Transcript SAFA Network Webinar

The Arc’s National Convention
Denver, Colorado
September 18, 2011
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What is SAFA?
How did SAFA get
started?
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What does SAFA do?
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How do I join the SAFA Network?
Rob Wybrecht
Jasmine Suarez-O’Connor
SAFA Network Coordinators
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A national network of people 18 years and
older who have an FASD
A committed group of advocates created by
people with an FASD for people with FASD
A place for people with an FASD to connect,
teach others about FASD, and become strong
self-advocates
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What our goal was
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What our top priorities were
“I wanted Individuals with an FASD to be able
to see what’s being done in the United States
regarding FASD and to know that they have a
voice.”
Rob Wybecht
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Provide a place where people from all
over the country who have an FASD
can find a place to connect
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Teach the importance of self-advocacy
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Provide SAFA track at BFSS conference
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Host conference calls to discuss issues
most important to SAFA members
Get the word out about SAFA by
presenting/exhibiting at conferences
Help members define and reach
personal and advocacy-related goals!
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Alaska – Nick Otness
Arizona – John Kellerman
California – Morgan Fawcett, Ricki Nelson
Illinois – Emily Travis
Maryland – Sam Mabie
Michigan – Tony Kezenius
Minnesota – Richard Walinski
Montana – Melissa Clark
Nevada – Amanda Oliver Blaine
Ohio – Sarah Kyser
Washington – Tessa Barnes Gelo
SAFA’s First Meeting at
BFSS Conference
May 2011
SAFA Network Members holding their NEW flutes!!!
You Can Learn…
 Why
 How
self-advocacy is important
to advocate for yourself and
others
 How
to work
together to achieve a goal
 How
 How
to work with others
to support each other in
reaching a shared goal
◦ A goal is a plan for the future.
Group goals are about changing
something that affects a whole lot of people.
◦ SAFA’s group goal for 2011-2012 is to
make sure every state is represented by
someone with an FASD
◦ Become active in supporting or changing a
law that affects people with an FASD in my
community. (Contact one local
organization who can help me do this).
◦ Speak up at least one time at a meeting
about FASD.
 Planning
for the 2012
BFSS conference
 Upcoming
webinars (FREE)
(We want to hear from you! Share your story with us!)
 Topics
may include…
◦ Employment, self-advocacy, How to stay safe in the
community, Learning about your
state FASD Coordinators, Building friendships, etc.
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The Arc’s National Convention
Denver, Colorado
September 17-19
National Federation of Families for
Children’s Mental Health
Washington, D.C.
November 18-20
TASH National Conference
Atlanta, Georgia
November 30-December 3
SAFA Project
Coordinators
SAFA Project Liaison
Rob Wybrecht
[email protected]
616.241.9126
Leigh Ann Davis
[email protected]
202.534.3727
Jasmine Suarez
O’Conner
[email protected]
518.346.1715
The SAFA Network