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Media and Outreach
Jump to: Publications and Infographics | Newsletter | Visual Exhibits | Supported Video Projects | VTDDC in the News
People with disabilities are active members in our community who go to work, attend school, participate in community events, and give back in many different ways.
The Council has created, and sponsored, visual representations to serve as educational aids for our neighbors, employers, agencies, and legislators.
Most materials are available to be viewed digitally online, and are distributed at events, conferences, and the State House.
Publications and Infographics
All publications and infographics are designed In-House through the collective efforts of VTDDC staff and members. You may request hard copies to be post mailed to you at any time.
VTDDC uses its publications for:
- Council Member Education and Distribution
- Conferences and Events
- Informing Policymakers and Education
Brochure
In less than 200 words the brochure describes what the Council is, what it does, and the members who make it happen. It also includes the mission and contact information. What does it mean to "Advocate. Change. Join"?
Annual Report
As a thorough representation of what the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council achieved within the last year, the Annual Report is our go-to publication to describe our accomplishments. It includes descriptions of in-house and statewide projects, graphs to represent the Council's income and spending, a list of key partners, quotes from respected advocates and leaders, and more. What has the Council done?
Choosing Words with Dignity
It's not what you say, but how you say it. This straight-forward brochure empowers people with disabilities by educating readers on the right way to approach and describe others without putting them down. What are the positive phrases compared to the negative ones?
Vermont ABLE Bookmark
The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council were excited to support the Vermont State Treasurer during the launch of the Vermont ABLE savings program. We created a bookmark to tell Vermonters with disabilities that they can have savings and not risk their benefits. The rules to save money have changed!
Infographics are flyers and posters that use pictures to communicate facts and statistics to a variety of audiences.
VTDDC uses infographics for:
- Council Meetings and Members
- Public Awarness and Education
- Informing Policymakers in the Vermont State House
Impact in a Minute
The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council submits a yearly report to its federal funders. Provided is a very brief one-page crunch of some of the Councils achievements and how it secures a better future for Vermonters with developmental disabilities.
What has VTDDC done?
Designated Agencies. A Workforce at Risk.
Vermont’s Designated and Specialized Services Agencies are essential to Vermont's economy safety net, and health reform efforts. They effectively serve Vermonters with complex health conditions, preventing unnecessary and costly care.
How is the workforce at risk?
Designated Agencies. Promised More and Getting Less.
In 2017 Vermont legislators passed Act 82 and 85 to give liveable wages to Designated and Specialized Services Agency staff, and supervisors and clients saw a positive shift when Phase 1 rolled out...
But whatever happened to Phase 2?
VTDDCouncil Connections Newsletter
Council Connections brings the latest news on disability rights, resources that promote inclusion, and opportunities for advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members living in the heart of Vermont communities. You can keep yourself current by subscribing to Council Connections.
- Issue 45. August 4, 2017.
- Issue 46. August 25, 2017.
- Issue 47. August 30, 2017.
- Issue 48. September 18, 2017.
- Issue 49. October 6, 2017.
- Issue 50. October 30, 2017.
- Issue 51. April 19, 2018.
- Issue 52. May 16, 2018.
- Issue 53. July 16, 2018.
- Issue 54. August 07, 2018.
Visual Exhibits
The photo exhibit, Living Connections, was created by educator Deborah Lisi-Baker and photographer Mary Claire Carroll.
The purpose of the display project was to tour and educate Vermont communities about people with disabilities, and marvel at how far society has come since the days when Institutions were still considered relevant.
A special thank you to everyone involved who warmly and openly shared their life stories.
"The images and voices in this exhibit reflect a growing expectation ... that people with disabilities are more than service recipients."
- Mary Claire Carroll
Introduction
Visiual exhibit creators, Deborah and Marie, summarize what they hope to achieve by sharing these valuable stories about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the strong bonds they've formed with people in our communities.
