OSDA and the Mahoning and Stark County Boards of DD invite 30 youth and adults who live with disabilities to this 3-day Project STIR™ training, along with an ALLY. As a participant, you will need a support person–called an ally–to come with you. Your ally may be a family member, staff person or friend. Your ally will join you in the training and assist you. After the training, your ally should be willing to help you advocate and become a leader.

Project STIR™ will give you the tools to help advocate for yourself, connect with others, and gain leadership skills. Trainers will present information, give demonstrations, and involve people in small group activities and role plays.

You will learn about:

• How to stand up for yourself

• How to speak up about things important to you

• How to become a leader

• How to solve problems

• Your rights and responsibilities

• How to start a local network group