Dept. of Human ServicesJoan Willshire, MN State Council on DisabilityDarlene Zangara, Olmstead Implementation OfficeColleen Wieck, Minnesota Governor’s Council onDevelopmental DisabilitiesSean Burke, MN Disability Law CenterCarla Tice, Patty McGlynn & James Lee, OlmsteadAcademy 2015Katherine Finlayson, MN Dept. of Human ServicesJosh Dean, Community Involvement ProgramsJohn Marty, Minnesota SenateRick Cardenas, Independent consultant

OLMSTEAD ACADEMY LEADERS

20

Don Lavin, Arc MinnesotaBarb Kliest, ICI, University of MinnesotaJohn Anderson MN Dept. of Human ServicesPat Siebert, Disability Law CenterChris Serres, Star TribuneRoberta Opheim, State Ombudsman


Recommendations focused onexpanding the program. “ACT has done a tremendous jobwith the Olmstead Academy. SCCrecommends the following:

“Implement the ACT Olmstead•Academy in 5-8 regions inMinnesota.“Publish the ACT Olmstead•Academy curriculum; writtenand recorded curriculum couldbe offered or purchased bydifferent regions. This productcould also go national.“Raise additional foundation or•government funds to expandthe ACT Olmstead Academy.”

[Note: An additional assessment is scheduledto evaluate the process and outcome of theseven Disability Integration Projects. Resultswill be posted on ACT’s website.]

5


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROGRAM ASSESSMENTA Program EffectivenessAssessment was conducted in June2016, following the eight days ofclassroom training for the ACTOlmstead Academy Class of 2016.The assessment, conducted byCheryl Jensen of StrategicConsulting and Coaching, wasqualitative, using in-depth individualinterviews of the 21 participants.

Strengths cited includerelationship-building with the widercommunity, diverse participatorymethods, and buildingopportunities to lead by example.As one participant said, “It wasgreat to see people with disabilitiestaking a leadership role andcoming up with solutions ratherthan being told what should be.” Challenges centered aroundprogram rigor: finding time andresources to participate, andneeding support to understand,plan and implement team projects.The report notes, “They enjoyed it,even though at times could be verystressful and challenging.”

“e ACT Olmstead Academy is cutting edge byinvolving people with developmental disabilities.”

Outside assessment by Strategic Consulting and Coaching


Created a volunteer force of self-advocates giving backto their community by helping others in need.

6


MERIDIAN TEAM

WHERE WE LIVE:West Metro

WHO WE ARE:Heather DavisConnie SauerDelarie HarrisMentor: Maggie Treichel

WHAT WE DIDWe wanted a way for people to bemore out and about doingsomething good for our community.So, we created a volunteer clubcalled Loving Hearts Helping Hands(LHHH). It consists of more thantwenty members who give time andtalent by volunteering for causes wecare about. We worked side -by-side with our neighbors.

WHAT HAPPENEDSince launching in June 2016, ourclub provided many ways for peoplewith disabilities to volunteer in thecommunity and make a difference inthe lives of others. In just sixmonths, we volunteered in sixprojects. Each time, five to twentypeople with disabilities took part.Partcipants brought support staffwith as needed. Projects included:making garden mosaics with teensin homeless shelters, tying blanketsfor sick or distressed children, sign-making for a disability inclusionparade, baking goods for troopsoverseas, helping at Feed MyStarving Children, and assemblingsupply kits for refugees. We alsomarched in the Golden ValleyParade to raise awareness of our


19


CENTRAL MINNNESOTA TEAM

Night, Bowling, visiting St. CloudState University., Communityactivities were a great way for us tobe part of St. Cloud, side-by-sidewith other community members.

WHAT WE LEARNEDWe learned that a club like thisworks to help people make friendsand do things in the community.

BARRIERSLack of affordable and flexibletransportation and a lack of moneyhas a great impact on a person’sability to get out and do things. Freeactivities were better attended.Friendship Connections staffsometimes provided transportationfor participants who otherwisewouldn’t have been able to attend. Participants said that they liked theactivities we offered, increased theircommunity participation andappreciated what FriendshipConnections offered. Of the 12people who came to the club, eightreported that they made a newfriend that they will continue to be

friends with as part of the club andoutside of club activities.

