Jump to: Open Registration | Self-Advocacy Project | Working with a Disability | Story-telling Project | Disability Awareness Day | Request for Proposals
The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council often seeks community partners interested in implementing specific parts of the Five-Year Plan.
The process starts with a Request-for-Proposals (RFP), which is posted below and on the Vermont Bid System. Applicants can submit a proposal by the posted deadline following the guidelines in the RFP. Proposals are reviewed by the Program Committee, which makes recommendations to the full Council. Not all applications reach the full Council. The Program Committee does not review unsolicited proposals, but any Vermonter with a project that supports the Five-Year Plan can call VTDDC to share their ideas, and staff will pass this information to the Program Committee.
VTDDC distributes grants to organizations for training, policy-maker education, coalition building, and outreach.
Current, open registration for participation...
SDM STRONG! has been postponed until further notice.
Learn about alternatives to guardianship, including supported decision-making. This weekend workshop will be taught by Vermont Family Network, Green Mountain Self-Advocates, and the Disability Law Project. This is an excellent opportunity to begin planning your future. Please consider SDM Strong! if you are:
- Transitioning out of high school.
- Interested in changing your guardianship arrangement to a less restrictive format.
- Part of a team (family + support person) that aids someone interested in starting supported decision making.
Please let VTDDC know you are interested in participating so that we can update you on the date and location for this workshop.
Don't forget to check out these amazing programs...
- The Vermont Leadership Series, Summer Summit for Leadership Series graduates
- Employment For All
- COPAA, Special Education Advocacy Training 1.0
Past Projects and Trainings sponsored by VTDDC...
Self-Advocacy Project
Strengthening Self-Advocacy. Green Mountain Self-Advocates, a statewide organization governed by people with developmental disabilities, provides peer-led support, training and technical assistance to over 20 local self-advocacy groups. The Council supports GMSA to realize its core mission "for people with developmental disabilities to educate peers to take control over their own lives, make decisions, solve problems, and speak for themselves."
Working with a Disability
There is a job for everyone. Vermonters with disabilities want meaningful, career-driven employment. By working alongside several network partners, the Council is crafting a unique campaign that will find gaps in the workforce and educate employers. Our message is simple: "Having an inclusive workforce will strengthen our small businesses and power our little State." Working with a Disability is the first of many published research papers that will lead the campaign and reverse Vermont's shrinking workforce. Are you using reader software? Consider opening Working with a Disability (alternative version for reading software) instead.
Vermont Story-Telling Project
Sharing our stories gives us power. Representative Mary-Beth Redmond, from the Vermont Story-Lab, hosted three (3) free workshops around the State for self-advocates and family members. Participants learned that through careful crafting and considerate messaging they may inspire action in others and ultimately influence state-wide change.
Disability Awareness Day
Celebrating our Strengths. The Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights rallies than three-hundred (300) self‐advocates, family members, and allies gather at the State House annually. They educate policy makers, participate in workshops, and witness the graduation ceremony for the Vermont Leadership Series. There is also a press conference and reception.