An Online Publication of Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.
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NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS LEADER TO SPEAK IN FARGO

(FARGO, ND) Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living is proud to announce that Billy Altom, the Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) will be presenting at two events in Fargo this month.
On September 18th, he will give the keynote address at Celebrate in 2008, Freedom’s annual meeting and celebration, which runs from 5-8pm at the Ramada Plaza Suites-Crystal Ball Room.
On September 19, Mr. Altom, along with representatives from both the Minnesota and North Dakota Secretary of State’s offices, will present a training called Grassroots Advocacy: Transforming Yourself and Your Community from 9am-3pm at the Ramada Plaza Suites. This training will work to engage leaders in the disability rights movement to organize in changing the world for all people with disabilities, and provide them with information on how to get their voice heard this election season.
Both events are open to the public at a cost of $10 each. For more information, or to purchase your tickets, please call Freedom at 701-478-0489 or 1-800-450-0459.
Altom, Little Rock, Arkansas, has worked in the disability rights movement for over 15 years. Prior to his employment with APRIL he was the Executive Director of the Delta Resource Center from 1996 through 2007. He is also member of the Easter Seals Project Action National Steering Committee and a past member of the Board of Directors of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
A person with a disability, he has an ingrained knowledge and responsibility to promoting and upholding the independent living philosophy. He has seen and experienced the injustices people with disabilities have endured and is committed to the ideal of advocacy and empowerment, which will enable people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives.
Freedom Resource Center is a disability rights organization. Its mission is to work toward equality and inclusion for people with disabilities though programs of empowerment, community education and systems change.
 

Posted by: Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living on 9/5/2008 at 11:40 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Freedom in the News

Leadership training for youth with disabilities being held

by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News

Although youth with disabilities are among the world's largest minority, they are often ignored. According to the United Nations, about 650 million people live with disabilities around the world, and a third of these are youth.

To help local youth with disabilities find their voice, a leadership training session will be held at Chahinkapa Park on Aug. 7. Sponsored by Freedom Resource Center in Fargo, the session will feature three guests speakers, including Minnesota Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL.

"It's important for the disability movement to be an advocate in your own life, so you can identify what your rights and responsibilities are," said Micara Kverno, information specialist at the center. "We want people to be aware of this movement, so they can be involved in their future."

Youth will primarily learn about their rights in the workplace, information on healthcare and federal regulations. Kverno said they will also learn how to contact senators and local representatives.

"Growing up with a disability, you're probably not always sure about those laws and regulations," she said. "But if you are aware of them, you're more likely to stand up for yourself and demand that equality that's needed."

Rep. Marquart, who teaches high school students in Dilworth, Minn., said it is important for youth to know they have an important role to play in their communities. When he was asked to speak at the event, he quickly said yes.

"Youth can have a big influence, and they need to get involved," Marquart said. "Regardless of their age, they can become a real leader."

While communities may not hold high expectations for their young people, especially ones with disabilities, Marquart believes they hold a unique perspective. Someone with a disability can notice something others cannot, he said.

"I think it's a real strength they bring to communities," he said.

The first-time event will be held at Hughes Shelter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Freedom Resource Center, which serves 20 counties in North Dakota and Minnesota, will also be sponsoring a leadership training session for adults on Aug. 26 in Fargo.


 

 





 

Posted by: Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living on 8/22/2008 at 2:42 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Grassroots Advocacy: Transforming yourself and your Community

 

 

 

 

Engaging leaders in the disability rights movement to organize in changing the world for all people with disabilities.

September 19, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.,
Ramada Plaza Suites
1635 42nd Street South
Fargo, ND
 

Who should attend: All People with Disabilities, Leaders, Self-Advocates, Parents, Allies, Professionals, and You!

About the Presenter:

Billy Altom is the Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL). He received a Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Arkansas in 1992. He is a member of the Arkansas ADA Roundtable and the Arkansas Disability Policy Consortium. He is also member of the Easter Seals Project Action National Steering Committee. He is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Disability Coalition and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
*Please request all disability-related accommodations at least 10 days prior to the event.


Cost is $10, and scholarships are available upon request
To register or for more information*
(701)478-0459 V/TTY
1-800-450-0459 V/TTY
 

Posted by: Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living on 8/21/2008 at 9:00 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Celebrate in 2008: Freedom Resource Center Annual Meeting and Celebration

A $10 Ticket buys your Meal, the chance to Win Prizes and to hear
a National Disability Rights Leader!
 

September 18th, 2008

Ramada Plaza Suites-
Crystal Ball Room
Fargo, ND


To register or for more information*
(701)478-0459 V/TTY
1-800-450-0459 V/TTY
freedom@freedomrc.org




 

Posted by: Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living on 8/14/2008 at 11:31 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Becoming a Leader in the Advocacy Movement


Tuesday, August 26, 2008
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Freedom Resource Center – 2701 9th Ave S – Fargo, ND

Leadership Training offered by Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living is an opportunity to build the skills you need to change the world for all people with disabilities. Guest speakers will range from local representatives, city officials, local media, and more!

Deadline to sign up is August 22, and class size is limited to 10 people. All participants must commit to a full day of class. There is no cost to participants and lunch will be provided.
If you are frustrated, upset, and ready to do something but don’t know how to go about it - this is the perfect opportunity for you!

For more information or to register for the class, contact
Scott Burlingame, Assistant Program Director
701-478-0459
Scottb@freedomrc.org


Freedom Resource Center is a disability rights organization. Our mission is to work toward equality and inclusion for people with disabilities though programs of empowerment, community education, and systems change.
 

Posted by: Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living on 8/13/2008 at 1:38 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink