ADSP WORKSHOPS APRIL 9, 2015 "More than 1 billion of us live with disabilities. We must remove all barriers that affect the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society, including through changing attitudes that fuel stigma and institutionalize discrimination.” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the U.N. 1

Today’s Goal Learn about and Understand Best Practices and Strategies related to Disability and Specific Traits Typically Associated with Disability

Turn to the person sitting next to you and define yourself in ONE word

Labels Disabled Special Education Children Autistic Wheelchair Bound Amputee Schizophrenic ALS Patient

“Labeling is definitive; once we say it then it holds meaning” (Namka). “Judy is a thin 40-year-old woman with cerebral palsy who cannot walk or perform daily basic care needs… “ Judy also likes shopping, can write, use her communication board, has a great sense of humor….

These pictures show fashion models, not the “disabled”

Changing the paradigm Changing our thinking… From the Medical Model to the Social Model of Disability bout/social_model_of _disability/

What’s in a label ? “Disability” does not define or is not the person. “Disability” is created by poorly created buildings, materials, bad attitudes and not by the uniqueness of individuals. Stairs, text, others needing to be educated and our persistence to one way of doing things create a “disability”.

Inclusion means that all people, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or health care needs, have the right to: Be respected as valuable members of their communities Participate in activities in neighborhood settings Give back to their communities Work at jobs in the community that pay a competitive wage and have careers that use their capacities to the fullest Participate in classes with peers from elementary school through college and continuing education

Inclusion is not... Clustering all people with disabilities into a special class or social center Giving “special privileges” to people with disabilities. Feeling sorry for people with disabilities. People with disabilities as recipients of volunteer service only. Inclusion can look like... Martina, a woman who is blind, sings in her church choir. Andrea, a woman with cerebral palsy, tutors neighborhood children in a local volunteer center three times each week. Tyrone became interested in politics and now advocates for his own rights and teaches other people about disability rights issues. Adam, who has Down syndrome, is a server at a restaurant Lee, an eight-year-old with health needs, participates in after school activities with help from her portable ventilator.

3 examples…. 1.Jason making a difference and learning through real experiences! 1.Claire attending college! 1.Avery giving back to his community!

volunteer artist daughter pet owner student disability advocate So, while we are here to learn best practices and strategies for cognitive development, challenging behaviors, speech and language therapies, let’s remember it is one facet of an individual.