People On the Go Maryland (POG) presented three Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) training sessions in May, continuing its mission to advocate and educate on behalf of individuals with disabilities, and their family members and caregivers, about the importance of independence. The training sessions were held on May 1, May 14 and May 21, and covered “Problem Solving & Rights and Responsibilities” and “Knowing Yourself and Communicating Assertively.”
Project STIR events are for adults (ages 18 and up) who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Providers, program staff members and direct service providers are encouraged to participate. In Project STIR training sessions, which are led by self-advocates, participants learn how to use their strengths to develop new skills to solve problems. Trainers tell stories and use role-playing exercises. All workshops are participatory and interactive, and are designed to use experiences to build confidence, knowledge and leadership qualities.
The self-advocates leading the training sessions were Cody Drinkwater, Adrian Forsythe, Cheryl Gottlieb, Amanda Lay, Justin Valenti and Tracy Wright. POG is grateful for their service, and especially for their hard work in converting the training modules into virtual learning tools.