State disability council offers free online advocacy training Sept. 1-2

The Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education is holding a free two-day virtual training Sept. 1-2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, covering self-advocacy and legislative advocacy skills. Register free at gcdse2021.ticketbud.com/virtual-advocacy; staff send Zoom links after. Questions: Lanny Mommsen, 907-269-8992.

Sessions include Disability History 101, an "I Have Rights" panel, a self-advocacy experience, voting rights and access, and legislative advocacy. It is aimed at self-advocates, families and guardians, and professional staff serving people with disabilities.

The council is a federally mandated body in the Alaska Department of Health with up to 26 governor-appointed members. At least 60% must be people with intellectual or developmental disabilities or their families.

Its 2021-2026 state plan said such people "and their families told the Council they want more opportunities to learn advocacy skills," while flagging unreliable internet, transportation and communication costs as barriers, especially rurally. This training is online only. Neither the registration page nor the council's site lists interpretation, captioning or how to request an accommodation.