Self Determination Conference

Michigan Academy for Self Determination

MIdland, Michigan

2010 Sessions

The Importance of Belonging – March 23 & 24
Location: The Carriage House in Midland’s Heritage Park - MAP
Being connected to the people we love is critical to our emotional and physical well-being. This workshop is about ideas for moving beyond interventions and coverage to a system that supports enduring, freely chosen relationships. Guest: David Pitonyak, dimagine.com.
Outcomes: Participants will develop problem-solving strategies for times when relationships are unbalanced or slow in developing and for helping people who are lonely to develop enduring, freely chosen, positive relationships.

The Art of Independent Facilitation – April 22 & 23
Location: United Way of Midland, 220 West Main Street - MAP
In general, a facilitator is one who makes the process easier. At the Academy “support circle thinking” extends to the person centered planning in which the process is focused on the individual’s goals, dreams and agenda. Independent facilitation focuses on life outside the service system and helps individuals create a life and how that will be supported by creatively designed support that will foster the greatest community participation and engagement.
Outcomes: Participants will learn to support the dreams of individuals, their families, and/or significant others with the skills of independent facilitation of creative person-centered planning and circles of support.

Summer Institute for Academy Graduates & Allies –July 22 & 23
Location: Northwood University in Midland, 400 Whiting Drive, Midland, MI - MAP
Participants will gather to share and update plans developed at previous Academy sessions. Problem solving and community building strategies will guide the process.
Outcomes: Participants will reconnoiter, re-visit and resolve what is necessary as determined by participants.

Michigan Academy for Self-Determination – Oct & Nov TBD
The Academy is guided by the ancient proverb “Tell me and I may forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand.” Teams from communities across Michigan will work together during this standard Academy session to learn strategies for organizing supports to promote a fulfilling life with meaningful relationships.
Outcomes: Focus persons will develop individual plans of action that will be implemented between sessions and when participants finish the training sessions. Participants will develop an action plan that utilizes principles of self determination to support a meaningful life.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Sponsored by:

The Arc of Midland
thearcofmidland.org
(989) 631-4439

Community Drive, Inc.
communitydrive.org
(810) 231-6364

Why Self-Determination?

Self-determination is an idea so important, life affirming, and necessary that to fully understand, one must be given opportunities to hear about it, see it and be involved in it. Therefore, the predominate learning model at the Michigan Academy on Self- Determination is hands-on, experiential and based on adult learning principles. There is no one best way to understand self-determination. The most success occurs when you are helping to build a plan for an individual who wants more control in his or her life. If the individual is searching for ways to make more meaningful contributions to community life, the tools of self-determination will help. Once you’ve immersed yourself in this hard work, you will understand the importance of self-determination. Sometimes you just have to do it. You must figure out how to make it happen. No amount of guidelines, standards or policy and procedures can replace learning by doing. That is why The Academy works. We figure things out together.

Questions: Jan Lampman, The Arc of Midland:
(989) 631-4439
Pat Carver, Community Drive, Inc.:
(810) 231-6364
Space is limited. Please respond promptly.

Tell me and I may forget.
Show me and I may remember.
Involve me and I will understand.

“The Michigan Academy represents the best learning opportunity on self-determination in the country. From its inception seven years ago individuals with disabilities and their close family and allies have been central to this learning. What distinguishes the Academy is the integrity they have demonstrated in pursuit of excellence regarding all the dimensions of this important foundational change.”
Tom Nerney, Executive Director,
The Center for Self-Determination

“At the Academy, we learned that we could all dream new dreams for my daughter. It all made so much sense… We were shown how we could help her have a full life; maybe to have her own home, friends and work she enjoyed. These are dreams we never should have lost.”
2005 participant from Pontiac.

“The Academy was founded in order to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to learn about ways that all citizens can take their place as contributing citizens in the community.”
Jan Lampman,
The Arc of Midland Executive Director

2010 Learning Events registration

You may register online by clicking here

Cost:

Session 1 – $100.00/person
Session 2 – $100.00/person
Session 3 – $100.00/person
Session 4 – $200.00/person
All Sessions – $450.00/person

March & April Accommodations: Fairview Inn, Midland, MI - MAP. Reserve directly by calling (989) 631-0070 and ask for a room blocked under The Arc of Midland. $68 plus tax per night for room with 2 double beds.
July Accommodations: Northwood University, Midland, MI. - MAP Reserve by calling the Arc at (989) 631-4439. $70.20 including tax per night for room with 2 double beds.