In this issue of the Vantage Voice, you are reading about two ways in which Vantage endeavors to enhance our resident's connection to their communities: through increasing arts and leisure enrichment opportunities, and encouraging volunteerism. I'd like to make you aware of additional ways that the Vantage organization creates strong bonds with others. For example, networking with other local service providers allows us to share resources-both financial and human- to do greater things than we can when we are on our own.

One recent effort has been in the area of staff training and development. Vantage, in collaboration with several local organizations who provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities, developed a three-day training targeted for both new and existing employees titled, Individualized Support: Values, Tools, Perspectives. Individualized support is something that happens regardless of the particular setting where a person receiving services resides. Individualized support happens in family homes, in "supported" living settings (residents living in their own apartments), and also every time a resident living in a group home setting moves about in the community with a companion.

Day one of the training focused on what it means to be a staff supporter and described the rationale for community based support. Day two provided information about accessing community resources and learning to listen to others. Day three offered discussion with three panels of participants: self-advocates (those who receive services), parents/family members of individuals who receive services, and community members who have welcomed an individual with a disability into their workplace, volunteer effort, or other aspect of their lives.

In September, approximately eighteen individuals attended the workshop from each of seven area agencies. Evaluations from the workshop identified this training as "unique and informative," "a pleasure," "energetic and uplifting," "the best training I ever attended," and "I loved it." One attendee said that "listening to the parents of disabled individuals really helped to open my eyes to their side of things." Particularly meaningful dialogue occurred between attendees and the self-advocate, parent and community members. Many attendees cited this day as the most powerful of the three.

The networking group plans to continue this training on a quarterly schedule, and hopes to offer it more frequently and to more employees as time goes on. In January, the group will pilot a workshop designed for front line managers and supervisors. It is an exciting collaborative venture. Successful initiatives such as this are a reminder of how much more we can do in cooperation with others. More later!