Friends of AUWDI are encouraged to join in the fun and sign up for our Phone Tree. The Phone Tree is an activity recommended by other groups to help build communication and life skills for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Angie Mills explains, ”the phone tree idea I learned about in DC is really cute... A lot of groups are doing this and with great results.”

First, of course the parents would have to consent to letting their child participate or a self advocate would give consents for themselves. Typically developing individual, like siblings or friends are welcome to join AUWDI’s Phone Tree also. The phone book will have the individuals name, their phone number and their picture. The phone book will only be available to individuals participating in the Phone Tree Program. The program goes....each participating individual will have a buddy for a month. They will call the buddy by them selves....getting their phone book...finding the number for their friend ...dialing the number and asking for the buddy.

While learning telephone and communication skills the two friends are having fun. The goal is to have them do this at least once a week.....The next month they would get a new friend to call.

For more information please contact Angie Mills at 230-2843. To sign up for the Phone Tree send an email with the individuals name, phone # and attached photo to angiemills@bellsouth.net