Inclusion Across the Spectrum Presented by: Natasha Robinson, WVU Extension Agent – Tyler County Carole Scheerbaum, WVU Extension Agent – Hancock County PILD Conference – April 2016

WVU Extension Service – Our Mission WVU Extension Service educators and volunteers build and help sustain collaborations and partnerships with people and organizations in West Virginia, to improve their lives and communities. Our programs and services strengthen leaders of all ages, youth and families. We develop and teach best practices for sustainable agriculture, for responsible use of renewable resources and stewardship of natural resources. We work to improve our state’s communities, workforce and the economy. PILD Conference – April 2016

WVU Extension Service – Our Vision WVU Extension Service meets the changing lifelong learning needs of people, organizations, and communities by putting knowledge to work. PILD Conference – April 2016

Who are we? “Single Agent” counties in WV – represent: 4-H Youth Development** Agriculture & Natural Resources Families & Health Community Economic & Workforce Development PILD Conference – April 2016

Take Home Messages Increases life skills of participants with disabilities through their involvement in quality programs based on individual’s talents and interests. Increase life skills of participants without disabilities by increasing diversity sensibilities and heightened compassion for self and others. Increase knowledge of volunteers of the issues facing youth with disabilities and develop skills that will enable them to play a key role in the development of essential skills that would assist children with disabilities to reach their full potential. PILD Conference – April 2016

What words come to mind when you think of exclusion? PILD Conference – April 2016 Isolated Lonely DepressedUnwelcomeSegregated DejectedAngry

What words come to mind when you think of inclusion? PILD Conference – April 2016 Happy Love Valued Teamwork Welcome Friendships Accepted Togetherness

What is an “Inclusive Environment”? Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development describe an inclusive environment as: “an environment that creates a sense of belonging and encourages and supports its members with positive and specific feedback. Healthy groups celebrate the success of all members, taking pride in the selective efforts of all.” PILD Conference – April 2016

Inclusive Environment Just because a person with a disability participates in an event does not necessarily mean that person is included. PILD Conference – April 2016

An Inclusive Environment is... Physically and Emotionally Safe PILD Conference – April 2016

How to achieve a Physically Safe Environment PILD Conference – April 2016 Post a schedule that uses pictures/symbols in conjunction with words/phrases Smaller class sizes Preferential seating Frequent breaks Sensory stimuli Hands-on and Hands-over learning Adaptations

How to achieve a Physically Safe Environment Proximity Transitions Consistency with daily routine/schedule Keep decorations/distractions to minimum (if possible) Communication Chart/Chain of Command Dimly lit rooms Stand instead of sitting for assemblies (vice versa) PILD Conference – April 2016

How to achieve an Emotionally Safe Environment Train staff in all areas of inclusion prior to event Train staff in handling bullying situations prior to event Create a buddy system/mentoring program Sensory stimuli PILD Conference – April 2016

How to achieve an Emotionally Safe Environment Educate staff & participants about diversity/character counts Educate staff & participants about bullying prevention Promote open communication between all participants, staff, and volunteers Everybody counts – each individual is a valued member of the group and recognized. PILD Conference – April 2016

Tips and Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Environment Create an environment where all members feel accepted and secure Always encourage participation in all activities Help people with disabilities to help themselves which leads to increased independence Alternate between quiet and action activities to eliminate over-stimulation PILD Conference – April 2016

Tips and Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Environment Help participants set goals that allow for self-satisfaction and achievement Talk to parent(s) of the child – ask how we can create a positive experience for their child Do not let a participant with a disability become the center of attention at activities/meetings Ask the participant what he/she likes/wants to do – in other words – communicate PILD Conference – April 2016

Tips and Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Environment Break tasks down into smaller assignments so to not confuse or frustrate the participant Prepare staff, volunteers, and youth leaders to work cooperatively with all participants in a program Encourage physical activities but allow for multiple ways to be involved Ask a person with disabilities if he/she needs help – don’t assume PILD Conference – April 2016

The Extension Opportunity Our programs offer opportunities for people to: build their social skills build self-confidence learn new skills form lasting friendships interact with positive role models and peers PILD Conference – April 2016

Addressing the Needs of Clientele with Disabilities: Perspectives from West Virginia 4-H & Youth Development: Camping Clubs Energy Express In-class Curriculum PILD Conference – April 2016

Addressing the Needs of Clientele with Disabilities: Perspectives from West Virginia Agriculture & Natural Resources: Youth Livestock Master Gardeners Specialty 4-H Programs WV AgrAbililty PILD Conference – April 2016

Addressing the Needs of Clientele with Disabilities: Perspectives from West Virginia Families & Health Community Economic & Workforce Development PILD Conference – April 2016

What can you do? Include accommodation information on registration forms along with contact information. Call each participant, or parent of each child, with a known disability prior to event to gain understanding of the person’s needs. Collaborate with local resources. Collaborate with your state’s social justice programs. PILD Conference – April 2016

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