CNMI Disabilities Council gets federal grant
The U.S. Administration on Developmental Disabilities has approved the application of the CNMI Developmental Disabilities Council’s for a federal grant amounting to $92,088.
Based on the grant award, the CNMI will develop and implement locally the national Partners in Policymaking Island Style Project under the ADD’s Family Support program.
In applying for a federal grant, the CNMI GDDC competed with over 40 applicants nationwide and is among the 22 approved proposals, according to Thomas J. Camacho, executive director of GDCC.
“This is a competitive grant and our chances were slim since we are competing with other states, commonwealths and territories,” said Camacho.
A fulltime project coordinator to directly implement the grant proposal will be hired. At least 20 participants will be recruited who are parents of young children with developmental disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities.
The program is designed to provide state-of-the-art knowledge about developmental disabilities issues and to provide competencies for becoming effective advocates by influencing public officials.
The overall goal of the program is to achieve a cooperative partnership between people with developmental disabilities who need and use services. It also aims to develop partnership between families and individuals who are in a position to make policy and law.
Some of the outcomes from years of Partners in Policymaking in the U.S. have been very dramatic:
• Individuals with disabilities are in integrated quality settings.
• Individuals with disabilities are receiving services they need such as family supports and case management.
• Graduates have succeeded in public education efforts including news articles, television and radio programs, conference and university presentations.
• Graduates have received appointments to committees or commissions.
• Graduates have reached public officials through enormous letters, hundred visits, and testified at local public hearings.
