In Connecticut we use a simple protocol.

First the individual must request a grant via email to the Council with details of the event.

The request is reviewed in a committee of the Director, the Chair and the Vice Chair. That committee decides to award the grant or not.

Grants are limited to $600.

Grants must be used to support participation in the community by self-advocates and parents at conferences and other leadership opportunities.

Grants are made as reimbursement for expenses actually incurred.

The grantee must make a report or presentation in which they share what they learned from the experience.

In my tenure the grants have never been abused. In fact we have not received as many requests as we would like and we will be doing more to promote the availability of these funds to self-advocates.

Walter Glomb

Director, Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities

460 Capitol Avenue

Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 418 - 6157

From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of McCain, Kellie (DD Council)
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2019 1:44 PM
To: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com
Cc: Hicks, Jennifer (DD Council); Tudor, Carol (DD Council)
Subject: DD Councils Supporting Self-Advocates to events

Hello all,

Council here approved funding to support self-advocates to attend trainings, town halls, and other events concerning DD issues, however, we do not have a protocol to access the funds. In the past, there have been funds for folks to attend conferences and such, but I understand it was very poorly managed and people were taking advantage of the system (conferences in Florida anyone?).

The intent is to have a process and criteria that will really help self-advocates to get to things that are important such as Medicaid town hall meetings, or community conversations and 1 day seminars. I think it pertinent to have restrictions as some have asked us to rent passenger vans and buses. This is to reimburse mileage, lodging if needed and meals.

Does anyone have any protocols they would be willing to share?

Thanks so much! Appreciate you all.

Kellie I. McCain, M.A.

Executive Director

Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

656 Chamberlain Ave., Suite C

Frankfort, KY 40601

P 502-782-8601