Hi Kellie.  I've attached copies of our program description and an application form.  There is an on-line application as well.  In recent years we've had to lower the cap to $250 per person and extend the time period before someone can apply again (2 years).  We used to spend nearly $70K per year, then reduced it to $50K, then $30K, now capped at $24K. We love the program but we can barely afford it anymore.


https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-council-empowerment-funds-program


Dan



Daniel M. Shannon

Executive Director

MA Developmental Disabilities Council

617-770-7676 X108

 

“The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--but the myth.   Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."  John F. Kennedy


From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com <xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com> on behalf of McCain, Kellie (DD Council) <xxxxxx@ky.gov>
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

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