Advocacy Training and Statewide network

Advocacy Training and Statewide Network
(Statewide Financial System (SFS) Event ID# CDD-ADV-25)

To fund one grantee in the amount of up to $250,000 per year for three years to develop a comprehensive advocacy training for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The training will have separate tracks for self-advocates and parents/family members/caregivers. The grantee will also create a statewide advocacy network. They will establish ongoing learning and advocacy opportunities. There is the potential for an additional two years of funding. These additional years of funding will be dependent on grantee performance in annual evaluations and the availability of funds.

Term of Contract
The contract awarded in response to this RFP will be for three years with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025 and an end date of June 30, 2028.

Project Background
Self-advocacy and advocacy help individuals to increase their own confidence and quality of life1 as well as build their communities2. Making connections and meeting those in similar situations helps advocates of all kinds, move forward. Although there are advocacy groups for people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the state, there is not a strong network which brings them together to share information, resources, and coordinate opportunities.

Approach
One grantee will develop a comprehensive advocacy training for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The training will have separate tracks for self-advocates and parents/family members/caregivers. Trainings should be developed and offered based on the needs of each cohort, incorporating previous experience in advocacy as well as topical areas of interest.
The grantee will also create a statewide advocacy network. There will be ongoing learning and advocacy opportunities for trainees as well as the broader community.

Expected Key Deliverables
The key deliverables of this project include:
• Development self-advocacy trainings, with breakout sessions, for people with DD and family members. Sessions will include built-in opportunities to get to know other participants.
• Training sessions that reflect varying skill sets. Existing self-advocacy organizations will help teach specific content sessions.
• Training offered throughout each project year. Trainings in all regions of the state and in a blended format, with online and in-person options.
• A statewide advocacy network. Coordination of advocacy efforts with other organizations.
• Ongoing learning opportunities to practice advocacy skills.
• Registration, recruitment, program design and implementation.
• The grantee will use grant funds to get an external evaluator for all years of the project.
• The grantee must incorporate sustainability planning into the proposed model.

 Desired Project Outcomes
The intended outcomes of this grant opportunity include:
• Establishment of self-advocate and parent/family member/caregiver-focused advocacy training tracks.
• Development of a comprehensive NYS advocacy network.
• Increased advocacy skills gained and practiced through the training and supplementary activities.
• Increased stakeholder representation in various local and statewide venues where decisions about people with DD are being made.

Program Planner
Kimberly Berg
New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Phone: 518-486-7505
Email: Kimberly.Berg@cdd.ny.gov