Success of 2022
SUFU Staff shared with each other the successes of the past twelve months. Here is a glimpse of the past year:
SUFU held a successful Leadership Development Program after pausing this program for 2 years due to the pandemic. There were 9 self-advocates who participated. This program teaches self-advocates how to be leaders in their own lives and focuses on decision making and problem solving.
SUFU worked collaboratively with MECASA and DRM to pass legislation that will allow people with disabilities to have their own advocate or lawyer when under guardianship. This legislation was passed after the situation highlighted in the media about Britney Spears.
SUFU partnered with OADS to offer Technical Assistance Trainings at agencies for individuals receiving services and their DSP’s. These trainings give information about Self-Advocacy, Self-Determination and Informed Choice. The trainings are part of supporting the HCBS Global Rule to be rolled out in Maine.
SUFU worked closely with MDDC and OADS to help bring Self-Directed Services to Maine. SUFU staff attended a national Applied Self-Direction Conference and participated in multiple work groups to allow self-advocates to choose self-direction as an option for their services.
SUFU members were able to start seeing each other in person. We started with coffee talks in the spring in smaller group. By summer we were meeting together for picnics in the park where multiple chapters would join together. In September we were able to join together in Caribou for an in-person conference.
From our time doing Technical Assistance Trainings around the state, we have had many new and returning members in our chapters. It is great to see the chapters growing!
We were able to complete a successful project with BIAA-Maine to offer Technical Assistance in sharing about Self-Advocacy, Self-Determination and Informed Choice.
The number of new bloggers has been great. We have heard from people all over the state that want to share on the blog.
SUFU Staff was able to attend and participate in Disability Pride Day in Augusta. This gave members and staff the opportunity to connect with others and share what SUFU does!
Many of our SUFU Members were able to sit on committees with the state to have input, and work alongside others in the state. This was a fantastic opportunity to have self-advocate voices heard.
At our statewide meetings we were able to host presenters about a variety of topics. Learning about Able Accounts and the benefits of them, how HCBS applies to us, and what Benefits Counseling Services are with a Community Work Incentives Coordinator from Maine Medical Center.
Jon and Laurie worked together to move our data to a new database in the spring. This included hours of set up, going through contact information, and learning how to use the new database.
Laurie was able to secure a new host for our website, and upgrades for the server. This enables us to work better as a team!
The SUFU Staff was able to have two in person meetings this year. For many of us this was the first time we had ever been together. Both times proved to be beneficial for the staff.
Kile was able to speak with Jared Golden about struggles with the marriage penalty, and why it is important to have that eliminated. As a result Kile received a letter from Jared Golden's office saying that he would be signing on to co-sponsor two bills that have to do with the marriage penalty.
SUFU staff were able to come together as a team through the year.
