Take Action with NTTAC: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 13, 2024
Key Topics: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Jordan Smelley is a certified peer support specialist with intellectual and developmental differences, shares his inspiring journey of self-advocacy and empowerment.
From navigating college challenges to championing legislative reform activities in Texas, Jordan emphasizes the importance of tailored support and empathy for individuals with intellectual differences and mental health challenges.
He highlights the transformative impact of virtual peer support and offers invaluable tips for effective advocacy, urging viewers to embrace curiosity and empathy in understanding and empowering others.
Key Points:
- 0:14 Introduction
- 1:29 College Struggles and Advocacy Journey
- 2:58 Benefits of Virtual Peer Support
- 4:20 Avoiding One-Size-Fits-All Approaches
- 5:00 Legislative Advocacy and Medicaid Benefit
- 6:31 Finding Your Voice and Effective Advocacy
- 8:02 Understanding and Supporting Behavior
Relevant Resources:
- Using Self-Awareness to Advocate for Support Needs in Different Environments & Featured Worksheet
- 3 Tips for Working with Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Trauma
- The Incredible 5 Point Scale
- The Impact of Trauma on Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Fact Sheet for Providers
- The Road to Recovery: Supporting children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who have Experienced Trauma
Author: Jordan Smelley
he/him/his
Jordan Smelley is a certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist in Texas and describes himself as a person in long-term recovery from Intellectual and Developmental Differences (IDD) including sensory processing disorders with co-occurring mental health challenges. Jordan has conducted many trainings on effective methods to support people with IDD. In recognition of his efforts to expand supports available to persons with IDD, Jordan also received the 2023 American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Texas Chapter Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy.