Free seminar seeks to improve services for Nebraskans with disabilities

Sound bite from Mark Smith, assistant professor at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute:
"This training’s an opportunity for people with disabilities, for their family members, for their friends or just interested parties in general to learn ways to support communities to better be able to serve and provide resources and supports to people with disabilities."
A free seminar on Sept. 21-22 will seek to improve services for Nebraskans with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Autism Center of Nebraska, 9012 Q St. in Omaha. It is open to the public and will target individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their family members, as well as professionals in the disability field, community members and advocates. Travel support  is available.
The seminar will assist individuals in learning leadership strategies on how to improve systems of services and supports for Nebraskans with disabilities. It will reach out to underserved groups due to their cultural, ethnicity and economic status.
The project is funded by the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. 
"We need to spread the word about the importance of including the voice of people with disabilities, family members and others on ways to improve disability services and supports in Nebraska," said Mark Smith, assistant professor in the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. "Those who attend will hear from some of the state’s top leaders across the spectrum of intellectual and developmental disabilities." 
The seminar will include information on current systems, resources, opportunities for leadership, systems change strategies, and planning. Participants will receive help during and after the seminar to develop advocacy plans and build and support state and local coalitions.
For questions, contact Jennifer Hansen, jenniferl.hansen@unmc.edu; Mary Angus, mary.angus@unmc.edu; or Mark Smith, msmitha@unmc.edu; or call 402-559-5744. 
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