1. iBudget Waiver Waiting List Advocate Training
Welcome to the Developmental Disabilities iBudget Waiver Waiting List Advocate Training. This training is for people with developmental disabilities and their families, friends and caregivers.
iBudget Waiver Waiting List Advocate Training

2. Today You Will Learn Why advocacy is important.
What you need to know to be an advocate.
How to advocate for the iBudget Waiver Waiting List.
How to share your personal experiences to help legislators make better decisions.
How to have a good visit with your legislator.
The goal of today's training is to help you become an advocate for the iBudget waiver waiting list. Following this training, you will know:
Why advocacy is important.
What you need to know to be an advocate.
How to advocate for the iBudget Waiver Waiting List.
How to share your personal experiences to help legislators make better decisions.
How to have a good visit with your legislator.

3. Who are advocates?
An advocate is anyone who speaks or acts to protect:
Their own rights.
The rights of other people.
The rights of a large group of people.
An advocate is anyone who speaks or acts to protect: their own rights, the rights of other people, or the rights of a large group of people.
If you have ever stood up for yourself or someone else, you have been an advocate. Today, we will be talking about how to advocate for an issue that affects a large group of people.

4. Issue Advocates Stand up for the rights of a large group of people.
Tell the public, members of the media and legislators about their issue.
Help legislators make better decisions about how and where to spend money.
Those who stand up for the rights of a large group of people are known as issue advocates.
Issue advocates tell the public, members of the media and legislators about their issue.
Issue advocates help legislators make better decisions about how and where to spend money.

5. Why do we need issue advocates?
Legislators are not experts on all issues.
Legislators face difficult choices.
Decisions about you should not be made without you.
Advocates play an important role in democracy because legislators are not experts on all issues - no one could be.
Legislators face difficult choices because they have a limited amount of money and it is never enough to do everything that needs to be done.
Advocates like you can help legislators understand issues and figure out what needs to be done about them.
By advocating for your issue, you help legislators make better decisions about policies that will affect you and those you care about.

6. What Advocates Need to Know
Personal strengths and weaknesses.
Information about the issue.
How to help legislators make better decisions.
How to share personal experiences.
What to do during personal visits with legislators.
Advocates need to know their own strengths and weaknesses.
They also need basic information about their issue, how decisions about issues are made, how to share their personal experiences and what to do during personal visits with their legislators.
We will be talking about all of these topics during today’s training.

7. In order to be a good advocate, you should know about your personal strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these things about yourself will help you figure out how you can best use your strengths and when you may need to ask for some help.
Know about Yourself

8. Think About Yourself What do you do well? What do you need help with?
What is important to you?
What do you enjoy?
Think about yourself for a minute:
What do you do well?
What do you need help with?
What is important to you?
What do you enjoy?
It may take some time and thought before you can answer these questions; and that’s okay. Just start thinking about them. Knowing your strengths and needs will help you be a better advocate for yourself and others.

9. Know about your issue: the iBudget waiver Waiting List
As we said earlier, legislators are not experts on all issues; so, you may need to provide some basic information on the iBudget Waiver.
Know about your issue: the iBudget waiver Waiting List

10. What is the iBudget Waiver?
The iBudget Waiver is how Florida pays for community-based services for people with developmental disabilities (DD).
The iBudget Waiver is how Florida pays for community-based services for people with developmental disabilities (DD).
Did you know that it is called a “waiver” because people give up, or waive, their right to institutional services in favor of community-based services?
Did you know that community-based services are better for most people and are also less expensive than institutional care?

11. What is the Waiting List?
More than 20,000 people with DD are waiting for services.
Many of them have been waiting for more than 5 years.
There is not enough money set aside for the iBudget Waiver to provide services to everyone who needs them.
More than 20,000 people with DD are on a waiting list to receive services.
Many of them have been waiting for more than 5 years.

