2021 SARTAC Zoom Meetings
Many valuable resources have been shared during SARTAC's weekly online Zoom meetings. Below you will find links to the presentations, videos, guides and more.
December 23, 2021 - Ken Capone Equal Employment Act
Ken Capone, Public Policy Coordinator and self-advocate for People on the Go of Maryland had a bill named after him. The bill ends subminimum wage in the state. Ken joined this meeting to tell us about how he made this happen.
Click here to review a recording of this session
December 16, 2021 - TechKnowledgeMe: Connecting through Video Conferencing
5 New Videos by Self-Advocacy Association of New York State
- # 1 What is video conferencing? Why do we do it? Overview
- # 2 How to Join a Video Conference
- # 3 Etiquette/Participation
- # 4 How to get or manage your links
- # 5 Virtual self-advocacy
Click here for a recording of this session Click here to get the 5 videos
December 2, 2021 - Where to get the facts about Omicron. Staying calm as we wait for answers.
There is a new kind of Covid-19 called Omicron.
What Is A Variant Or Mutation?
Click here for slides explaining mutations and variants.
Click here for a recording of this session
November 18, 2021 - Supported Decision Making: How is it the same or different than Alternatives to Guardianship?
Why Guardianship Should Be The Last Resort.
Supported Decision Making
Alternatives To Guardianship.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
November 4, 2021 - Connecting Youth to Self-Advocacy Groups
Tips from leaders of state self-advocacy organizations on ways to welcome youth into the self-advocacy movement.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
October 28, 2021 - Self-Advocacy Skill-Share: GMSA will share their favorite activities!
SARTAC shared activities, such as the Dating Game & Rocks Activity, that participants can take and do within their states with their self-advocacy organizations.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to the Dating Game Script and Instructions
October 21, 2021 - How To Be A Self-Advocate Consultant
Get advice on how to work as a professional advocate.
How much should you charge to speak?
How do you figure out the time you need to prepare?
How will it impact my benefits?
Click here to get the PowerPoint
October 14, 2021 - How To Advocate for Yourself When Around People Who Are NOT Vaccinated
It can be hard to stand up for yourself when around someone who has not gotten or will not get their COVID-19 shot.
Here are some tips on ways to advocate for your safety or find ways to stay safe around those who are not vaccinated
Click here to get a handout on How To Advocate During COVID-19
Click here to review a recording of this webinar
September 23, 2021 - Preparing for Emergencies
Signing up for Emergency Alerts in your state
Making a list of contact information to use during an emergency
Talking to people in your life & planning where you can go if you have to leave your home
We facilitated small group discussions on what should be in your To Go Bag and what you need if you were stuck at home without power for 3 days
Click here to review the slides used for this session.
September 16, 2021 - Legislative Update from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
Congress is working on another big spending bill to help the country recover from the pandemic.
Get the facts from Julia Bascom, executive director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) autisticadvocacy.org
Click here to review the slides used for this session.
September 9, 2021 - Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentors are professionals with an intellectual or developmental disability trained to provide services to their peers. This short video describes a peer mentoring program in Detroit Michigan.
SARTAC facilitated small group discussions on the importance of and ways to promote peer mentoring.
Click here to review a short video on peer mentoring.
September 2, 2021 - Delta Variant and Boosters Update
It is important to know about COVID-19 variants. Some kinds of COVID-19 are easier to get.
Some kinds of COVID can make people sicker than others.
Learn about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
August 26, 2021 - Working with your Support Staff
People with disabilities have problems finding and keeping support staff. SARTAC members will talk about natural and paid supports and how they play a role in their lives.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
August 23, 2021 - How Self-Advocates Define “Who’s in Control” of Community Services
Who’s in control of our services? How can we keep support workers from taking over our lives? What does self-determination look like? These important questions can be hard to answer. ASAN and self-advocates came up with questions to find out who’s in control. Get a sneak peek at this new resource!
Click here to get the PowerPoint
August 16, 2021 - What Can You Do as a Citizen to Educate Legislators?
Chester Finn
Emily Rogers
Learn the different levels of involvement
How do you get involved in public policy as an advocate?
Meeting with your legislators
Click here to get the PowerPoint
August 12, 2021 - How to make Easy Read resources
This presentation will help you write in Easy Read, an accessible format that uses pictures and easy-to-understand language. This presentation is based on a new guide made by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Creating resources in Easy Read helps make sure that all people with disabilities have the tools we need to understand and speak out about policy that affects our lives.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to get the Toolkit
August 9, 2021 - Sharing Your Story for a Political Purpose
Our stories are powerful political tools, and we can use them to make real change. Hearing a person talk about a policy problem gives policymakers a name and face to remember. Make sure they remember your story — and make the changes you want — with a toolkit made by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), “Sharing Your Story For a Political Purpose.”
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to get the Toolkit
August 2, 2021 - Civil Rights Lawsuit about Housing
Mary has a disability. She is not able to open and close her apartment door. Learn how she worked with her local Fair Housing Office to get the accommodations she needs to go in and out of her apartment.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
July 29, 2021 - Moving To Another State
Many people with disabilities have a dream to move to another state. There are so many things to think about. Will I lose my benefits? How do I get services? Get advice from self-advocates who have made the big move.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this Zoom session
July 22, 2021 - ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
SABE - Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered facilitates a discussion and celebration of 30 years of advocacy for the ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this Zoom session
July 15, 2021 - A Plain Language Guide About Ableism & Violence
SARTAC partners made a booklet about ableism and violence. We wrote it for people with disabilities to understand ableism. Ableism may be a new word to many people. Often we hear people use academic words to describe ableism. It is important for people with disabilities to be able to explain ableism. We need to understand how it is connected to violence.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here for the booklet ( the booklet will be posted in August 2021)
July 1, 2021 - Let's Talk About Sex! For people with disabilities and BY people with disabilities
SARTAC hosted a conversation with and BY people with disabilities about ongoing issues they face expressing their sexuality and having relationships.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to find other resources on sexuality
June 24, 2021 - Affordable and Accessible Housing
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this Zoom session
June 21, 2021 - The OLMSTEAD Decision: Disability Civil Rights
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this Zoom session
June 14, 2021 - TeleHealth
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this Zoom session
June 10, 2021 - Poetry Fest and Share your Favorite Grilling Recipe
Okay - you asked for these topics! Bring your favorite poem to share. If it is one you wrote even better! AND if poetry is not your thing - bring your favorite summer grilling recipe
Click here to view this Zoom session
May 24, 2021 - Communication Devices
What is AAC or Augmentative & Alternative Communication? How do we talk with people who use AAC? By Donnie Denome and Cole Sorensen.
