Who to Invite?
Once we receive the family information, we will provide you and the family with an informational package. This package will contain contact numbers/email addresses for elected officials in the family's area.
What should we talk about?
This is about families and real life stories. Families should feel comfortable telling their personal stories. They don't need to talk about bill ABxxx. The family packets offer a little bit of information about various legislative issues. Additional information can be provided upon request.
When and where should we meet?
We would like visits to start after October 1, 2007
We want the family members, including the child with a disability present at the visit. Make the visit personal for the families. We want officials to experience what families experience on a daily basis.
You may want to consider having a respite provider or personal care worker at the visit. Although there may be circumstances where it would be appropriate to leave a child and an official alone for a short period of time, we do not recommend it. Financial support will be available to pay for a respite provider if needed. Respite providers should then be a part of the planning.
Try not to take "NO" for an answer. Tell officials... "We'd love to have you come and visit on (a specific day) but if that does not work for you, let's pick a time that would be more convenient for you."
Where you plan to visit and what you plan to do during the visit will be different for each family. For example:
1. If inviting a school board member, maybe you want them to spend time in a particular classroom during the week. Make sure that you get prior approval from the principal and notify the child's teachers ahead of time.
2. Families may want to invite their Mayor to attend a swimming lesson.