NEXT STEPSOur efforts to staft a drop-in center willhopefully have a lasting effect.Independent Lifestyles will continue tosupport the Friendship Connectionsconcept and eventually fold it into theirPeer Mentoring program. Our team willcontinue to lead the club activities andwill provide Independent Lifestyles withparticipant feedback and suggestions forimproving the program throughincreased outreach and support.

“Friendship Connections has helped me be more social and not feel solonely.

Becca Arens, Program Participant."


18


CENTRAL MINNNESOTA TEAMStarted a drop-in center for self-advocates to create deepersocial lives, in partnership with established local nonprofit.

WHERE WE LIVE:St. Cloud, Minnesota

WHO WE ARE:Sharon WeismanLance KoenigBev KalerTony HommerdingMentor: Beth Fondell

WHAT WE DIDIn St. Cloud, it is sometimes lonelyand hard to make new friends. Ourcommunity needed a public placewhere people with disabilities couldgo, play games and get to know oneanother better through sharedactivities. We helped to develop adrop-in center --FriendshipConnections--for people withdisabilities to meet new people and

make new friends.

WHAT HAPPENEDStarting in June 2016, wecontracted with IndependentLifestyles, a Center for IndependentLiving, who provided staff,administrative support and a site fora drop-in center. We named the newcenter Friendship Connections.Through meetings and surveyfeedback, we set hours andscheduled activities. The centerprovided an opportunity for peoplewith disabilities to meet more than20 times. Attendance was betweenfour and twelve people per time.Activities included on-site (e.g.Pizza and Movie Night, GamesNight) and off site (e.g. Restaurant


We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. -Connie

7


MERIDIAN TEAM

group and how we are part of thesolution in addressing communityneeds.

WHAT WE LEARNEDOur volunteer club increased ourconnections in our community! Wetook part in volunteer work havingroles in the same way as ourneighbors who do not have adisability. Of the 20 participants, all reportedthat they have made new friends,did new things and felt a sense ofpride in their contribution. Our clubincreased community integration ofthe participants! We tracked 91hours of partcipant volunteer timeon the six projects.

BARRIERSWe found that most partcipantswere not able to attend every event.Their absence was not due adecision on their part, but rather dueto a shortage in staffing to transportthe individual, or other support staffissue.

NEXT STEPSWe’re fired up! Loving HeartsHelping Hands is planning tocontinue in 2017. We have alreadyarranged for a host of volunteerprojects beginning in January 2017,including decorating Meals onWheels bags, sorting clothes at ArcValue Village, assembling holiday

baskets, working at the humanesociety, running carnival games atthe ACT picnic, helping Feed MyStarving Children and singingholiday carols at a nursing home.We will be part of the 2017 GoldenValley parade to increaseawareness about our club and whatwe do to make the world a betterplace. Many thanks to Meridian for the allysupport to keep this great clubgoing.

Many participants thanked us for the opportunity to join with newand old friends and make a difference in this world one project at atime. Heather


METRO TEAMPeers trained self-advocates to use Uber and MetroMobility Same Day Ride for spontaneous transportation.

8


WHERE WE LIVE:Twin Cities Metro

WHO WE ARE:Lynn KruppPatrick MitchellMelvin HagensonMentor: Corbet Laubignat

WHAT WE DIDOur project was about helpingpeople with disabilities gettransportation to go places withoutneeding a lot of pre-planning andscheduling. We wanted to see howmuch more folks would get out ifthey could arrange a ride about anhour in advance. We trained peopleto use two short-order transportationservices and we supported them asthey learned to use these newmodes of transportation.