12. What needs to be done?
A lot is being done to help people on the waiting list, but many needs cannot be met without more money.
While families look for other, local sources of help, the only real answer is more money to serve those on the waiting list.
(Depending on the audience, APD or FDDC may want to say a little bit about what they are doing to address the waitlist.)
Families and community-based agencies are doing all they can to help people on the waiting list; but, the only real solution is for the legislature to set aside more money to meet the needs of people with DD.

13. What happens if we do nothing?
People with DD will continue to go without many critical services.
Without services, people with DD will lose some of the abilities they have now.
More people with DD may be institutionalized, which is more costly than providing home and community-based services.
Delete this slide?
If more money isn’t set aside for the iBudget waiver, people with DD will continue to go without many critical services.
Without services, people with DD will lose some of the abilities they have now.
As abilities are lost, more people with DD may be institutionalized, which is more costly than providing home and community-based services.

14. Families Need Help
Most Floridians with DD live at home with their families.
Families of those on the waitlist struggle with heavy financial, physical and emotional burdens.
Most Floridians with DD live at home with their families.
Families of those on the waitlist struggle with heavy financial, physical and emotional burdens.

15. The Cost of Caring
Many families spend more than half of every dollar they earn to care for the needs of family members with DD.
Caring for family members with DD is costly.
Many families spend more than half of every dollar they earn to care for the needs of family members with DD.

16. Waitlist Example 1
“Michael” is a 22-year-old man with developmental disabilities who has just completed high school. He wants to get a job and move out of his parents’ home. The iBudget Waiver would give him a supported employment coach and a supported living coach to help him learn the skills he needs to live on his own.
Setting aside more money to serve people with developmental disabilities is a smart investment in our future.
Services provided through the iBudget Waiver can help people learn the skills they need to live independently.
For example:
“Michael” is a 22-year-old man with developmental disabilities who has just completed high school. He wants to get a job and move out of his parents’ home. The iBudget Waiver would give him a supported employment coach and a supported living coach to help him learn the skills he needs to live on his own.

17. Waitlist Example 2
“Lisa” is a 48-year-old woman with an intellectual disability. Her 88-year-old aunt has been caring for her needs for the past 10 years. Lisa can complete her activities of daily living and personal care, but requires some supervision. Her aunt’s deteriorating health now prevents her from providing enough supervision. Temporary help is being provided by family and friends, but long-term help is needed. Through the Waiver, Lisa could receive companion services that would enable her to remain with her aunt.
Services can also help people with developmental disabilities remain safely in their own homes, which results in better quality of life as well as significant savings to taxpayers.
For example:
“Lisa” is a 48-year-old woman with an intellectual disability. Her 88-year-old aunt has been caring for her needs for the past 10 years. Lisa can complete her activities of daily living and personal care, but requires some supervision. Her aunt’s deteriorating health now prevents her from providing enough supervision. Temporary help is being provided by family and friends, but long-term help is needed. Through the Waiver, Lisa could receive companion services that would enable her to remain with her aunt.

18. Identify Your Feelings
How do you feel about this issue?
angry
informed
worried
happy
Understanding how you feel about the issue will help you be a better advocate. Now that you know more about the iBudget Waiver and those on the Waiting List, how do you feel about this issue?
rejected
sad
surprised

19. Discussion
Why does this matter to you?
How does this make you feel?

20. how you can help Legislators make better Decisions

21. Understand the Process
Concerned
Citizen
Legislator
Sponsors Bill
Committee
Review
Legislators
Vote to Pass Bill
Governor
Signs into
Law
We live in a democracy where people just like you have the power to change laws and control how tax dollars are spent.
The process of change almost always begins with a concerned citizen speaking up.
After a concerned citizen speaks to a legislator about an issue, the legislator may sponsor a bill to address the issue.
The concerned citizen may be invited to speak to a legislative committee to help other legislators understand the issue.
All legislators will then vote on whether or not to pass the bill.
Bills that are passed then go to the governor to be signed into law or vetoed.
If a bill is vetoed, it can be introduced again next year.

