The Connecting Point
Volume 2      Issue  15    Date   February 28th, 2005

In This ISSUE:
This issue contains several workbooks available from Minnesota DD Council and e-courses available form Minnesota Partners in Policy Making

1) It's My Choice
2) It is never to early. It is never to late.
3) Making Futures Happen
4) Making Your Case
5) Online self-directed Courses

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1) New : It's My Choice now available as editable PDF workbooks is an 84 page workbook that will help you change the way you think about your life and the options that are available to you. PDF Version (3MB)     Text-only Version

Each of the Guides and Checklists (indicated by *) in this workbook can be completed electronically. Each is a separate PDF file that can be downloaded and printed out, and the responses can be saved for future reference, or revised and updated when you want to make some changes.

Our hope is that you will use these tools to prepare for planning meetings, and that this will make it possible for you more fully participate in discussions/decisions about services and supports to meet your individual needs in a variety of life areas.

2) It's Never Too Early, It's Never Too Late , A Booklet About Personal Futures Planning
A guidebook that introduces personal futures planning for individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates. Futures planning is discussed as an ongoing problem solving process that focuses on the person with disabilities – his/her desires and interests, opportunities to develop personal relationships and take on positive roles in community life, increase control over his/her own life, and learn skills to achieve these goals. PDF Version 7.3MB     Text version

3) Making Futures Happen
A workbook designed for facilitators of the personal futures planning process and written to compliment It's Never Too Early, It's Never Too Late . The basic values and approaches to personal futures planning and strategies for developing and implementing plans are provided. Facilitator skills and capacities necessary for an effective planning process are discussed – creating and evaluating information and finding new directions for action, tools for conducting productive meetings, and ideas for maintaining a long term commitment to the change process. PDF Version - 6.4 MB    Text Version

4) Making Your Case – (Updated Edition)
A booklet that offers techniques and insights for effective communication skills in the legislative process and how to positively influence public policy at all levels of government – writing letters; talking with legislators/public officials via phone, email, and visits; and presenting testimony. The roles and responsibilities of legislative staff, and various approaches for "making your case" are provided. A glossary of terms is included. Items specific to the Minnesota legislative process are noted.   PDF Version – 285 kb    Text Version

5) Online self-directed courses
New Partners In Policymaking ® E-Learning Courses
"Partners in Education," a three-hour self directed e-learning course to help parents with children with developmental disabilities better understand and maximize the benefits of special education services and inclusion for their children, is now available, and we would like your evaluation of the course and suggestions for improvements. Go to www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/education to review the course and give us your comments and feedback. Updates to this course regarding the results of the IDEA reauthorization, now titled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA), will be made when an accurate and comprehensive summary is available.

"Making Your Case" is a three hour self directed course on how to communicate with public officials by effectively telling your personal story, writing a letter, providing testimony, and communicating in positive ways. Go to www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/makingyourcase to review the course. Please take a moment to complete the evaluation. We welcome your comments and feedback. Click here to download a course outline for Making Your Case.

"Partners in Employment" is a six hour self directed course on how to find a job, write a resume, participate in an interview, and plan for your career. Go to www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/employment to take the course and give us your comments and feedback. Click here to download a course outline for Partners in Employment.

These e-learning courses are available to everyone!

PLEASE NOTE: There are NO registration fees for the "Partners in Education", "Making Your Case" or "Partners in Employment" e-learning courses.

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