WHAT HAPPENEDOver the summer of2016, our teamresearched and foundtwo metro options thatoffered spontaneous

transportation, Uber and MetroMobility Same Day Ride. Werecruited seven (7) people to be inthe trial: four used Uber, three usedSame Day Ride. They were instructedto keep their current transport, andjust use these new services asanother option. People loved it! They loved beingable to call a friend or cousin and askif they wanted to meet-up to playpool, have a cup of coffee, go out toeat, or lift weights at the Y. The ideaof not needing to plan these thingsdays in advance was a newexperience. Total: 80 Uber rides, average: $8.85per ride, 21Same Day Rides: average$17.50 per ride. (The Uber tripstended to be short distances and theSame Day Rides were to placesmuch further away.)


OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS TEAM

17


the participants from seeing eachother in the community and nowtheir connection is growing stronger.

WHAT WE LEARNEDThree major police departmentswere contacted for this project.After countless phone calls anddelays, we realized that learningabout and establishing relationshipswith people with disabilities was nota priority for the departments.We are not able to draw anyconclusions due to the limitednature of this project and our lack ofsuccess at getting police involved.While we have no hard evidencethat people increased activities in

the community because of thisproject, people reported that theyfeel more connected to the role ofthe police and have some new skillsregarding what to do in anemergency.

NEXT STEPSSix self-advocates have had theopportunity to have coffee with apolice officer. Over the next months,we will invite six additional self-advocates to do the same.

e one thing I've learned in my job is that every single soul wants to feel valued. ... A way toshow value and respect is by having relationship with individuals ...before a crisis begins.ese individuals then know that law enforcement values them and they remember thosepositive interactions....

Officer Heidi Miller



OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS TEAMStarted a coffee club to build relationships with localofficers and thereby help self-advocates feel confidentgoing out in the community.

WHERE WE LIVE:South Metro

WHO WE ARE:John WolfeDaniel GuerinDarlene CieminskiMentors: Kenneth Brown, andKristi Radelius Palmer

WHAT WE DIDA friend of ours had a terribleexperience in the community a shorttime back, when law enforcementdid not respond appropriately to hisaid. We wanted to try out aprogram to see if people would feelsafer in the community if they hadpersonal relationships with policeofficers. We also wanted to see ifofficers would respond differently topeople with disabilities if they had

personal relationshipswith us. We created asimple program, coffeewith cops, for people tomeet with police in acasual, friendly way to

establish relationships and increasecommunity connections betweenofficers and people with disabilities.

WHAT HAPPENEDOver the summer of 2016, weworked hard to get participationfrom police on this project. Weeventually found a metro policeofficer to take part. We have heldtwo meetings with this officer andthey have been positive and helpful.We call our meeting Connectingwith Cops Through Coffee and sixpeople with disabilities got togetherwith a cop to share experiences,laugh and have a snack. The policeofficer who attended knew one of

I was nervous about trusting the police to help me if I’m need it. Now thatI know Heidi, I feel more at ease when I’m out and about.

Program participant

16


METRO TEAM

9


All told: participants increased thenumber of times they were out doingthings with others by about oncemore per week! Not bad.

WHAT WE LEARNEDUber is easier: Uber has an easy-to-learn, visually based smart phoneapp, great for folks who are notstrong readers; Same Day Ride hasa more cumbersome system andpeople tended to need more supportto use it. This project showed thatwhen given options and sometraining, people will use theseoptions.

BARRIERSSafety concerns by family andproviders are a barrier. Tryingsomething new that is outside of amedical model of providing services

is scary for many providers andfamily members. We made theargument that taking a cab or anUber ride did not constitute a highrisk to the safety of the rider. Weprovided information aboutbackground checks and instructionsabout how to use a third party ap totrack rides on maps. One memberwas not allowed to use Uber perfamily objections. One barrier we hadn’t expected:when rides become easier,“Thinking of a place to go” becomesthe next barrier to communityintegration. People need practicejust thinking of what they’d like todo.

NEXT STEPSParticipants vary in their intentionson using either service after theproject ends. Everyone prefers thenew services they used during theproject versus Metro Mobility,relying on staff or parents, or simplystaying home. The variable ispeople’s budget. Despite Uberbeing more popular during theproject, Same Day Ride seems tohave more people open to using itafter the project. It’s cheaper.. Partof the Same Day Ride fee issubsidized, so the cost users pay islower.ACT board is now consideringestablishing an Uber fund for shortnotice ride needs to ACT activities. One participant is exploring payingfor Uber through his Waiveredservice budget.