May 20, 2021 - Self-Advocacy & Healthcare
On a personal level, doctors need to know all about your life. They need to know your strengths to give you good advice about being healthy. As a group, self-advocates are learning about health disparities. We are speaking up so people with disabilities get the healthcare they need.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to view this zoom session
May 17, 2021 - How I Use Technology Today
Self-Advocates talked about how they use technology in their lives to be more independent.May 10, 2021 - How to Report Abuse
Click here for the PowerPoint
Click for Peer to Peer Guide about Abuse
Click for Learn How to Become a Peer Supporter of a Person who was Abused
April 29, 2021 - Parenting with a Disability
Meet TASP - The Association for Successful Parenting. They support families when parents have intellectual disabilities. TASP works to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income, race, sexual orientation, background, or learning difficulties has a chance to parent.
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here to get more information
April 26, 2021 - People First Wisconsin
Cindy Bentley is the executive director of People First of Wisconsin. They run the Self-Determination Youtube channel. Learn about this powerful state self-advocacy organization.
Video: In the Spotlight | Black History Month | A conversation on race
Video: Cindy Bentley Shares Her Story | Self-Determination |
April 8, 2021 - Plain Language
Learn how your self-advocacy group can make plain language materials
Click here to get the PowerPoint
Click here for more information about Plain Language
April 1, 2021 - Everyday Artists
William C. Brewer III is an artist and long-time fighter for self-advocacy. He is a self-employed artist at Utility Works, an open art studio shared with artists with and without disabilities.Click here for William's Everyday Artist Handbook
Click here to get his PowerPoint
March 25, 2021 - VT LEND Program
VT LEND is a 1-year college program. It is a disability Leadership Training program at the University of Vermont. It is remote. You can participate from anywhere in the country.
Click here for a recording of the presentation
Click here for the PowerPoint
Click here to get a 1-page flyer & how to apply
March 18, 2021 - Working at the Capitol in DC
An Autistic Person’s Guide to Hillternships. Grace Hart created a guidebook for interning on Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill is where the laws that impact our lives are made. It is critical that we become a larger part of the legislative process.
Click here for a recording of the presentation
Click here for the PowerPoint
March 15, 2021 - The "I" in IEP
Ashley Mabry created videos and other resources to teach students to be self-advocates in their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.Click here to find all of Ashley's videos and resources
Click here to listen to her presentation
March 8, 2021 - ABLE Accounts
Chris Blake from Connecticut explains how to choose, set up, and use an ABLE account in your state. Chris believes having an ABLE account gives you more freedom and independence, and increases your ability to learn, grow and be your own person.Click here to get Chris' PowerPoint
Click here to listen to Chris' presentation
Click here to get all of Chris' materials about Able Accounts
March 4, 2021 - "Disabled I AM" Social Media Project
Timotheus “T.J.” Gordon, Jr. has a project Disabled I AM. People use photos and social media to talk about their disability identity. It creates a discussion on the connection between disability and other identities, like race, gender, and more.
March 4, 2021 – Click here to get a PowerPoint about his project
March 4, 2021 – Click here to view a recording of TJ presenting
February 25, 2021 - Engaging with Legislators in Washington State
People with disabilities are speaking up about sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities and to move people out of institutions and into the community.
People First of Washington and SelfAdvocates in Leadership 2021 Legislative Agenda
Alliance in Advocacy Fact Sheet & Priorities
February 18, 2021 - New Law "The Sex Education Act For People With DD"
Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance describes how they got this law passed. It supports the right to sex education and the right to be free from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Click here for the PowerPoint used for this presentation
February 11, 2021 - Making Your Own Vision Board
Shameka Andrews - SANYS Community Outreach Coordinator
A dream board or vision board is a collage of images, pictures, and words of one's dreams and desires, designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Vision Board Handout
February 8, 2021 - Civil Rights Movements
We explored what the African American and Self-Advocacy Movements have in common.
Civil Rights Movements Powerpoint
Information from the booklet Our Common History: Fighting for the Rights of People.
1/28/21, 2/1/21, and 2/4/21 - How Engaged Citizens Make Change Happen
Tactics are activities that groups use to get our country to change. Here are 3 handouts:
1. Using the courts to get things changed
2. Passing Laws to get our country to change
3. How Marches & Protests demand change
January 25, 2021 - History of People with Developmental Disabilities Speaking for Themselves
This session describes the history of the Self-Advocacy Movement.
History of the Self-Advocacy Movement Handout
Information from the booklet Our Common History: Fighting for the Rights of People.
January 14, 2021 - Self-Advocacy
What Does It Mean To Be A Self-Advocate?
January 4, 2021 - African American Civil Rights Movement
Click here to get the PowerPoint on the history of the African American Civil Rights movement.
Information from the booklet Our Common History: Fighting for the Rights of People.