A Purposeful Life: Perceptions of family members on effective components of a person-centered family training series Melina Cavazos, M.Ed., Meagan Orsag, Ph.D. Center on Disability and Development, Texas A&M University Abstract APL Sessions A Purposeful Life (continued) Feedback (continued)   The aim of this poster will be to present the collaborative efforts of local community agencies and the Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University in promoting advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families through the “A Purposeful Life” family training program. Information presented will largely focus on the need for promoting advocacy through knowledge of person-centered planning, the core and unique components of “A Purposeful Life” that address local needs, and upcoming plans for program improvement and replication. The goal of this presentation will be to provide relevant information about the program that conference attendees may find useful and choose to integrate into their own efforts to promote advocacy for this special population. I am satisfied with this project activity. Siblings Session Feedback (September 2017 & October 2017) To date, there has two Siblings sessions. Below are results from this session (N=10). I liked this session. I feel like this session was important. Additional Comments I liked or did not like this session because… “I compared with people who had similar experiences to me.” “It felt good to know there are people going through what I’m going.” The thing or things I learned from this session was… “I’m not alone.” “How others live with there siblings.” “There are more people with siblings who have disorders than I thought.” An example of what I learned today would be… “At school I will be more friendly to people with disorders cause they have trouble too.” “Helping my brother know he is loved.” This session was or was not important to me because… “I met more people!” “I can understand my brother more.” My life is better because of this project activity. Parent Session Self-Advocates Session Siblings Session For parents, guardians, and/or caregivers of individuals with disabilities For individuals ages 11 and older who have one or more disabilities For siblings ages 11 and older of individuals with disabilities Purpose: To inform and facilitate an active discussion about relevant topics related to individuals with disabilities between professionals and attendees. Purpose: To inform and facilitate discussion about relevant topics related to self-advocacy through the use of language and activities that is age-appropriate. Purpose: To facilitate supportive relationships between siblings through age-appropriate activities and active discussion. Some previous topics include: IEP Process Behavior Management Moving Towards Independence Social Skills Bullying Family Wellness Puberty, etc. Topics often mirror Parent session topics, some previous topics include: What is an IEP and how the meeting will look like What makes a good day, what makes a bad day Strengths and liked activities Who’s in your circle of support Life after high school Activities are adapted from the SibShops book by David Meyer and Patricia Vadasy. Themes of future sessions will include: Differences and Similarities Among Siblings Experiences and Emotions Working Together and Supporting Each Other Evaluating the Sibling Relationship and Future Goals I feel like I learned something from this session. A Purposeful Life What is “A Purposeful Life”? Through the collaborative efforts of the Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University, surrounding school districts, and various local agencies, the “A Purposeful Life” (APL) program provides free monthly trainings for the purpose of establishing a meaningful dialogue between individuals with disabilities and their families within the community. The overarching goal of this program is to encourage advocacy skills through the use of person-centered planning to promote capacity building and active involvement in future postsecondary education and/or employment decisions. By doing this, the CDD and partnering agencies hope to promote positive and lasting systematic change in the surrounding community. Collaborating Agencies Commitment to Accessibility The CDD and collaborating agencies are committed to making APL as accessible as possible. This includes providing free (a) transportation, (b) dinner, (c) childcare for children ages 2+, and (d) Spanish translation services. Registration, Attendance, & Feedback Survey Results Registration/Attendance During the 2016-2017 year (September to May), a total of 177 people registered for A Purposeful Life training sessions. Out of this total, 114 attended at least one training session, and 58 attended more than one training session. Feedback Survey Questions and Results Feedback surveys were provided to attendees of the Parent sessions during the 2017-2018 year. A total of 187 surveys were received, including 173 from family members, Family members: 173, 5 from individuals with disabilities, and 9 from others (TAMU Students, professional, support persons): I (or my family member) was treated with respect during this project activity. I (or my family member) can do more things in my community as a result of this project activity. A Purposeful Life Center on Disability and Development Brazos Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) Families of Autistic Children Engaged Together for Support (FACETS) Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley (DSABV) Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services (DBS) College Station ISD & Bryan ISD I (or my family member) have more choice and control as a result of this project activity. I (or my family member) have more choice and control as a result of this project activity. Future Directions With the positive feedback received about A Purposeful Life, we are working towards creating a comprehensive manual of the program to be replicated in a neighboring school district. We will continue to improve our program based on survey feedback, and will extend feedback to attendees of the Self-Advocacy sessions and the Siblings sessions. If you have questions, please contact the Diversity Fellow, Melina Cavazos, at melinacavazos@tamu.edu