February 14, 2005

Wayne State University\'s Developmental Disabilities Institute receives grant to assist Detroit families with children who have disabilities

Wayne State University's Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) has been awarded a five-year, $250,000 grant to assist Detroit families with children who have disabilities. The grant, targeted to fund DDI's "Detroit Family Support 360° Project," is awarded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Detroit 360° is a one-stop support center helping families obtain the supports and services they need in order to enhance their health and well being.

"The one-stop system of family support gives families an opportunity to learn about a myriad of support services available to their children with developmental disabilities," said Elizabeth Janks, DDI associate director for training and community support and Detroit 360° project director. "This not only increases their opportunities but also decreases the time and frustration experienced when telling their family story over and over to in-take coordinators," Janks added.

Michigan is an acknowledged and innovative leader in providing family support services, implementing the first family support cash subsidy in the nation. However a significant gap exists between families in need of support and those who are accessing the programs, especially within the city of Detroit, according to Janks.

Each year of the project, 50 families will be served through the Detroit 360° program. Eligible families must have a child under the age of 18 who has a developmental disability, lives in the city of Detroit and is in need of services. Selected families will be assigned a Family Support Navigator to assist in their pursuit of family support services. "The Family Support Navigators are culturally diverse parents who have children with disabilities," Janks said. "They are knowledgeable about formalized support systems in Detroit and they know how to develop natural supports that can help families be successful in their community," Janks said.

For more information about the "Detroit Family Support 360° Project" and to inquire about participation in the program, contact Elizabeth Janks at (313) 577-6368, e-mail: E.Janks@wayne.edu; or Angela Martin, project coordinator, at (313) 577-9470, e-mail: aa7939@wayne.edu. Postal inquiries may be sent to: Developmental Disabilities Institute, Wayne State University, 4809 Woodward Ave., Ste. 268, Detroit, MI 48202.

The Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University is the University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities of Michigan. As a University Center for Excellence, DDI is associated with over 60 universities with whom they share resources. The institute's mission is to contribute to the development of inclusive communities and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. DDI has a Community Advisory Council which includes individuals with disabilities, family members, and representatives from government, advocacy and service organizations. The institute currently implements over 20 grants and contracts in education, community support and program evaluation and research.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.