Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

March/April, 1998

National Disability Professionals Week

IT WAS WITH PRIDE LAST June that I accepted my assignment from President-Elect Debi Gardiner to serve as National Disability Professionals Week Chairperson. The third week of June 14-21, 1998 has been designated as National Disability Professionals Week. It is up to individual chapters to celebrate before, during or after that week with some type of recognition. This week is a chance to recognize each other as shining stars in our professionalism and growth of our individual chapters and thereby nationally. Activities can be anything from recognizing a NADE member by a button, to having a luncheon to something special for recognition of chapter members.

How do you celebrate National Disability Professionals Week?

1. A luncheon, breakfast/brunch

2. Certification of members - that expresses our professional pride

3. Flowers to all the staff

4. After-work get together

5. Covered dish supper

6. Movie night/game night/sports event

7. Night at the track

8. Boat cruise

Disability workers are a different breed of people. We are used to hard work and expect more from ourselves. This is the time to recognize ourselves and our fellow disability staff. So get all your great ideas together and give us a call.

Contact people for the regions are:

Northeast Debi Chowdhury (518) 474-7788

Mid-Atlantic Wilma Petti (410) 308-4372

Great Lakes Al Kamnick (217) 782-3291

Great Plains Ruann Kinnison (303) 752-5663

Southwest Don Bartlet (501) 682-7696

Pacific Debbie St.John (503) 945-6279

Best Program for each year is selected and recognized at the National Conference. There is a first prize award of $50.00. As chapters and individuals we ask you to submit any ideas, proposals (if possible) with pictures by July 15th. Please call if you need ideas or help with contacting your local governmental agencies. Show your professional pride. Celebrate National Disability Professionals Week, June 14-21, 1998.