Council-Sponsored Grant Activities: Cultural Outreach Program in the Somali Community
Day 1, January 9, 2019
The first session provided participants with a History of Disabilities, and introduced them to People First Language and Person Centered Planning.
Comments and feedback included the following:
"I learned that I have to take control of my own well-being."
"Adapting to these new ways will be challenging."
"It will take many classes to learn what we need to know."
"The law supports people of disability which makes me feel safe."
"I wish I could educate family members back home who suffer the same as I did."
"Disability brings death where I come. It could be much different."
"I will get help and make sure others do too."
"There are many like me who don't know this information. I will guide them here."
"The speaker was knowledgeable about topic. She was good at teaching the history of disabilities and I like the person-centered planning."
"I learned how to connect with the right people for my child. To know who will take our needs into consideration."
"I will get my child enrolled in IEP classes. It's no shame since it will benefit my child's future."
"The resources were not available to get the help we needed. Now that we have the resources, it is difficult knowing where to look. The presentation was really an eye-opener."
"I'm in charge of my own life."
Day 2, January 24, 2019
The second session focused on Special Education, the Individual Education Program, and Parental Rights and Responsibilities.
Comments and feedback included the following:
"I'm the keeper of my child's dreams. This is important for me to know."
"I need to ask more about my child's day."
"I need to be more involved in the school of my child."
"I know my child best. I will make it easier for the school to best know the needs of the child."
"Children suffer a lot back home but now it will be better here."
"I can truly say that I made new friends, I learned new things and will for sure be implementing everything I have learned."
"I'm confident that the school will take care of my child's needs."
"The inclusive model is wonderful for children and everyone.".
"I must have my child evaluated for special programs."
Day 3, January 25, 2019
The third session focused on County Services, Waivers, and How to Apply for Waiver Services and Appeal Rights
Comments and feedback included the following:
"The presenter was keen and knowledgeable and made it easier for me to understand. One of the most important things helped me understand was that I have the right to appeal."
"I learned that counties have a checklist to determine whether a person is eligible for DD waiver."
"I believe that the presenter…was very clear and understandable."
"Local government units are created by the Legislature."
"I learned about help for Social Security and for Medicare."
"I can no longer worry about being uneducated. The services are out there. I have been introduced to the right contacts. I must start the paperwork."
"I will be back for more classes. Things are starting to go in the right direction. Happy to be part of this Minnesota community."
"It is up to us to take the right steps since the information has been presented. We will do better, God willing."
"The way the presenters made us feel comfortable was nice. It made the day go fast and I left feeling empowered."
"After taking this information, I definitely need reevaluation of services. I will have HAARAN office help with getting in contact with the right people."
"I'm a person with a disability. For a while I have been searching for help so I can get evaluated but did not know. Now I'm glad I took part in this class."
"I'm an elderly person with a disability. I have shortened my hours of service and didn't know where to go about seeking advice or help. But now, I have been educated and I have been told I can get answers."
"it's truly wonderful. Our concerns are going up to the state level. It is wonderful progress."
"It gives me great joy that my problems are being heard."
"The speaker was knowledgeable about the topic we very much about waiver and the benefits."
Day 4, March 14, 2019
The training sessions are scheduled in two groups of three sessions each to assure that participants are able to attend, transportation can be more easily arranged (they do not drive themselves, and speakers can be scheduled and confirmed). This group of three sessions addressed employment, housing.
The fourth session focused on employment and disability issues related to employment, including discrimination The presentation was translated into Somali and handed out to participants.
Comments and feedback regarding this session:
"Very resourceful presenter."
"I wish I had this training before to help my family."
"This will help me navigate through the system."
"I will use (this) training for reference in the future."
Day 5, March 15, 2019
The fifth session covered housing and The Arc Minnesota provided an overview of their Housing Access Services program (the brochure was translated into Somali for all participants).
Participant comments and feedback included the following:
" I needed this training badly and I thank the organizers."
"I am now able to use this information to seek services."
"I can now advocate for my housing needs."
"I (am empowered) and can now give housing information to others in my community."
" I didn't know a lot about my rights before this training."
"This has created some thinking about my capacity and what I can do for myself."
Day 6, April 26, 2019
State Senator Nick Frentz, who represents Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties, met with participants in St. Peter. He provided a "big picture" overview about the State Legislature, encouraging a conversation to help participants understand the importance of their voice in the policymaking process. Part of this training session also gave participants tips on how to most effectively communicate with their elected officials.
Comments and feedback included the following:
"I now know about my legislators and even where they live and about their families; I like that."
"I learned about the process to pass a bill."
"I learned how to influence my legislator."
"I learned about why I have to raise my voice."
"I learned the rights of people to advocate before the legislature."
"The name of my senator was very important to learn."
"This is a very good topic; I am happy the Senator came to meet us."
"I learned how I have a say in what my government does."
"I understand very well …that my voice can now be heard and I know how to speak up."
