• GMSA Newsletter
  The GMSA Newsletters are written by people with developmental disabilities for their peers, family, providers and general public. Newsletters list upcoming trainings and include positive stories about self-advocates contributing to their communities. (If you would like a copy please contact GMSA gmsa@sover.net or by phone at (802) 229-2600.)

• GMSA Self-Advocacy Handbook
  This handbook provides basic information used to establish two new peer-run self-advocacy groups. GMSA Self-Advocacy Handbook includes information on how to start a self-advocacy group, how to run your own meetings, making decisions as a group and learning from the history of the self-advocacy movement. (If you would like a copy please contact GMSA gmsa@sover.net or by phone at (802) 229-2600.)

• State House Tool Kit
  Includes information on: Ways To Contact Your Elected Officials; Talking Points: What To Say On The Phone, In Person Or When Your Write; How To Write A Story About Yourself; Things To Remember When Making Your Case; Testimony Tips and Sample stories. It supports youth and adults with developmental disabilities to be actively involved in speaking up for their rights and services to elected officials. (If you would like a copy please contact GMSA gmsa@sover.net or by phone at (802) 229-2600.)

• Our Bill of Rights
  A video by: Green Mountain Self-Advocates

• Do you ever feel stuck trying to explain what the word “rights” means?
• Do you feel frustrated because many people with developmental disabilities talk about speaking up for their rights but have a hard time explaining what that means?
• Do you want to teach people about their rights but are not sure where to begin?

  This video is for you!

  There’s never been an easier way to promote disability rights. Green Mountain Self-Advocates made this video to help our members understand their rights and learn how to speak up about them. The script for Our Bill of Rights was written by self-advocates and many of the actors are self-advocates.

  This 18-minute video begins with a short history lesson about the United States Bill of Rights. Self-advocates then describe all the rights and responsibilities that are important to them. This video ends with 3 short stories which demonstrate the rights in everyday life.

  Without question, Our Bill of Rights is entertaining as well as educational. It is an excellent training tool for people with disabilities, support staff, agency boards and the public in general.

  Videographer: Green Mountain Video
  Performance by: The Awareness Theater Company
  Running time: 18 minutes
  Closed captioned
  © 2004 Green Mountain Self-Advocates. All rights reserved.
  73 Main St., Suite 401, Montpelier, VT 05602, 802-229-2600, gmsa@sover.net
  (If you would like a copy please contact GMSA at the contact information above.)

• Get On Board and Make a Difference!
  Effective Practices for Including People With Developmental Disabilities and New Members On Boards And Committees. In the spirit of "Nothing about us, without us!" our members created this manual to increase and improve the quality of participation by people with developmental disabilities on boards and committees.

This manual includes:

A. What We All Can Do to Include People with Different Learning Styles

B. Tips for Being a Support Person

C. Suggestions for Other Board Members

D. Suggestions for the Chairperson

E. Accommodation Checklist

F. Glossary of abbreviations, acronyms, and definitions of the most commonly used phrases and jargon by boards and standing committees.

G. Adapted version of Robert's Rules of Order

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