By Lynn Black, TIML Manager, Ability360
This is MY Life (TIML) is an Ability360 program that teaches people with intellectual disabilities how to advocate for themselves and make positive life choices. In July, Lynn Black, TIML Program Manager, and Teresa Moore, Peer Advocate trainer, presented to Division of Developmental Disabilities provider, the Tempe Center for Habilitation (TCH) Self Advocacy Council about the importance of voting and self-advocacy.
Member Chris Byrne was so encouraged by the training that he later asked for information to become a poll worker. In August, Chris contacted Maricopa county elections, received training and worked as a paid poll worker for the August election. Chris contacted Lynn and Teresa to share his experience and excitement. Now Chris can work as a paid poll worker in future elections.
There are opportunities for voters with disabilities to be paid poll workers. Arizona’s first elections this year begin in March, so contact your county elections department as soon as possible to apply!
Visit the Arizona Secretary of State’s website: http://www.azsos.gov and click on “Arizona.Vote” for more information on Arizona’s elections.
To apply for individual or group self-advocacy skills coaching, contact Lynn at LynnB@ability360.org.