"I am loving Uber! e nice thing is, I don't have to rush to get ready.And I get where I want to go faster. And I don't have a 30 minutewindow." participant Kayte


SOUTHWEST TEAMSelf-advocates teaching their peers how to ride the bus togo where you want to go.

10


WHERE WE LIVE:Marshall area, western Minnesota

WHO WE ARE:Kristina TolefsonRon MurphyPat BrooksMentor: Les Bauer

WHAT WE DIDTransportation is a barrier tocommunity integration in southwestMinnesota. Not everyone hastransportation available, or supportto use it. We mentored six people withdisabilities to learn how to use theMarshall city bus system so thatthey could attend activities of theirchoice. The project encouragedindependence, making choices, andit also increased self-confidence asparticipants learned a new skill.

WHAT HAPPENEDWe began recruiting in June of2016. To recruit, we connected withservice provider agencies and gotreferrals on who would benefit fromthe project.We chose six individuals andmentored them on how to use thebus. The bus training sessionswere put on by our team inpartnership with WesternCommunity Action. Trainingincluded bus policies, safety, routesand bus etiquette. The peer mentorstook the bus with the new ridersuntil they were comfortable doing itby themselves. Mentors also helpedplan activities on the bus route.They used public transportation for

"When staff says they can't take me somewhere, I now know Ihave other ways of getting where I want to go."

participant who didn't know before this project that the bus could take him to church, li-


LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES TEAM

15


on the rate, and we paid up front toassure them of getting paid.Transportation is the engine thatdrives community integration. It’s thatsimple. Because of our project, 34people are now more involved out inthe community. The members of ourcommunity council keep hearing ofpeople who need transportation to dothings they want to do, and theproject has snowballed.

NEXT STEPSThe taxi company we partnered withwill not continue beyond this project.However, just recently, another taxicompany has started up in LittleFalls. Inspired by our project and thegoals of integration, the new

case managers a the county, andpeople associated with LSS keptspreading the word. We quicklysigned on thirty-four people. Theycould use the taxi vouchers to getplaces they wanted to go, wheneverthey chose. This project was a success. Thirty-four people used taxis to goeverywhere: shopping, visiting withfriends, going to a dance, attendingchurch, and attending SpecialOlympics.

WHAT WE LEARNEDNegotiating with the taxi companywas more difficult than anticipated.But through diligence, we worked itout. They gave us a small discount

company will offer within-city taxirides for a dollar to people withdisabilities in Little Falls. While thisis good news in the short term, thisgenerous offer of $1 trips isprobably not sustainable. We arethrefore looking for sustainableways to continue the $5 rides. This report is a call-out to anyonereading this who might have ideasfor how to use public funds (likeWaivers) to keep this project going. Out of city transportation remains aneed.

"is project gave people opportunities to attend things theywould not have done otherwise."

April, Team member


LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES TEAMCreated a program to offer subsidized taxi vouchers tohelp self-advocates get around down, wherever andwhenever they want.

14


WHERE WE LIVE:Little Falls area

WHO WE ARE:Jesse SchlichtingMelanie GallApril OlsonMentor: Mary Fenske

WHAT WE DIDPeople in Little Falls are isolated byextremely limited bus service:weekdays only, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.We are often not integrated in thecommunity simply because we can’tget there. We set up a pilotprogram of subsidizing taxi rides forpeople with disabilities to attendactivities of their choice: in theevenings, on weekends, wheneverthey chose, and on short notice.

