Ksusha’s Seminar

We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, August 1st, the first of Ksusha’s Seminar Series was held at our GAP location, and was a HUGE success. Over 30 adults with various developmental disabilities from four different organizations were in attendance.

As a young woman on the autism spectrum, Ksusha Miretski, a Generating All Possibilities(GAP) participant, decided that she wanted to create a stronger community for those with disabilities within Los Angeles. She felt that this would be most easily accomplished by creating a series of seminars hosted by consumers, for consumers, free of charge once a month.

The first seminar’s topic was on Self Determination. This included discussing a PowerPoint on AB 1244 Self Determination Act, and how the most important constituents (Regional Center consumers) should have known of its existence to influence its passing. Participants were later able to write letters to both the state Governor and senator expressing their sentiments on why it is imperative to be brought up for vote again. In addition they expressed how they are more than able to make their own decisions on where their money should be distributed to enrich and better their own lives. In between writing letters, some participants even registered to vote, as they had never even entertained the idea prior to that day. That was the great part of this seminar, seeing the participants realize that they are stronger than any stigma laid out before them. And the more they put their heads together to create a community, the stronger they can become. It was truly empowering.

GAP students later gave their Red Cross Preparedness Los Angeles PowerPoint presentation to the rest of the participants to inform them on how they can be adequately prepared in case disaster strikes. This left almost everyone ready to go home and create their own disaster preparedness kits. Participants were encouraged and able to mix and mingle during breaks, which was great to see. I personally saw a few exchanges of phone numbers and e-mails during lunch. Lastly we were able to discuss what seminar topics participants would want to see in the near future. These include, but are not limited to: Relationships and dating, standing up for yourself, public speaking, education, accessibility in public places, transportation, how to be safe/self defense, employment, independent living, and government politics/policies.

Originally we were planning on having a different organization host a seminar each month, but we are pleased to announce that the West Los Angeles Regional Center will now be hosting our monthly seminars in their boardroom. The next seminar topic will be on government politics and policies with a political science professor as a guest speaker. The next seminar topic will be on government politics and policies with a political science professor as a guest speaker. This will be held on Friday, September 7th from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

If you know anyone or any organization that would like to be a part of this exciting new seminar series, please pass on this information to them. As with each person present we build a larger and more resourceful community. If you have any questions, and to RSVP please contact Christina Kantzavelos at (310) 475-9620 or [email protected].