Kit, Dawn, and JoannaDawn and Joanna were looking for someone who knew life was about positivity and living in the moment, and nearly two decades ago they opened their home to Kit. Kit is an older woman with physical and intellectual disabilities, but she's also developed disabilities that comes with living a long and rewarding life. Kit, Dawn, and Joanna haven't let the heightened need for care slow them down and they live every day like it's sunshine. |  |
Andreas and JasonJason was unsatisfied with his full-time job and felt there had to be a more meaningful end to his day. He was introduced to Andreas, a man close to his age who has an intellectual disability, and they've been living together ever since. Jason's and Andreas' shared interest in music and people guarantee you're most likely to bump into them enjoying local musicians, and traveling for concerts and music festivals. |  |
Bob and ErricaBob is an older man with physical disabilities who considers himself a determined artist. He primarily works with paint and has developed an impressionist style that works for him and produces amazing results. The hard part was selling his paintings. Bob met Errica through United Counseling Services of Bennington, and together they found an audience to market his art. |
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Erica and LynnIntroduced through Families First, Erica and Lynn bonded quickly over their passion for atheleticism, learning, and conversation. Lynn helps Erica with her reading skills to help her fullfill her dream of attending college, and Erica helps Lynn with math. Together they joined a book club and consider themselves as close as family. |
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Jay and KarenLike any person graduating high school, Jay was determined to leave the nest and not let his physical disability get in the way. Friends and allies were quick to help and soon he pursued is path of independence. Jay, Karen, and her husband live together and use their spare time to give to community groups, and organize dances and classes at a local college. Jay knows there are people who count on him and is always the first to say, "Let's go!". |
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Nicole and TaylorNicole and Taylor, both women with developmental disabilities, met as students while attending ThinkCollege (a program at the University of Vermont), but it was their growing interest in self-advocacy that guaranteed their friendship. Both students have lots of practice speaking up for themselves and seeing-to-it that they recieve the same education and job oppertunities as everyone else. |
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Patrick and BubbaTeam captain of both, his baseball team and his hockey team, Patrick has always been an absolute all-star. His coach, Bubba, and his teammates, all respect his hard work and contagious positivity. Patrick and Bubba's families have grown close over the years and enjoy reminiscing about memorable sports games and moments. |
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Rhonda and BettyRhonda is an office manager and the cause behind everything moving smoothly with help from her support person, Betty. Rhonda and Betty were introduced through Upper Valley Services and during their off time they bond over scrapbooking and quilting. |
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Ronnie and LindaA past resident of the Brandon Training School, Ronnie first met Lynda and her family as they provided care to him and other residents. So, when the school closed, it seemed only natural for Ronnie to go with the staff who he felt closest to. He is now a fully involved, respected, and loved member of their household. |
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Tracey and HarveyFrustrated with how hard he had to work to communicate with others, Tracey felt isolated because he was unable to share his thoughts and feelings. Facilitated communication specialist, Harvey, has helped Tracey express himself by supporting his elbow as he types and the computer speaks. It is Tracey’s goal to show others that his words are intelligent and independent. |
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Supported Video Projects
All of VTDDC's video projects may be found on our youtube channel or watched individually through the links below.
Breaking BarriersThese films follow and admire Vermonter’s who are active in their communities. Mad River Media produced three segments that were all featured on Vermont Public Television with public service announcements. |
disABILITYMeet David, Robin, and Sherri, as they share their workspace and describe their job responcibilities. Shadow Productions helped to share the message that we all volunteer, work, advocate, and grow in our communities. The disABILITY Story Project was aired on the radio and television. |
Vermont Is My Home"When you can't speak words people feel you have nothing to say to make a difference." - Kyle Moriarty CCTV filmed Kyle, Nicole, and Paul, to show people with disabilities taking control of their own lives and pursing their goals in school, work, and in the community. |
Speak UP! Speaks out.Self-advocates of "SpeakUp! Addison County" were trained and supported by MCTV to use film equipment, act, direct, and edit their film. Through their hard work they've created a 20 minute film about their advocacy group and members. It was produced by Tim Joy and Speak UP! Addison County. |
A special thanks to our participants for opening their lives and paving the way.
