4/8  Collaborative Advocacy
QT continues to do systemic advocacy during this time of telework.  For example, QT joined Disability Rights DC and other advocacy organizations in writing Mayor Bowser, Deputy Mayor Turnage, and Councilmembers Bonds, Gray and Nadeau to urge the District to ensure that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the District will not engage in disability-related discrimination when making decisions about the allocation of medical treatment.  In addition, as part of our work with the DC Special Education Advocates Coalition, we wrote a letter to the Office of State Superintendent of Education with recommendations for how to ensure that students who are approaching graduation are not penalized by the global pandemic that is outside of their control.

   3/19  QT Operating Status
At Quality Trust, we are deeply committed to doing everything we can to assist with the COVID-19 containment efforts and to protect the health and safety of the people we support, the public and staff.   Quality Trust has implemented a remote work policy for all staff and our offices will be closed through March 31, 2020.    All training has been canceled at this time and will be rescheduled.  We have adopted an alternative monitoring protocol so that we can monitor people and remain in contact with service providers and provide support necessary.  This plan will bring our activities at Quality Trust in line with public health recommendations to practice social distancing as much as possible and support efforts to limit the potential for community spread.  We will continue to track and implement the most up-to-date recommendations as they are announced.  We are still taking new requests for assistance by phone.  Please feel free to call 202-448-1450.   Please take care of yourselves, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.  Together, there is no doubt, we will get through this.  

   2/27  Employment Opportunity
Quality Trust is seeking to fill the position of  Personal Support Facilitator (PSF). PD Personal Support Facilitator How to Apply HR@dcqualitytrust.org https://www.dcqualitytrust.org Send resume and letter to: HR@dcqualitytrust.org or Quality Trust, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20008, Attn: HR. Quality Trust is an EOE.  

   5/22  Speakers and agenda for 2019 Supported Decision-Making Symposium announced
The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making, a project led by Quality Trust, has just announced the speakers and agenda for its 2019 Supported Decision-Making Symposium from June 10-11, 2019, at American University Washington College of Law. To see our lineup of notable speakers, please download a copy of the agenda here: AGENDA – NRC-SDM June 10-11 Symposium (rev. 05.29.19) Registration is FREE but required. Space is limited, so please register today by completing the Registration Form and returning it to mwhitlatch@dcqualitytrust.org.  For more information, please visit www.supporteddecisionmaking.org Sponsored by:

   4/26  Registration is open for Supported Decision-Making Symposium
Registration is open for the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making Symposium, “Taking Stock and Forging Ahead.” The two-day symposium is on Monday – Tuesday, June 10 and 11, 2019, at American University Washington College of Law (4300 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016). This Symposium has the following goals: To review the progress and achievements in implementing SDM as a primary decision-making support tool. To share what has been learned about the impact of SDM in the lives of real people. To examine the challenges of implementing SDM while also supporting health, safety, and well-being. To define what more is needed to ensure that progress in advancing the use of SDM across  the life span continues The Symposium’s presentations and facilitated discussions will address a wide range of SDM topics and reflect work done at the local, state, and national level. Participants will include national and local leaders, innovators, and practitioners, including people who use SDM and their families. We invite you to be part of this exciting learning exchange so that we can work together to ensure people with disabilities and older adults have access to the supports they want and need to shape and direct their own present and future. Registration is FREE but required. Space is limited, so please register today by completing the Registration Form and returning it to mwhitlatch@dcqualitytrust.org. For more information, please see this Announcement.

   5/1  #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW is May 5, 2020

This year in response to the Covid-19 crisis, Quality Trust will participate in #GivingTuesdayNow! on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Giving Tuesday Now is an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.  Unleash your power and make your contribution today – Our disability community will thank you.

Unite with Quality Trust on #GivingTuesdayNow, your donation will provide:

• $20  will purchase a weeks’ supply of masks for DSP’s.
• $125 will purchase a Chrome tablet for a self-advocate.
• $165 will purchase a Chrome tablet and internet access.

A donation of ANY amount will go toward the purchase of critical masks and technology for people with disabilities to stay safe and connected.

DONATE NOW

Please make a gift or share our fundraiser with your network – or both!

   4/9  DD Provider Organizations in DC in Need of Homemade Masks

Hey Friends and Supporters – Quality Trust is helping to get homemade masks to our local providers in DC supporting people with disabilities through this COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to make masks or have homemade masks to give – we have a list of providers who can use them! Just send an email to tcampanella@dcqualitytrust.org and I will let you know where you can send them. All donations are welcome!!

Provider Mask Contact List

   2/11  Better Together Reception 2020

Join Quality Trust this March 11 from 4:30p – 7:00p at Modena, as we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month for 2020. Quality Trust’s annual “Better Together” reception is an opportunity for our community to come together and acknowledge the promise and potential that opportunities for inclusion and contribution can produce for children and adults with disabilities. Quality Trust also strongly believes that our community is richer and more vibrant when our neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members and fellow citizens with disabilities are fully included. We have seen that with support, people with disabilities can accomplish amazing things.

Special thanks to our Sponsors: 

QCore Group and Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman

Tickets for the event are only $ 45 and support a great cause. You can purchase ticket(s) at the following link:

https://QualityTrustforIndividualswithDisabilities.networkforgood.com/events/18345-2020-better-together-reception