The Importance of Self Advocate Voices and visiting the Village of the Blue Rose

January 2020 - The ACC board has been conducting Focus Groups with local self advocates and families to share our Bethel Hills Community vision and seek feedback and guidance on design, funding, services, amenities, culture, and operations. “Nothing about us, without us” is the mantra of the disability rights movement and we have involved the adults we want to serve from the beginning, seeking them out for their needs, interests, and ideas as our most invested stakeholders.

In January, ACC Board members and supporters visited the Village of the Blue Rose in Clarksville, Missouri. This small and delightful community has a gift shop, antique shop, lodge, restaurant, and bed and breakfast along with 2 homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, who work in these little businesses. The group had lunch, a tour, and visited with the owner and founder.  Billie Kramme stayed in the bed and breakfast for the full effect! This is another attempt to learn what we can in order to make wise decisions as we plan for the developing community at Bethel Hills.