WHAT HAPPENEDIn May and June 2016, we workedout the program details. Wenegotiated with the taxi company fora flat rate: $5 within the city limits,$25 within the county. Rather thanhand out cash, we created avoucher system. We purchasedvouchers from the taxi company upfront, and gave them to participantsto use. Participants paid 20% of thevoucher cost, and our team coveredthe rest. For example, participantspaid $1 for a voucher to get a ride inthe city.Recruiting was simple: demand washuge. Our community council,which included the taxi company,


SOUTHWEST TEAM

11


"I did it all by myself, nobody helped me!" 65 year old participant, aer going through

training and practice ride on her first solo bus ride.

shopping trips, going to the library,YMCA, friend’s house, home visits,movie night, out to restaurants andcoffee shops, or any activity of theirchoice.

WHAT WE LEARNEDHaving a bus available was notenough. Participants needed morethan to just be told they could ride thebus. The barrier was skill (how toride) and imagination (Where can Igo?).Integration increased: People involvedwith the project were given choices,engaged more often in the community,and were given a real choice of whothey wanted to hang out with.

Public awareness of integrationincreased: By being out and visibleon the bus, we showed that peoplewith a disability have the same rightas people without disabilities do.We noticed that bettertransportation increasedparticipant’s’ self-esteem and self-confidence. Better transportationalso increased a person’sindependence and responsibility intheir life.By taking public transit, our sixriders increased participation inevening and weekend activities.Over the six-month project period,our participants took the bus anaverage of twice a month.

NEXT STEPSWe showed that with supportspeople can learn to use the publicbusses. We would love to see theprogram continue, and will exploreoptions in Marshall to see if there isa way to use the results of thisproject to launch a bus trainingprogram that is on-going.

"My son did thison his own and he can do it again!"

Mom who was reluctant of whole idea,WHAT HAPPENED, CONT.


Reached out to peers who were nonvoters and supportedthem to vote.

12


NEW CHALLENGES TEAM

WHERE WE LIVE:Eagan

WHO WE ARE:Travis PedersonJeff LazanoMoses TimahMentor: Nick Wilkie

WHAT WE DIDVoting is a central way to participatein our society. People with intellectualand other disabilities vote at a lowerrate that people without disabilities.We set out to mentor people who hadnot voted before to participate in thevoting process. We gave theminformation on their voting rights, wegot them registered, we hosteddiscussions on how they decide whoto vote for, and we took them to thepolls.

WHAT HAPPENEDOver the summer of2016, we gatheredinformation aboutregistration

requirements, voting rights, andwhere and how to vote. We met withthe Disability Law Center, Arc,Pacer, the Minnesota Secretary ofState and Dakota County. We shared this information with 36people who receive services fromNew Challenges: 18 of whom hadnever voted, and 10 more who hadnot voted since 2006, and 8 ofwhom had recently voted.We used a sample ballot and theslate of candidates giving a littlebackground on each of thecandidates and their priorexperience and voting histories. Weconnected new voters withresources (on-line and print) to helpmatch their values and issues with

"I want to vote, but my Mom doesn't want me to."new voter participant


NEW CHALLENGES TEAM

13


"is is the first time I voted and I am so happy."new voter participant

the candidates that most closelymatches their priorities. Ten of the participants from the“never voted before” category votedfor the first time! We helped themwith voter registration, ID renewal,and transportation.For many people (with and withoutdisabilities) the November electionwas about the presidential election.These new voters were mostinterested in Clinton verses Trump.That said, we did provideinformation and support for votes toconsider constitutional amendmentand down-ballot candidates like thejudges that are unopposed.

WHAT WE LEARNEDWe learned that, given informationand support, people want to be partof the voting process. We alsolearned that there is a lot ofmisinformation out there about whocan and cannot vote. With support, Minnesota gained tennew voters.

NEXT STEPSVoting is just one step in beingincluded in the community’s politicallife. New voters can take the nextstep to deepen integration byhelping hold public officialsaccountable. New voters can nowstart looking for candidates whosupport issues they care about. Wewill follow up with all 36 participantsto offer support in continuedcitizenship via letter writing, visitingelected officials and voting in thenext election.

WHAT HAPPENED, CONT.


Documents

2016 DISABILITY INTEGRATION PROJECTS · 2016 DISABILITY INTEGRATION PROJECTS A REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY DECEMBER 16, 2016 The Olmstead Academy is a program of the ACT Center for Disability