22. Register and Vote! Voting is a right and a responsibility.
Your vote helps decide who represents you in local, state and federal government.
Voting is the most basic way to influence the policies that shape our lives.
You can register to vote by picking up a voter registration card at any public library, post office or government office; or, you can download the voter registration form from the Florida Department of State’s website.
Your vote helps decide who will represent you in local, state and federal government.
It is important to find out which candidates best represent your interests so you can make the best choice when you vote.

23. Talk to People Local organizations and advocacy groups. Legislators:
Find your Representative at:
Find your Senator at:
Get connected to local organizations and advocacy groups that can provide you with support and encouragement. Talk to them about working together to develop and deliver messages on your issue.
Get to know your legislators and talk to them about your issue.

24. How to Reach Your Legislator
Legislators have local offices and offices in Tallahassee.
Contact your legislator’s office.
Make an appointment to visit their office.
Ask to speak to them on the phone.
Send them a letter or .
Legislators have local offices and offices in Tallahassee.
Contact your legislator’s office.
Make an appointment to visit their office.
Ask to speak to them on the phone.
Send them a letter or .
If you can’t reach your legislator directly, get to know their staff. Staff members play an important role in helping legislators make decisions about important issues.

25. Tell Them What You Know
People remember best what they hear first and last, so:
Tell them your main point first.
Explain why this point is so important.
Tell them your main point again at the end.
People remember best what they hear first and last, so:
Tell them your main point first.
Explain why this point is so important.
Tell them your main point again at the end.

26. Summary You can help your legislators decide how money will be spent.
Call, write, or visit your legislators at their local offices.
Tell them why more money for the iBudget Waiver Waiting List is important to you.

27. How to share your personal experiences
To be a good advocate, you need to know how to share the details of your personal experiences in powerful and meaningful ways.
How to share your personal experiences

28. Sharing Personal Experiences
Sharing your personal experiences can:
Make it easier for people to understand your issue.
Change public opinion by showing how public policies affect real people.
Cause legislators to set aside more money to address your issue.
Someone who speaks from the heart about their personal experiences can make a powerful impact on others.
Sharing your personal experiences can:
Make it easier for people to understand your issue.
Change public opinion by showing how public policies affect real people.
Cause legislators to set aside more money to address your issue.

29. Your Personal Story is Powerful
It’s Personal
Tell your personal story in your own words.
It’s Passionate
Explain how you felt during your experiences.
It’s Purposeful
Think about your audience and what you want them to do after hearing your personal story.
Your Personal Story is Powerful BECAUSE:
It’s Personal: You have first-hand experience and knowledge to share. Share your story in your own words.
It’s Passionate: Feelings can be even more powerful than facts. Let your legislator know how you feel about your experiences.
It’s planned for a purpose: Planning what to say ahead of time makes it easier to stay focused on your issue and get the result you want.

30. Think About Your Purpose
Do you want the audience to think about your issue in a different way?
What do you want them to understand?
Do you want the audience to take action?
What do you want them to do?
Think about your purpose.
Do you want the audience to think about your issue in a different way?
What do you want them to understand?
Do you want the audience to take action?
What do you want them to do?

31. Think about Your Experiences
What experiences can you share that will help them understand your issue?
What details can you share to help the audience see the issue from your point of view?
What examples will help them understand why they should take the action you want them to take?
Think about your experiences.
What experiences can you share that will help them understand your issue?
What details can you share to help the audience see the issue from your point of view?
What examples will help them understand why they should take the action you want them to take?

32. Where to Start Introduce yourself. Introduce your issue.
Hi, my name is ___________ and I am a _______ from ___________.
Introduce your issue.
I am here to talk to you about setting aside more money to help people on the iBudget Wavier Waiting List.
When introducing yourself to a legislator, tell them your name, a little something about yourself, and where you are from.
For example, are you a parent, a student, or a caregiver? Do you have a developmental disability, or do you care for someone who does?

