Council-Sponsored Grant Activities: Cultural Outreach Program in the Somali Community
Day 1, October 27, 2017
This first session focused on the history of disabilities, People First language, and the concept and principles of person centered planning and services. Comments and feedback included the following:
“I was happy to learn about person centered support plans. I feel more of a person than my disability. Now I know more resources in the County… and now my disability will not scare me anymore.”
“I didn't know the history of disability in the U.S. It was similar to that of Somalia when I was very young.”
“The presenter kept repeating important information like civil rights and fair treatment and it was written in our own language. I didn't know about the history of disabilities in the USA.”
“I learned that I am to be in charge of my life and my meeting with providers an service delivery people. I feel I can now advocate better after I attended this training because now I know what they are supposed to do.”
“I liked the presenters attitude and understanding.
Day 2, October 28, 2017
The second session focused on county services and waivers. Comments and feedback included the following:
“These trainings will transform our community; no one told us this information before.”
“I feel empowered because now I know where to find services in the country.”
”Now I can speak for my children.”
“I think we should build an inter-city Somali Network for People Living with Disabilities for Mankato and St. Peter.”
Day 3, October 29, 2017
The third session focused on special education services, and the IEP and IEP process. Comments and feedback included the following:
“This training opened my eyes to the complex process about inclusive education and the rights of students and their parents.”
“Today I learned the language and the questions I can ask the school concerning my children.”
“This training is good for the immigrant who doesn't know about the IEP process. Now I know IEP is a programs o that my child reaches her educational goals.”
“This topic is very useful for our immigrant community. We don't understand much about education and what special needs or special education actually means. Developmental disabilities are new to us.
Day 4, March 16, 2018
The fourth session covered Employment, and Housing and The Arc Minnesota's Housing Access Services program.
Comments and feedback regarding the session on Employment:
"I absolutely enjoyed what the speaker had to teach, and I hope to have him back again."
"I have been denied before on employment; now I can have documents and explain to them my rights."
"I honestly needed this because it explains a t of what I need to know."
"This material in my own language will be useful – I will keep it for when I need it."
"I learned about skills and abilities needed on the job – trustworthy, organized, punctual, careful.
"I learned the importance of establishing relationships with other co-workers."
"Job coaching and peer support – I did not know about this."
"I didn't think of a job as creating opportunities to meet new people and make new friends."
Comments and feedback regarding the session on Housing and the Arc Minnesota's Housing Access Program:
"Since everything was in my language, I gained a lot of knowledge."
"I learned how to develop a household budget."
"The speaker was 'right on' the topic."
"I learned how to meet and negotiate with the landlord or property staff."
"I will share this information with my whole family."
"She honestly was great. She answered my questions and concerns."
"I learned about my rights whether owning or renting."
"With the help from the folder of information in my own language, I can advocate for myself."
Day 5, April 20, 2018
The final session for this first training program year provided an introduction to the State Legislative Process and how to influence legislation. Representative Clark Johnson was a presenter and represents participants in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties.
An important component for this program year was to help participants become familiar with waiver services, and the range of services available under each waiver based on a level of care. For many children and adults with developmental, the DD waiver may best meet their needs. Of the individuals who participated in this year's training program, one participant applied for and was approved for DD Waiver services and one participant applied for and was approved for a CADI Waiver. Two participants applied for an Alternative Care (AC) Waiver; one is in the appeal process and one is pending approval. One participant also applied for extended PCA services with approval of those services pending.