My Life, My Way, Debra Beeter's Story

My Life, My Way Debra Beeter's Story is the personal account of Debbie, who took greater control over her life after learning more about her basic human rights and rights to services and supports as a person with developmental disabilities. Debbie shares how joining the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) of the California Department of Developmental Services led to practicing personal leadership and pursuing a twenty year personal goal of moving out a group care home and have her own apartment for a better quality of life. Using a straight forward strategy called THINK-PLAN-DO and publication Making My Own Choices developed by the CAC to help anyone accomplish significant goals; Debbie pursued her goal and was successful. Debbie also shares easy to use practical tips for others to follow that assures person-centered respectful team meetings.

Thank you to Sandi Hansen, Debbies sister and conservator for believing in Debbies dreams and attending the DDS CAC meetings.

The CAC provides advocacy guidance and develops multi-media tools that increase community inclusion, professional development and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families, all of which reflect the CAC mission, "My Life, My Way." The CAC believes that knowing your rights and applying them to everyday life is important for everyone.

The CAC has sponsored or co-produced additional videos viewable on YouTube using search word: cac leadership or boardresourcecente. Additional advocacy tools and publications that provide insight on legal rights and strategies are available on the CA DDS Consumer Corner website: www.dds.ca.gov/consumercorner/publicatio ns.cfm

The Board Resource Center is about Making Complex Ideas Simple. We adapt complicated written materials and/or difficult-to-understand ideas to develop meaningful tools and trainings that can benefit a range of participants. Specializing in organizational development, community partnerships, facilitation and multi-media products, our work creates avenues for people with diverse abilities to live quality lives and contribute to their communities. BRC training and publication methods include use of plain language, innovative graphic design, coaching and community engagement. All our efforts reflect a customized approach to meet the needs and interests of individuals, organizations and government entities we serve. For more information about BRC service methodology visit our website at www.brcenter.org. Our publications and videos are available for viewing and download in the LIBRARY SECTION.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• community
• Community Living
• facilitation
• friends
• leadership
• self-advocacy
• self-determination educational