Advocating for Community Class Approval

What are the rules?
Where are the misinterpretations?  

OPWDD guidance about Community Classes has not changed. But why are some community classes not approved by FI's?  Are the FIs setting their own restrictive policies, with no oversight from OPWDD? Where are the misinterpretations of OPWDD intent and the values underpinning Self-DIrection (choice and meaningful engagement in the community related to personal goals)?
SOYAN together with other statewide advocates gathered with community members to gather information with the intent of advocating within the current policy context for innovation. Any activity that facilitates community connections is a good thing!

View the powerpoint presentation held April 20 and 21, 2023: Talking About Community Classes (pdf)

Tips and Strategies for advocacy with the Fiscal Intermediary:

1. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
2. Document— write letters of justification
3. Persistence!
4. Reach out to your legislator’s Constituent Services
5. Collective Action
6. Maybe Fair Hearings, maybe not— check with advisors