Connections
Making connections is important for parents and individuals with developmental disabilities or autism. Connections provide us with information and networking opportunities. They also enable us to communicate and be around others with a common experience.
DD Events: Check out DD events on our VFN Calendar for events, workshops, support group meetings and advocacy opportunities.
Parents of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
VFN Vermont Families Together
VFN program Families Together Groups are for family members and care providers of teens and adults who have developmental disabilities. Families Together groups exchange information, support to each other, and learn about opportunities for advocacy. Participants decide what sort of support and connections they want and groups are in locations around the state. Families Together groups are coordinated by Jan Hancock.
VFN Listserv and Facebook pages keep you virtually connected to other parents and get updates about news and events.
We are fortunate to have many active support groups in Vermont. Support Groups are a wonderful way for parents to connect with other parents. Some support groups are disability-specific while others have a more general focus.
Don’t see a support group that is quite what you were looking for? Consider starting your own! We can help you get started. Contact Family Support at 1-800-800-4005. The Support Group Fund is designed to assist parents with the start-up costs of launching a support group in a specific geographic area or by diagnosis. Funding is available for advertising, speakers, refreshments, space rental, etc.
People with Disabilities
Green Mountain Self Advocates (GMSA) is a statewide self-advocacy network run and operated by people with developmental disabilities. The group comes together to listen to each other, make new friends, learn about people’s rights and explain to politicians and others why people with disabilities are important. Email GMSA@sover.net
Special Olympics Vermont provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in sharing gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. http://www.vtso.org/index.php
