The Office of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds has participated in many outreach events across Washington over the last few months. Below are just a few of the events that the DD Ombuds have participated in!
On January 16th, The Community Residential Services Association welcomed DD Ombuds staff to their winter meeting. Staff presented DD Ombuds 101, took questions and gathered input on priorities. CRSA identified major issues as high staff turnover and difficulty recruiting quality staff because of low wages, more individualization in core training, need for more continuing education topics and opportunities in all regions of the state and allowing staff to repeat topics for some important subjects like abuse/neglect.
On February 1st, Andrea Kadlec and Beth Leonard gave a presentation about the Office of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds to the supervisory staff at Fircrest School. With roughly 55 people in attendance, the Ombuds took questions and input from staff, and informed them about the increased presence of the DD Ombuds on Fircrest School campus.
On February 13th, Andrea and Beth participated in a training for the staff at the Arc of King County. They reviewed the DD Ombuds 101 presentation, and then had a group discussion about how they can work collaboratively on issues impacting the DD Community in King County and the larger Region 2 area. That same day, they also met with the staff of the new Healthy Relationships program.
On January 22nd, Lisa Robbe spoke to the Community IMAGES program, a transition program operating in partnership between Spokane Community College and Spokane Public Schools. The Transition students learned about the Office of the DD Ombuds, including what the DD Ombuds do and how to request their services. There were about 20 students and 5 teachers in attendance.
On February 13th and 15th, Tim McCue and Noah Seidel presented to individuals aged 18 to 21 in the Tacoma Transition Program during their trip to the capitol in Olympia. They discussed the Office of the DD Ombuds, as well as worker rights and voting assistance for individuals with disabilities.
On February 3rd, Tim and Noah attended the Kitsap County Resource fair, where they spoke with the parents of young children with developmental disabilities. They handed out bags, pens, magnets and notepads from the Office of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds. They discussed the services that the DD Ombuds provide, and how to access those services.
Who knows? Maybe the DD Ombuds will be in your area next! If you would like the DD Ombuds to come to your group or event to talk about what they do, send an email to [email protected].