The Positive ME: Building Self Esteem
In the “The Positive Me” series students will participate in a variety of interactive, engaging activities that promote a positive self-image. Self-esteem is important! Having self-esteem helps all of us better understand our potential and can make us feel more confident about taking on new challenges. Examples of content for the series includes sharing activities to identify participants’ strengths, communication exercises, a “selfie” challenge to explore participants’ self-image, and advocacy training to empower participants to use their voices.
| Class | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Something about ME |
| 2 | Feelings |
| 3 | Improving Self-Esteem |
| 4 | My Positive Self Image |
| 5 | Motivation and Positive |
| 6 | Positive Collage and Graduation |
Employment
During this course, participants will learn skills that will assist them in pursuing their individual goals towards competitive/integrated employment and independence. Classes are taught by a self-advocate peer trainer. At the completion of the program, participants will be recognized at a virtual graduation ceremony with their family and supporters invited. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the MDDC and business cards to use in their job searches following the course.
| Class | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | All About Me |
| 2 | Communication |
| 3 | I Want to Try & S.M.A.R.T. Goals |
| 4 | Conversation Starters & My Network |
| 5 | Exploring the Job For Me |
| 6 | Resume Writing & MassHire |
| 7 | Employment Rights & Responsibilities |
| 8 | Public Speaking & The Professional Me |
| 9 | Practice Final Project |
| 10 | Final Presentation & Graduation |
Supported Decision-Making
Students will learn about what it means to make choices in their lives, why exercising and building decision-making skills over time is important, and how they can choose to get support in making their own decisions. This training series is intended to set the stage for future learning opportunities about the array of decisional supports, including Supported Decision-Making, that are available to support transition-aged youth and young adults.
| Class | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome Into My World |
| 2 | My Culture & the Things I Value |
| 3 | Making Decisions & The Dignity of Risk |
| 4 | Supported Decision-Making: What Works for Me |
| 5 | Setting Goals and How to Reach Them |
| 6 | Supported Decision-Making in Action |
| 7 | Series Final: Showcases |
Sexuality & Disability: Speak without Shame
The MDDC offers a three-part sexuality education training for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), using Elevatus-developed curriculum. The program helps parents understand sexuality and sexual health, initiate meaningful conversations, and respond to behaviors and questions with love, clarity, and respect. It also addresses societal messages about disability, dispels harmful myths, and empowers parents to raise informed children so they can make healthy choices.
Legislative Advocacy
The MDDC offers tailored online advocacy trainings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants learn about the legislative process, including how laws are made, who the key leaders are, and how to engage with legislators. Trainings also may cover the importance of voting, understanding political parties and candidates, registering to vote, requesting accommodations, and learning how to give testimony to advocate for issues that matter to them.
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