Terrific "inclusion" program visits schools

[Left coast liberal]

What them to come to yours?

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-19093-Seattle-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner~y2009m9d21-Building-inclusion-together-teaching-acceptance-for-people-with-special-needs

Building Inclusion Together is a community awareness program created by Jennifer Monteleone and Lisa Okada Visitacion, parents of children with developmental disabilities, and graduates of the Arc of King County 2008-09 Advocating for Change Together Leadership program.

The goals of Building Inclusion Together are to:

* Break down misperceptions about people with developmental disabilities.
* Generate discussions and increase awareness within our communities about what inclusion means.
* Build more opportunities for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in every day life experiences at school, at work and in the community so that people with developmental disabilities are accepted as people first.

In October 2009, Building Inclusion Together will be traveling to high schools throughout Washington State to talk about disability history in our state, inclusion, and begin discussions about the ways in which student leaders can make a difference in their school communities.

[Traveling_Home]

1. I hope ....

that people with disabilities were hired to staff the program/project.

At times it seems that the purpose of grant funded programs for people with disabilities is to get non-disabled human service workers jobs rather than for human service workers to get jobs for persons with disabilities.

Yes I'm a cynic. I'm also disabled, unemployed, and on SSDI. I'd like a job too.

[Left coast liberal]

2. Good point. I would contact them and ask just that.

It was started by 2 mom of disabled kids.

But your are right. Having disable people be involved with the outreach to school would be really powerful and the right thing to do.

[Left coast liberal]

3. PS - I sent your comment to the founders.

We'll see what they have to say.

:hi:

[Left coast liberal]

4. Follow-up from the founders

In terms of the comment that came in, here is some clarification:

-Lisa and I are volunteers, and are not being paid.
-We do not have any type of staff, it's just the two of us.
-We do have an advisory committee that includes several self advocates (people with disabilities), parent advocates, and DD staff.
-In addition, we are working very closely with 10 self advocates who are a part of our speaking team. They will be traveling with us to 5 high schools to talk about their own life experiences around inclusion, self determination and independence.

http://www.buildinginclusiontogether.org/home.html

[Traveling_Home]

5. !