Partnering with Communities

Community input has been at the center of CDD's Family Support initiatives. Community Councils in each community that piloted the Family Support and Systems Change Project initially served as focus groups to identify the resources and needs of each community. Community building methods were used to identify a local leader who then used similar members to recruit group members and assist them to develop "community." Local parent leaders and community stakeholder, including self-advocates, familly members, community providers, advocacy groups, educators and community leaders, were identified to serve on each community council.

After the initial development phase of the project, Community Councils assumed leadership to raise community awareness and knowledge about individuals with developmental disabilities and assisted families in finding resources to meet individual needs.

Community Councils were funded by state general funds for the first few years of the implementation of the Self-Directed Family Support Program. Unique projects included the development of a resource guide, collaborating with the public schools to sponsor Parent Education Fairs, and assisting families to be prepared for disasters.

Following this model, Pueblo Connections, established Community Councils in each pueblo that guided the development and implementation of the project. Through the Community Councils, tribal governors became aware of the needs of people with disabilities. Family Resource Specialists summarized the CDD's approach by saying, "Usually when people ouside of the pueblo have services to offer us, they come in and say "Here is a program for you." However, the CDD has come in and listened to us and asked us what we need."

The key ingredient in partnering with communities has been hiring or contracting with parents in local communities.