To accomplish this, the council said it will conduct surveys/interviews on Saipan regarding priorities or goals that “best utilize the CNMI’s limited resource to increase system capacity, encourage advocacy and self-advocacy, and work toward system change in the areas emphasized by the federal Developmental Disabilities Act.”
During the surveys/interviews, individuals with disabilities, their families, friends and the general public will be provided the opportunity to provide their input and comments that will assist the council with identifying priority issues that can be included in the proposed five-year state plan for fiscal years 2012 to 2016.
The Developmental Disabilities Act includes 10 areas of emphasis that DD councils are to address in their state plans according to the needs of their communities, input from people with disabilities or their family members, and the status of service delivery systems.
The areas of emphasis are:
• Childcare
• Cross cutting
• Education/Family intervention
• Employment
• Formal/informal community support
• Health
• Housing
• Quality assurance
• Recreation
• Transportation
All and any comments, recommendations, or inputs given during these surveys are confidential.
The schedule of the survey/interview on Saipan:
Susupe: Feb. 23, multi-purpose center, 5 to 7 p.m.
Tanapag: Feb. 24, Tanapag Youth Center, 5 to 7 p.m.
Kagman: Date, place and time to be announced.
Surveys for Tinian and Rota were conducted last month.
Call the CNMI DD council office at 664-7000 if you require reasonable accommodation (large print, sign language interpreter) to participate at least three working days in advance of the meeting to make necessary arrangements
