AUGUSTA — Maureen Gilbert of Turner is among the graduating class of the Disability Leadership Institute, a two-year program run by the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council. Gilbert and 15 other participants in the 2007-2009 Institute were presented with their diplomas by Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell, president of the Maine State Senate and Patrick Ende, chief legal counsel to Gov. John Baldacci, in a ceremony held on Nov. 15.

For her independent project as part of the Institute, Gilbert applied her advocacy skills to assuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the tools and supports they need to assist them in coping with the loss of a parent, guardian or family member. She worked with organizations like the Center for Grieving Children, so that these programs are available and supportive of children and adults with disabilities who may need their services.

The Disability Leadership Institute is a program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities who want to be effective leaders and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Institute participants learn about a wide array of programs and issues that affect persons with disabilities and their families in every aspect of their lives, and the processes involved in developing and implementing policies and programs at the federal, state and local levels.

They have opportunities to interact with policymakers and practice and/or develop new skills to support their participation as effective citizen advocates.

The Disability Leadership Institute will be accepting applications in the spring of 2010. Contact Kathleen Young at kathleen.e.young@maineddc.org or 287-4216 for more information.

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