VTDDC in the News
Staff, Council Members, and allies to the Council, are sometimes featured or quoted in local and national media.
Published stories that can be found in the Newspaper and digitally.
- Executive Director, Kirsten Murphy, was asked about deinstutitlation in Vermont and the supports now available. Published by SevenDaysVT on April 25, 2018.
- Council Member, Miriam Stoll, testified to lawmarkers the importance of equity for students who recieve special education. Published by the VTDigger on March 13, 2017.
- Executive Director, Kirsten Murphy, spoke at the unveiling of Vermont ABLE. The news conference was hosted by Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce. Published by the VTDigger on February 22, 2017. The news conference was also covered by Vermont Biz on February 22, 2017.
- Executive Director, Kirsten Murphy, promoted the Vermont ABLE program days before its release. Published by the Times Argus on February 14, 2017.
- Executive Director, Kirsten Murphy, explained what the Vermont ABLE program was and what it meant for Vermonters. Published by the Vermont Journal on November 30, 2016.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduate, Jim Nicholson, hosted the Brattleboro Buddy Walk to support Special Olympics. Published by the Brattleboro Reformer on September 23, 2016.
- Past Council Member, Dale Hackett, spoke out against incrases to health insurance rates. Published by the Brattleboro Reformer on July 29, 2015.
- Council Member, Terry Holden, testified to lawmakers about the impact of long term budget-cuts for people with disabilities. Published by the VTDigger on August 12, 2014.
- Past Executive Director, Karen Schwarts, noted to legislators how the budget for developmental services had improved compaired to prior years. Published by the Brattleboro Reformer on February 11, 2014.
- Past Executive Director, Karen Schwartz, voiced concern about rule changes for the Department of Aging and Independent Living. Published by the VTDigger on July 18, 2013.
- Past Executive Director, Karen Schwartz, spoke against changes to how children with disabilities qualify for home services. Published by the Vermont Press Bureau on June 24, 2013.
- Past Executive Director, Karen Schwartz, asked legislators for better projections on the need for Developmental Services in Vermont. Published by the VTDigger on January 15, 2013.
- Council Member, Mike Gruteke, reflects on what it's like being a senior with a disability who uses food stamps. Published by VTDigger on December 28, 2012.
- Vermont Leadership Graduate, Todd Washburne, spoke out to legislators about the impact of cuts to services. Published by the Bennington Banner on December 17, 2008.
Video content featured on the Television through the news and public broadcast.
- Executive Director, Kirsten Murphy, spoke at the unveiling of Vermont ABLE. The news conference was hosted by Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce. Published by WCAX on February 23, 2017.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduate, Max Barrows, was honored at the White House as an advocate for people with disabilities. Published by WCAX on July 24, 2015.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduate, Nicole Villemaire, practiced public speaking for her role in Special Olympics. Published by WCAX on May 17, 2014.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduate, Kimberly Cookson, explained how budget cuts have hurt her family financially. Published by WCAX on December 02, 2012.
- Past Council Member, Dale Hackett, testified to legislators the importance of funding the Amtrack. Published by WCAX on January 12, 2009.
Audio content freatured on the Radio and digitally catalogued.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduate, Mark Utter, was intereviewed by "Rumble Strip" to talk about facilitated communication. Aired by Vermont Public Radio on October 29, 2015.
- Vermont Leadership Series graduates, Ash and Kim Brittenham, reflect on Vermonts outdoor accessibility for people who use wheelchairs. Aired by Vermont Public Radio on July 19, 2015.
- Past Executive Director, Karen Schwartz, spoke against changes to how children with disabilities qualify for home services. Aired by Vermont Public Radio on June 24, 2013.
Social media and user-generated content bring us together on the Internet.
- Please note, you may have to be signed-in to the online service to view its content.Vermont Leadership Series Graduate and Council Member, Gina Carrera, was featured in a short promotional video about Medicaid and how valuable it is to families across the nation. The video was put together by Senator Bernie Sanders and his team. Uploaded to Facebook on March 28, 2017.