Empowering Independence: Become a Project STIR Trainer
Are you someone who believes that people with disabilities have the skills and tools to live fulfilling lives? Consider becoming a Project STIR Trainer.
Project STIR (Steps Towards Independence and Responsibility) is a training offered by the Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) to empower people with disabilities to learn the skills needed to make informed decisions about our lives and our futures. The training is also open to allies of people with disabilities.
How to Become a Project STIR Trainer
To be eligible to lead statewide Project STIR training, candidates typically must meet several standards set by the OSDA and its Council of Ohio Leaders (COOL):
- Leadership Training: Complete at least 18 hours of leadership training recognized by OSDA.
- Advocacy Experience: Show at least one year of experience as an active advocate.
- Membership: Be a member of the OSDA. Find more information about becoming a member and fill out the membership form here.
- Personal Experience: Trainers must be people living with a disability
Leadership Training Format
OSDA uses a “train-the-trainer” approach to ensure the training fits different learning styles.
- Three-Step Lessons: Each lesson begins with trainers talking about the topic, followed by a demonstration, and concluding with hands-on activities so participants can experience the concepts.
- Peer-Led Instruction: The training is uniquely led by people with disabilities, who serve as models and teachers of real-world leadership skills.
- Supportive Environment: Participants with disabilities are encouraged to bring an “ally” (such as a parent, teacher, or trusted support person) to engage in the experience with them at no additional cost.
Core Curriculum Topics
The training curriculum covers practical “how-to” tools for self-advocacy and community involvement:
- Self-Discovery: Knowing yourself, identifying interests (e.g., the “Right on, No Way” activity), and understanding personal strengths.
- Communication: Communicating assertively and expressing both positive and negative emotions appropriately.
- Practical Life Skills: Problem-solving, negotiating, and understanding finances.
- Rights & Advocacy: Understanding fundamental rights and responsibilities, and learning how to lead individual support plan meetings.
- Community Leadership: Starting or strengthening local advocacy groups and becoming a more active part of the community.
- Future Planning: Introduction to “Charting the LifeCourse” tools to plan for a desired future life.
Cost of Becoming a Project STIR Trainer
To become a Project STIR trainer, you attend a leadership training session hosted by the Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA). The cost of this three-day training is $600.
The registration fee includes training materials, meals, and often a t-shirt. It usually doesn’t cover hotel stays, but group discounts may be available.
Financial Help: People using SELF Waiver or Level One Waiver services might be able to cover the registration fee through Participant Directed Goods and Services (PDGS) by contacting their Support Services Administrator (SSA) for approval.
Scholarships: The Ohio Association of County Boards (OACB) Advocacy Scholars Program gives one scholarship each year to a person from each of OACB’s eight regions to join the training.
How to Sign Up to Become a Project STIR Trainer
You can usually register through the OSDA website or special event links.
Check for Upcoming Sessions: OSDA holds trainings throughout the year in various Ohio locations like Columbus, Miamisburg, and Kent.
Register Online: Use the links shared on official social media posts or the OSDA website.
Speaker Training: Once you’re a trainer, OSDA offers extra Speaker Training to help you improve your speaking skills.
For questions about upcoming trainings or registration deadlines, contact Ann Neu at [email protected] or 614-313-3109 or Dana Charlton at [email protected] or 614-563-0788