33. What to Add Introduce your issue.
“I’m here to talk to you about the iBudget Waiver Waiting List.”
Give an example of how this problem affects you or someone you care about.
Talk about how this problem makes you feel.
Introduce your issue. “I’m here to talk to you about the iBudget Waiver Waiting List.”
If the legislator does not know much about the iBudget Waiver Waiting List, tell him or her what you have learned about it:
The iBudget Waiver is how Florida pays for community-based services for people with DD.
More than 20,000 people with DD are waiting for services.
Many of them have been waiting for more than 5 years.
Talk about how this issue affects you or someone you care about. Give specific examples that help the legislator see this issue from your point of view.
Tell the legislator how you feel about this issue.

34. How to End Repeat the main issue or problem.
There just isn't enough money set aside to meet the critical needs of people in Florida with DD.
Explain what you want them to do about the problem.
We need the legislature to set aside more money to serve people on the waiting list.
Ask them if they will do what you want.
Can we count on your support?
Repeat the main issue or problem.
There just isn't enough money set aside to meet the critical needs of people in Florida with DD.
Explain what you want them to do about the problem.
We need the legislature to set aside more money to serve people on the waiting list.
Ask them if they will do what you want.
Can we count on your support?

35. Summary Your story should answer these four questions:
What is the problem?
Why does it matter to me?
How does it make me feel?
What do I want done about it?

36. Making Personal Visits

37. Ways to Advocate Personal visits. Phone calls. Letters. Emails.
Videos.
Public speaking.
There are many different ways to advocate, or speak out, for your issue. One of the best ways to advocate for your issue is through personal visits; so today, we will talk about how to have a good personal visit with your legislator.

38. Be Polite Make an appointment. Arrive on time.
Be brief (15 minutes or less).
Limit your group to five people or less.
Good manners are important. Before going to visit your legislator, call or their office to schedule your visit. Making an appointment and arriving on time helps you avoid showing up when they are unavailable to meet with you.
Legislators are very busy. Show respect for them by limiting your visit to no more than 15 minutes.
It is fine to take a few family members, friends or fellow advocates along for your visit; just keep your group small so that everyone has a chance to be heard without overwhelming the legislator.

39. Be Patient Legislators sometimes arrive late.
Your meeting may be interrupted.
Be flexible and continue your meeting with a member's staff.

40. Stay Focused Don’t waste any time. Introduce yourself and your issue.
Listen carefully to each question
Take your time answering.
Since your time with your legislator is limited, use it wisely.
Greet your legislator warmly and introduce yourself and your issue right away.
Listen carefully to any questions your legislator asks, and then take the time to give the best possible answer.

41. Phrases That May Help “What I am really here to talk to you about is…”
“I don’t know how to answer that question, but what I can tell you is..”
“The most important point is…”
The more different things you talk about during a conversation, the harder it is to tell what the main point of the conversation is . By keeping the conversation focused on one main issue, you make your message clear and easier to remember.
During your visit, legislators may ask you questions about unrelated issues, or questions about your issue that you are unable to answer. That’s okay. Just use these phrases to refocus the conversation on your issue and what you do know.

42. Tips for Talking About Your Issue
Use everyday words.
Avoid abbreviations.
Always be honest.
Never talk about politics.
Some words and abbreviations that we use to talk about developmental disabilities are not understood by legislators. To make sure your message is clear and understood, use simple, everyday words and avoid using abbreviations.
If you need to use a word that may be unfamiliar to others, be sure to explain it.
Always be honest about your experiences and never stretch the truth. Your legislator needs to know that he or she can trust you. Even a “little white lie” can damage your relationship with your legislator and hurt your efforts to advocate for your issue.
Serving people with developmental disabilities is not a political issue, it is a human rights issue. Whether you are a republican or a democrat, don’t get side-tracked by party politics – stay focused on your issue.

