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.
Principles of Self-Determination
Freedom
to choose a meaningful life in the community
Authority
over a targeted amount of dollars
Support
to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and meaningful to the individual with a disability
Responsibility
for the wise use of public dollars and recognition of the contribution individuals with disabilities can make to their communities
Confirmation
of the important leadership role that individuals with disabilities and their families must play in a newly re-designed system and support for the self-advocacy movement
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