Getting Support to Serve on Boards

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Getting Support to Serve on Boards
CommitteesNorth Dakota Center for Persons with
Disabilities Minot State University
How Will I Do This?
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WHY SUPPORT?

• Support helps people overcome disability related
  challenges
• So they can be effective in serving on a board or
  committee

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WHAT DOES SUPPORT DO?

• Support Helps People To
• Get to the Meeting
• Get information
• Understand the Details
• Communicate
• Be Confident
• Contribute

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RESPONSIBILITIES
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TALKING ABOUT SUPPORT

• Whose Job is it?

Talking about support is everyones job. Dont
wait for someone else to bring it up.
Start with a simple statement I may need some
support to participate on this board or
committee.
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ASKING FOR SUPPORT

• You might wonder
• Do I tell people I have a disability?
• How much information should I give?
• How exactly do I ask for help?
• How do I want people to see me?
• How do I get what I really need?

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WHAT DO YOU NEED?

• Do not share too many details about any
  disabilities you may have.
• Focus instead on what would be helpful for you.

OK! Now I know his life history but what does he
want?
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REMEMBER
Even when another person can easily observe that
you have some type of physical or sensory
challenge, they may not automatically realize
what you need.
I sent an agenda. Why doesnt she follow it?
I wish I had told her to use big print.
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PEOPLE TAKE THEIR CUE FROM YOU!
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WHAT SUPPORT DO I NEED?

• Find out how this board works
• Think about your unique situation
• Decide what would help
• Tell a chairperson or staff member

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HOW WILL I . . .

• Think about your
• situation!

• GET TO THE MEETING?
• GET INFORMATION?
• UNDERSTAND DETAILS?
• COMMUNICATE?
• BE CONFIDENT?
• CONTRIBUTE?

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LOCATION

• Find out where the meeting is held
• What city?
• What part of town?
• What building?
• Accessibility ?
• Maps directions?

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TRANSPORTATION

• Decide how to get to from the meeting
• ? Drive my own car
• Ride with another member/friend
• Take a cab
• Ride a bus or dial-a-ride vehicle
• Ride an agency van
• Ride a train/metro

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

• Which Supports Would Help?
• Pay for gas/ticket now, be paid later?
• Pay for meals/hotel now, be paid later?
• Agency buys a bus/train ticket for me?

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MORE OPTIONS

• Are these options available?
• Agency pays my hotel room in advance?
• Agency gives for the cost of travel?
• Call staff and visit about travel options!

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POSSIBLE COSTS
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CHECK OUT THE DETIALS EXAMPLE

• We prefer to reimburse you but can pay for hotels
  and tickets in advance
• We offer a partial cash advance for meals and
  mileage. The mileage rate is 27 cents per mile
• We pay 5 for breakfast, 7.50 for lunch 1250
  for supper
• We pay a stipend of 50 that you can use to pay a
  caregiver for yourself or for your children
• We pay for a room/meals for one personal
  assistant if needed
• We pay a 100 stipend for your time Meetings are
  held on Saturdays

MARCIA
They say the devil is in the details. Be sure to
ask about those!
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INFORMATION

• Find out what information will be shared during
  the board meeting.
• Orientation manual?
• Letters?
• Emails?
• Handouts?
• Videos?
• Power point?
• Discussion?

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DECIDE HOW TO GET INFORMATION?

• Share your email address?
• Get materials in Braille or large print?
• Sit near speakers?
• Use an FM system?
• Use an interpreter?
• Get handouts in electronic format?
• View materials in advance at home?
• Use captioning?

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MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPORT

• Visit with staff about your needs when you join
  the committee
• Call two weeks before a meeting to let them know
  about needs or changes
• Think about different ways your needs can be met.
  Be flexible about solutions
• You decide if the support will work for you

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UNDERSTANDING DETAILS

• Decide What Helps You Understand.
• See pictures key words?
• Summarize what was said?
• Extra time to take it all in?
• Using special lighting?
• Taking frequent breaks?
• Activities to help me focus?
• Knowing what to expect?
• Humor?

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COMMUNICATION

• How Will I Communicate?
• English?
• Spanish or Latino?
• Other ________________________
• Sign language?
• Lip reading?
• Communication device?

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WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE?

• Let the chairperson know if you need
• Materials translated into a language other than
  English
• An Interpreter during meetings
• A computer during meetings
• A person to help you communicate
• A sighted guide or service animal
• Access to a power source or computer

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CONFIDENCE

• Everyone on the board is responsible to find out
  the answers to these questions
• How does this board work?
• Are board members paid?
• How do I fit in?
• How can I make a difference?
• This information gives you the confidence to
  participate and not just show up.

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CONFIDENCE

• Before the first meeting . . .
• Find out everyones name
• Get an agenda
• Ask how the meeting is managed
• Ask how long the meeting will last
• Locate the bathroom
• Find out how to get reimbursed
• Come early and get to know people

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WHAT SUPPORT WOULD HELP YOU BE CONFIDENT?

• Let the agency know if you need
• A sighted guide
• Space or water for a service animal
• Information on area child care providers
• A lower or higher table during meetings
• Name tags to help remember names
• Frequent breaks
• Information about Roberts Rules of Order

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CONTRIBUTE

• You can contribute in many ways
• Listen and observe what others do
• Be prepared. Study information before the meeting
• Be supportive. Say positive things about others
• Be brief Save long stories for later Take
  turns
• Use critical thinking. Share good ideas
• Make or second a motion I move that we . . .
• Offer to help with fundraising or other
  activities
• Become informed. Share what you know.

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SUMMARY

• By asking for the disability related support you
  need you can
• Serve on a board or committee
• and
• Make a real difference in your
• community and/or state

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THANKS!

• For More Information Contact
• Cathy Haarstad
• 500 University Ave. W.
• Minot, ND 58707
• 1-800-233-1737
• cathy.haarstad_at_minotstateu.edu