Voices Of Individuals with Community Experience (VOICE)

Your lived experience matters. Help guide the future of nursing education.

About the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing

The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at St. John Fisher University works to improve the health and daily care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Institute teaches nurses the skills they need to support people with disabilities in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. 

Purpose of the VOICE Committee

The Voices of Individuals with Community Experience (VOICE) Committee is a group of self-advocates who help guide the Golisano Institute's work. Members use their lived experience to shape programs, materials, and training for nurses. 

The VOICE Committee helps the Institute stay focused on its mission by sharing lived experiences to guide decisions, shape materials, and improve programs.

Join the VOICE Committee

Help improve healthcare by sharing your experience!

Two men sit at a table in front of an open laptop computer. One is very happy and hugging the other.

The Voices of Individuals with Community Experience (VOICE) Committee brings together people with lived experience to help improve nursing education and healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a VOICE member, you will:

  • Share your ideas and experiences
  • Help review materials and training programs
  • Provide feedback to improve care

We meet once a month and provide support to help you participate.

Apply Now


What to Expect

  • Monthly meetings
  • Agendas are shared ahead of time
  • Opportunities to share ideas and feedback

Who Should Apply?

People who:

  • Have lived experience with an intellectual disability
  • Want to improve healthcare
  • Can attend monthly meetings
  • Are willing to share honest opinions and experiences

Benefits

  • Make a real impact
  • Learn advocacy skills
  • Receive training and support
  • Earn a yearly stipend 

Application Process

  • Applications are reviewed
  • Selected applicants are contacted for a Zoom interview
  • We build a diverse group of voices
  • Selected members are contacted with the next steps

Even if you are not selected right away, you may be invited to apply again.

Accessibility Note

All materials, meetings, and trainings are shared in simple, accessible ways, with support available as needed. 

Contact Us

Email GolisanoInstitute@sjf.edu with any questions about the VOICE committee.