TOGETHER Advisory Committee

TOGETHER

A Jefferson County Developmental Disability Advocates Advisory Group

"Together we can achieve so much more than we can on our own."

For more information on TOGETHER or to request an application contact:

Stacey Ismail, Executive Director

Developmental Disability Advocates

636-282-5500

TOGETHER is an advisory group to Developmental Disability Advocates, as well as other agencies that support people with developmental disabilities in the region. This conglomeration of agency leadership was developed to share learning and consultation across the various types of service providers.

Parents/other family members, self-advocates and professional/direct care staff from local disability programs can apply for membership on the committee. The group meets most months with two facilitators. Up to nine members serve rotating terms.  All members are asked to make the commitment to attend meetings and be open about their views regarding people with developmental disabilities and support services that are needed in Jefferson County.

As an advisory group, TOGETHER may:

  • Review and advise on programs and policies of Developmental Disability Advocates
  • Advise on methods of service delivery
  • Recommend specific programs and services that encourage the highest level of independence possible
  • Advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families

The core values of TOGETHER are taken directly from those adopted by Developmental Disability Advocates on behalf of individuals with disabilities:

  • All individuals are treated with respect and dignity and their rights are ensured by persons providing them with services and supports.
  •  All individuals are viewed holistically as valued members of their family and the community.
  •  Individuals and/or the support team design their services to enhance their lives and achieve their personal vision.
  • Individuals and/or the support team determine the quality of services based on the outcomes experienced.
  • All public and private funds shall be administered with transparency and in full compliance with acceptable accounting standards.
  • Developmental Disability Advocates’ own financial status, along with those organizations it funds, shall have a strong viability for the short and long term.
  • Developmental Disability Advocates’ shall utilize its available resources in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
  • Providers seeking funding from Developmental Disability Advocates shall define and demonstrate their positive impact on the lives of individuals served.
  • The organization strives to recruit, hire, train and retain employees with the best skill sets and provide opportunities for professional growth.
  • Board members and staff work together to fulfill the organization’s mission, through open communication in a spirit of collaboration and consensus-building, based on trust and respect of each other’s roles and responsibilities.
  • Developmental Disability Advocates facilitates a service delivery system that maximizes coordination to increase effectiveness and efficiency without infringing on individual choice.
  • Developmental Disability Advocates will explore new service models and trends that represent best practices for consideration and implementation.

 Members of TOGETHER are:

Voting Members

Angie McGoveran, Developmental Disability Advocates – Chairperson

Iness Panni, Pony Bird, Inc.

Misty Riegert, Family Representative – Vice Chairperson

Nicole Meyers, Northwest School District

Becca Tincknell, Self-Advocate

Michael Hicks – Family Representative

Angela Logan, DMH Representative

Raymond Voss, Self-Advocate

Megan Shoults, Sunnyhill, Inc.

Danielle Pontious, NextStep for Life

Facilitators

Stacey Ismail, Executive Director, Developmental Disability Advocates

Dawn Warner, Executive Assistant, Developmental Disability Advocates

Exofficio Member(s)

VACANT