The PDD Family Accountability Project is coming to a close as of March 31, 2004.  I will be available to finish up some of the project work in April, and then I will no longer be coordinating it.  I look forward to participating once more as “parent volunteer”!  I will also be involved in continuing the work of networking with families through membership with the AACL Family Voices.

I want to take this opportunity to THANK EVERYONE who contributed to the success of this project!  I commend the Central PDD Board and staff for their wisdom in supporting this endeavor.  I commend the numerous parents, siblings, and guardians, who took time from their busy lives to participate in the project.

Here is a final update:

·        The Family Guide:

It has finally happened!  “Only The Best Will Do”is ready to be sent to the publishers!  This is the product resulting from the voices of families who participated in this project.  It contains tips on how to assess, monitor, advocate for services, and stories, and other important information that will be helpful.  The plan is to have copies available for all families in Central Region and others who are interested.  It will also be available on www.pddgateway.org.

·        The “Family Corner”

This is a feature that is part of the Central PDD bi-monthly newsletter. It provides one way for families to have a presence with PDD, agencies, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.  Information, announcements, opinions from families, and excerpts from the Family Guide have been written, and this will continue.

·        Private Hire Subcommittee

This committee met throughout the past year, and has completed its task.  Families and PDD staff met and have designed a smoother process for families who choose to be their own funds administrator.  This is an example of how families can participate with PDD and have input regarding decisions that affect them.

·        Creating Excellence Together  (CET)

The Provincial CET Standards Committee meets once a month in Red Deer.  They would like to have a family representative on this committee. It has not been determined who will join this committee, however, it could be a member who has participated in the Network.

·        Person Centered Planning

Families have been part of the PDD Person Centered Planning Steering Committee.

Family members are presently actively participating in the education and training of Person Centered Planning that is occurring throughout Central Region.

A description of Person Centered Planning is included in the Family Guide “Only the Best Will Do” and there is also a Person Centered Planning Guide available from PDD, and it is on the website www.pddgateway.org.

·        Resource Library

There are books and videos available for loan, located at Community Information and Referral Society (CIRS) in Red Deer.  The list of what is available was circulated with the January 2004 Family Accountability/Networks Update, and it is also included in the Family Guide.

For further information, contact CIRS:  403-346-4636.

·        Future of Family Networks

It is recognized that there is a need for families to remain connected for support and to continue having a positive working relationship with PDD.  Many members who have participated in this project are also members of AACL Family Voices.  This is a network of families, and perhaps will fill the “void” in supporting family networks, after this project is done.

For further information contact AACL:  1-800-252-7556

            Thanks again to each and everyone!  It has been an honor and an absolute pleasure to have been working with the families in Central Region!

Diane Cuts