43. Before you Leave Ask, “Do we have your support for this issue?”
If yes, then thank them for their support.
If not, still thank them for their time.
Ask, “Is there any additional information I can provide?”
Before you leave your legislator’s office:
Ask them if they will support your issue.
If yes, then thank them for their support.
If not, still thank them for their time.
Ask if any additional information is needed. If yes, be sure to follow-up with them later to provide the information.

44. Take and Leave Take a photo with the legislator.
Leave behind handouts.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Ask your legislator to take a photo with you before you leave. You can include a copy of the photo later with your thank-you note.
It is also a good idea leave behind a one-page handout with information about your issue. Check with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to see if they have handouts you can use.

45. Advocacy takes practice
Now we will look at an example of an advocate visiting with her legislator. During the example, think about what the advocate is doing well and what she could have done differently to get a better result.
(For live on-line trainings, show video clips. For in-person trainings, conduct role play activity with sample scenarios. Afterwards, ask the trainees what was done well and what should have been done differently. )
Advocacy takes practice

46. Advocacy Example: Jane
Jane stopped by her
legislator’s office.
She introduced herself.
She talked about all of the problems she and her family have faced.
Jane was going to be in Tallahassee, so she decided she would stop by her legislator’s
office.
She greeted her legislator and introduced herself as Jane Smith, a voter from Pensacola.
She talked to the legislator about all the problems she and her family have faced because she cannot get the OT and PT services she needs.
Jane felt good because the legislator listened to her, so she talked for 20 minutes about how frustrated she was about many different issues.

47. Advocacy Example: Legislator
The legislator smiled and asked Jane about her hometown.
The legislator posed for a picture with Jane and thanked her for stopping by.
The legislator smiled and nodded while Jane talked.
He asked Jane about her hometown.
The legislator posed for a picture with Jane and thanked her for stopping by.

48. What did Jane do right? She was registered to vote.
She knew her legislator.
She took the time to go and meet her legislator.
She shared some of her personal experiences.
Jane was off to a good start as an advocate.
She was registered to vote, she knew who her legislator was and took the time to go and meet with him.
She was also willing to share some of her personal experiences and feeling with him, but the meeting wasn’t productive because she didn’t plan what she should say.

49. What could Jane have done better?
Made an appointment.
Introduced her issue.
Shared experiences related to the issue.
Avoided abbreviations like OT/PT.
Used phrases to keep the conversation focused.
Explained what she wanted the legislator to do.
Asked for the legislator’s support.
Jane was lucky that her legislator was in the office and had time to meet with her. In the future, she should be sure to make an appointment.
After introducing herself, Jane should have introduced her issue. What could she have said about to introduce her issue?
After introducing her issue, she could have focused on sharing her personal experiences that were related to the issue so the legislator could see the connection between Jane’s problems and the issue.
Jane should have avoided abbreviations like OT/PT and used phrases like, “What I’m really here to talk to you about today is…” to keep the conversation focused.
Finally, Jane should have made sure that the legislator understood what she wanted done about the issue and asked for his support.

50. What can Jane do now?
Write a follow-up letter thanking the legislator for meeting with her.
Include information about people on the waiting list.
Enclose a copy of the picture taken during her visit.
Still, Jane did a good thing by meeting with her legislator and there are things she can do now to strengthen the relationship that began during her visit.
Write a follow-up letter thanking the legislator for meeting with her.
Include information about people on the waitlist.
Enclose a copy of the picture taken during her visit.

51. What else can Jane do?
Schedule a follow-up appointment at the legislator’s local office.
Make appointments with her other legislators.
Meet with or call legislator’s aides to educate them on the issue.
Jane should also schedule a follow-up appointment at the legislator’s local office and make appointments with her other legislators.

52. Why Advocates Work Together
TEAMwork- Together Everyone Achieves More!
No one can do everything; but everyone can do something.
Focus on what you CAN do.
Next steps: after meeting with your legislator, be sure to keep your local advocacy team up-to-date.

53. Don’t Give Up! Change is a process, not an event.
It will not happen overnight, it takes time.