Community Inclusion: Willowbrook and Beyond

1. Community Inclusion: Willowbrook and Beyond 

4. The Challenge of Community Inclusion Community Presence Community Participation Encouraging Valued Social Roles Promoting Choice Supporting Contribution Community Presence: How can we increase the presence of a person in local community life Community Participation: How can we expand and deepen people�s friendships? Encouraging Valued Social Roles: How can we enhance the reputation people have and increase the number of valued ways people can contribute? Promoting Choice: How can we help people have more control and choice in life? Supporting Contribution: How can we assist people to develop more competencies?Community Presence: How can we increase the presence of a person in local community life Community Participation: How can we expand and deepen people�s friendships? Encouraging Valued Social Roles: How can we enhance the reputation people have and increase the number of valued ways people can contribute? Promoting Choice: How can we help people have more control and choice in life? Supporting Contribution: How can we assist people to develop more competencies?

5. Individual Planning: Identify individual preferences, interests and capabilities. Involve direct support staff and advocates. Goals , Objectives and Individual Strategies: Create contribution through work and volunteering. Opportunities to individualize and personalize activities with community members: Focus on common interests and activities. Reference commissioner Maul�s memorandum to DDSO directors and executive directors dated 4/18/02 on Community Inclusion (included in their Community Inclusion Handout Folder)Individual Planning: Identify individual preferences, interests and capabilities. Involve direct support staff and advocates. Goals , Objectives and Individual Strategies: Create contribution through work and volunteering. Opportunities to individualize and personalize activities with community members: Focus on common interests and activities. Reference commissioner Maul�s memorandum to DDSO directors and executive directors dated 4/18/02 on Community Inclusion (included in their Community Inclusion Handout Folder)

6. It is Community Inclusion When� The individual uses facilities that are available to community members The individual interacts with people who are not paid and who are not developmentally disabled Community Inclusion will not simply happen when people leave their home or program Beware of van rides on the �community van� that go nowhere, people who never get off of the van to interact with community members. Beware of segregated parties, visits to other segregated programs, use of community facilities when no other community members are around.Community Inclusion will not simply happen when people leave their home or program Beware of van rides on the �community van� that go nowhere, people who never get off of the van to interact with community members. Beware of segregated parties, visits to other segregated programs, use of community facilities when no other community members are around.

7. Community Inclusion is not Taking people around to community places in large groups Bringing community members into segregated programs in large groups Bullet One: Instead, look for opportunities to individualize and personalize these activities. Bullet Two: Instead, look for opportunities to build one to one relationships between particular community members and people with disabilities based on a common interest or activity.Bullet One: Instead, look for opportunities to individualize and personalize these activities. Bullet Two: Instead, look for opportunities to build one to one relationships between particular community members and people with disabilities based on a common interest or activity.

8. Ensure Choice for Inclusion

9. When people don�t use words� �Listen� to their body language and their eyes You can tell happiness or sadness with direct eye contact and facial expression Watch people�s faces Follow their gaze See their smiles Look for other nonverbal cues such as open arms and widened eyes

10. When people do not use words� Watch their behavior See what they enjoy most Think about whether there is any common theme related to happy and sad behavior See what they look forward to doing, or whether they do not respond positively to a particular activity

11. Important questions when thinking about inclusion What are the person�s favorite places? Who are the most important people in their lives? What is unique about the person? What are the things that make the person most happy? What sensory opportunities does the person enjoy? Are there special considerations when dining out, i.e. fast food vs. dining, table vs. booth, special diet, highlights from the menu?

12. Based on the things a person enjoys� Identify stores and vendors where they can become valued customers or regulars Locate places to go that build upon religious and ethnic heritage Consider opportunities to meet new people and nurture relationships with family and friends

13. This slide introduces the clusters of themes/investments that support community life. These four areas were identified during the 2001-2002 Everyday Heroes Leadership Institute. This institute involved 31 direct support staff who helped develop a curriculum related to inclusion. Following the institute, these participants will be actively involved in teaching in their own agencies and beyond We will go into each of these four clusters in more detail in the next four slides.This slide introduces the clusters of themes/investments that support community life. These four areas were identified during the 2001-2002 Everyday Heroes Leadership Institute. This institute involved 31 direct support staff who helped develop a curriculum related to inclusion. Following the institute, these participants will be actively involved in teaching in their own agencies and beyond We will go into each of these four clusters in more detail in the next four slides.

14. Old, Better, Best for Community Inclusion Move away from OLD practices that isolate and separate people from their communities It is BETTER to ensure that people have presence in their communities, side by side with members of the community It is BEST when community presence is coupled with individual planning and contribution

15. We are moving away from OLD activities that isolate and separate people from their communities. It is BETTER when people have presence in their communities participating side by side with other citizens It is BEST when community presence is coupled with individual planning and contribution Programs are making strides, but the challenge remains to strengthen personal relationships with community members and neighborhood life, become members of associations and community groups, become �regulars� in the community, and develop valued roles as workers and volunteers.We are moving away from OLD activities that isolate and separate people from their communities. It is BETTER when people have presence in their communities participating side by side with other citizens It is BEST when community presence is coupled with individual planning and contribution Programs are making strides, but the challenge remains to strengthen personal relationships with community members and neighborhood life, become members of associations and community groups, become �regulars� in the community, and develop valued roles as workers and volunteers.

