Club COSTACircle of Support for Teens and AdultsWith Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

How to Start a Local Self Advocates GroupPresentation by Teresa and John Kellerman

www.fasdlane.com

A Good Idea?

It’s not going to work until you get connected to some positive energy.

Some Succeed, Others Don’t

• Some adults with FASD succeed, others fall into the cracks.

How Do We Define Success?

• Get an education• Earn a living• Being self-sufficient• Thriving in a safe

environment

How Do They Fall Into the Cracks?

• Running away from home• Homeless, living on the street• Getting arrested, going to jail or prison• Getting fired from a job• Being evicted• Under the influence of poor judgment• Loss of freedom and independence

What Do You Want In Life?

• Self-sufficiency (as they are able)• To love and be loved• Be healthy• Be happy• Be safe• Avoid serious problems in the future

Ann Streissguth’s Study

Secondary Disabilities with FASD:

• Mental health issues (some preventable)

• Trouble in school

• Trouble with the law

• Inappropriate sexual behaviors

• Substance abuse

• Institutionalization

We all need a Circle of SupportWe are interdependent. We can share resources.

What Resources Do We Have?

• Family, friends, mentors

• Books (“Damaged Angels”)

• Internet

• Mail lists

• Support groups

• Local self-advocacy agencies

• What about “the System”?

We Need So Much More

…

1st Step – Get Connected• Disability community • Legal advocacy agency (each state has one)• Community forums • Faith community (try out different churches)

2nd Step – Get Involved• John and I both volunteered on board of

Pima Council on Developmental Disabilities• Attended classes through county and state

programs• John became a drummer in the band, I am

a volunteer at church• I volunteered to be a parent mentor with

local advocacy group, became a board member

3rd Step – Get Noticed

• We gave presentations at conferences (for no pay)

• We gave talks in schools, for civic groups and at community events

• We put materials on tables at events • I Write articles for local organizations

4th Step – Identify Your Resources

• Who can provide a place to meet?• Who will help you get the word out?• Local businesses might make a donation• Find a fiduciary for collecting donations• Articles and ideas from

– www.fasdlane.com– www.fasday.com– Club COSTA CD

5th Step – Put It All Together

• Find other interested families • Find a place to meet• Decide on a time and date• Use our logo and flyer as a template• Send an email invitation one month prior• Reminder notice a week ahead of time• Sit back and watch what happens!

“If you build it, they will come.”You are invited to attend

our first meeting of

Club COSTA

Refreshments, Games, Prizes

RSVP by the end of the month

The ABC Rules• Ask for help

• Be respectful

• Communicate your needs

“I promise to be respectful to myself, to others, and to my environment at all times.”

Self-Advocates Checklist

• I understand what FASD is.

• I use “People First” language.

• I show respect to all persons at all times.

• I ask for help when I need it.

• I communicate my needs.

The TLC Symbols• Table where we discuss, listen, learn

• Ladder of success with 9 steps

• Circle of Support

• TLC=Love

• Center of Love=Trust

• Trust > Acceptance

A Symbol as a Reminder

• Two circles of support: one for the individual with FASD, one for the parents/mentors.

• Ladder inside stability of two circles

• Love based on trust leads to acceptance

Add a Touch of Magic!

Other presentations and workshops:

“Mama Teresa’s Magic Bag of Quick Fix Tricks”

“From Screams to Dreams”

“Believe In Yourself”

“Ladder to Success”

“The Magical FASD Mystery Tour”

The Ladder to Success

The life-long secrets of parents whose children thrive in spite of having FASDs.

From SCREAMS

to DREAMS

Parenting the Substance-ExposedChild Without Losing Your Sanity

Presentation byTeresa Kellermanwww.fasstar.com

“The Scream” by Edvard Munch

The Magical FASD Mystery Tour

Survival Strategies for Parents and Caregivers of Alcohol-Affected Children and Adults

Presentation by Teresa Kellerman

Mama Teresa’s Magic Bag of Quick Fix

Tricks Teresa

shares her quick and easy secret tricks that work like magic!

Thank you. Thank you very much!

Take a card… any card.

Teresa and John Kellerman

(520) 296-9172

www.fasstar.com

www.fasdlane.com