In This Issue:


  • Greetings from Speaking Up For Us

  • Partnering with SUFU

  • Jon's Corner

  • Kile's Corner
November 2022 Newsletter

As November comes to a close we at SUFU took time to reflect on all that we are Thankful for. SUFU members were able to share at our most recent statewide meeting what they were thankful for. This ranged from friendships, meeting each other, self-advocacy, family, and more. We all acknowledged that we have much to be thankful for.
We are also thankful for you - whether you are self-advocate, supporter, friend, or family member. Thank you!

This year SUFU has an opportunity for you to partner with us on Giving Tuesday. Your gift helps to provide resources so that SUFU can keep providing opportunities for self-advocates. We hope you join us!


Partnering with Speaking Up To Us
Giving to SUFU is easy! You can give online at https://sufumaine.kindful.com/ or mail a check to
Speaking Up For Us
PO Box 4139
Presque Isle, ME 04769
Jon's Corner


Hi there
This month I was able to attend the Autism Conference in Bangor.  This was the first time I have ever attended this conference. I was able to meet the presenters. The last workshop I attended the people who ran it asked us questions like what we like, whether it was in our personal lives, our services, or other things. In this workshop the attenders were able to really share about themselves with others in the group. The presenters really listened to us. 

I think we should make this a conference that people with disabilities go to.  It would be great to see others there. It gives an opportunity to understand what Autism is really about.  It was also great to see people at their booths and get information from them.  
Kile's Corner

Hello everyone, this is Kile and I’m back with another Kile’s Corner for the month of November.

 We give thanks for being a us, being a family together on Thanksgiving while we eat some turkey and watch some football.
Right now, I want to talk about the busy month of November, and we have been busy with the in person chapter and statewide Zoom meetings.

I hope all of you got out to vote for your voice to be heard.

 I was out of town week the week of November 14th attending AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities) conference in Washington D.C. The topic of the Conference was Health and Equality.

One of the bigger meetings that I attended in D.C. talked about the cost of living. The discussion was about the costs that go up but people that have a disability spend more to feed themselves and SSI benefits are not enough. That needs to be changed. We looked at how much we are going to get for SSI and looked to see what other groups are getting in other states.

That also gave me a time to talk to congressman about the changes that are needed with SSI, Marriage Penalty and other things that need to be changed.
I look forward to hearing from you about what you like to see changed.


 
What's on the blog?
Our Blog is a space where Self-Advocates share their stories. We invite you to check them out here.
If you are a self-advocate that would like to submit an entry for our blog please reach out to Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern.
Finally

We invite you to check out our website . Read our most recent blog post and subscribe to future blogs. You can also find the list of our chapter meetings, or follow us on Facebook. If you are a SUFU member we want you to join our members only Facebook Group. To do that please email Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern. We don't want you to miss anything.
Have an Idea for Something to be in The Connector?
Contact: Laurie Coldwell
Program Manager (207) 956-1004 / Ext. 4
lcoldwell@sufumaine.org
SUFU CONNECTOR
Speaking Up For Us of Maine
207-956-1004

www.sufumaine.org