West Central Texas Regional Foundation – Leadership Development and Advocacy Training in Rural Areas

Project Summary
The West Central Texas Regional Foundation increased advocacy efforts and leadership opportunities for people with developmental disabilities (DD) in rural areas of West Texas. The project developed a self-advocacy training curriculum and coordinated activities for participants to develop their leadership and advocacy skills. Participants completed their training with a better understanding of their rights and enhanced skills to advocate for themselves in meaningful ways on issues important to their lives.

TCDD supported this project to increase access to information and training for people with DD, families, and caregivers to advocate for themselves and collaborate with allies to impact public policy, service systems, and community supports.

Project Highlights

• Nearly 450 people participated in project activities, including 290 people with DD.
• Project staff developed a leadership coalition to continue project activities in their communities, with members including self-advocates, family members, and representatives from partner agencies.
• The project’s final year included an information fair that gave participants a chance to meet with community members and encourage deeper understanding of issues important to people with DD.
• Several participants received training to become peer instructors for a “Mighty Advocate Squad” to continue offering leadership and advocacy training in West Texas communities.
     

Personal Impact Stories
One participant in his early 20s said the leadership and advocacy classes helped him recognize things about himself that he hadn’t previously thought about. He received support to reconnect with family, develop communication skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and better manage his reactions to others when provoked. 

A staff member at a local residential facility for people with disabilities said the classes helped his clients build confidence to express themselves and understand the perspectives of their peers. The staff member said the training was “really teaching, explaining, and encouraging our people in a very positive way.”