Supported Life Institute - CTEC

SLI programs provide practical information to disabled individuals and their service providers, in a range of important topics related to the inclusivity of people with disabilities in their communities.  

In 2023, our Services and Programs accomplished the following:

Communication Technology Education (CTEC) provided:

• Assessment and training services to more than 300 individuals for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) needs
• Trained over 150 professionals, family members, persons with disabilities, and community members about AAC.
• Facilitated two monthly AAC user groups averaging 15 participants.
• Maintained and promoted the web-based "STAR" training series on best practices for supporting and interacting with people using an AAC device to communicate.

 Conferences and workshops provided:

• Two annual conferences for people with disabilities, their family members and disability professionals on topics relevant to community inclusivity for those with developmental disabilities.
• These statewide conferences attracted more than 650 participants, of which half were people with disabilities.
• We also continue to develop a multi-agency coalition to address awareness and prevention of abuse of people with disabilities.

Advocacy programs:

• Coordinated multiple self-advocacy groups and their activities within a ten-county regional area.
• Provided paid staff to eleven local People First Chapters and self-advocacy groups.
• Hosted two regional self-advocacy meetings per year, with average of 65 people in attendance.
• Provided facilitation and support services to people with disabilities who are on Board of Directors of a nonprofit agency in the field.