16. Where are YOU?Getting Health Care Better Old: Physicians come to home or program to provide necessary care. Better: people utilize clinic services or practitioners that serve community members. Best: Couple appointments with inclusionary experiences that reflect people�s preferences and interests, perhaps a special snack, manicure, errands such as a stop at the dry cleaners, pharmacy or bank, a personal purchase.Old: Physicians come to home or program to provide necessary care. Better: people utilize clinic services or practitioners that serve community members. Best: Couple appointments with inclusionary experiences that reflect people�s preferences and interests, perhaps a special snack, manicure, errands such as a stop at the dry cleaners, pharmacy or bank, a personal purchase.

17. Where are YOU?Enjoying a Movie Better Old: People watch a movie on television or cable OR staff rent a movie at the local video store. Better: People go to the movies at the mall or local theater, or go to the local video store and select a video for all to watch at home or program. Best: One or two people go to the local theater to enjoy a preferred movie. When a group of people go to the mall or local theater with several movies, encourage people to select movies that reflect individual preferences. When renting videos, become a regular at the local video store, interact with store employees and other customers.Old: People watch a movie on television or cable OR staff rent a movie at the local video store. Better: People go to the movies at the mall or local theater, or go to the local video store and select a video for all to watch at home or program. Best: One or two people go to the local theater to enjoy a preferred movie. When a group of people go to the mall or local theater with several movies, encourage people to select movies that reflect individual preferences. When renting videos, become a regular at the local video store, interact with store employees and other customers.

18. Where are YOU?Looking Terrific Better Old: Bring in community hair stylists/barbers to the home or program Better: people go to community hair salons/ barber shops Best: Individuals become regulars at hair salons/barbershops in their neighborhood. Particularly with hair styling and personal appearance, encourage individual looks that are trendy and consistent with community peers.Old: Bring in community hair stylists/barbers to the home or program Better: people go to community hair salons/ barber shops Best: Individuals become regulars at hair salons/barbershops in their neighborhood. Particularly with hair styling and personal appearance, encourage individual looks that are trendy and consistent with community peers.

19. Where are YOU?Accessing Reading Materials Better Old: Bring in books and magazines from home. Better: Take a group of people to the library or book store. Take the opportunity to sit down and read, enjoy picture books, listen to videos, or purchase some coffee, if sold. Best: Take one or two people to the library or book store, where they can pick out their own books. Use a library card join a frequent use club, participate in the library programs or book club activities. Get to know the librarian or sales personnel. Support people to volunteer at the library on a regular basis.Old: Bring in books and magazines from home. Better: Take a group of people to the library or book store. Take the opportunity to sit down and read, enjoy picture books, listen to videos, or purchase some coffee, if sold. Best: Take one or two people to the library or book store, where they can pick out their own books. Use a library card join a frequent use club, participate in the library programs or book club activities. Get to know the librarian or sales personnel. Support people to volunteer at the library on a regular basis.

20. Where are YOU?Bringing Community In Better Old: Community groups visit homes or day programs for a holiday or special event. Better: Host parties and invite neighbors, supportive community members, and staff families and friends. Best: continue the relationships outside the home whenever possible. Encourage and establish shared activities in the community that build on common interests. Encourage relationships with community members and people with disabilities.Old: Community groups visit homes or day programs for a holiday or special event. Better: Host parties and invite neighbors, supportive community members, and staff families and friends. Best: continue the relationships outside the home whenever possible. Encourage and establish shared activities in the community that build on common interests. Encourage relationships with community members and people with disabilities.

21. Where are YOU?Keeping Fit Better Old: Purchase treadmill or other fitness equipment for the home. Better: Walk around the neighborhood. Be a mall walker in bad weather. Purchase a group membership at a local gym and rotate participation amongst a number of people. Best: Walk for a cause. Support individual memberships in local gyms or �y� programs. Consider the use of personal trainers or swim lesson/classes. Support membership in health related support groups (i.e. Weight Watchers)Old: Purchase treadmill or other fitness equipment for the home. Better: Walk around the neighborhood. Be a mall walker in bad weather. Purchase a group membership at a local gym and rotate participation amongst a number of people. Best: Walk for a cause. Support individual memberships in local gyms or �y� programs. Consider the use of personal trainers or swim lesson/classes. Support membership in health related support groups (i.e. Weight Watchers)

23. Look for opportunities for membership or volunteering Clubs Service organizations Civic events Sports, health and fitness groups Community and personal support groups

24. Build purchasing power Frequent local merchants. Buy food and flowers from street vendors. Involve people in special clothing purchases. The decoration of people�s rooms can be both a focus for community experiences and a way to help a person reflect their unique interests and styles. Start collections and display them in personal space.

25. Build purchasing power (continued) Arrange a �personal day� for the person from their day/work program for a shopping spree; perhaps a leisurely lunch or snack before returning home. When a person has a bank account, he or she should go regularly to deposit money and cash checks if appropriate. Ensure that people have pocket money for spending during the program/work day.

26. Enrich family relationships Support expenses for letter writing and card exchange and activities with local families. Bring a birthday cake or flowers over to the family for the person�s day. Find ways to support visits to families who live a distance away. Support a special dinner out for the person and invite family or a special friend to join. Support expenses for family occasions, such as reunions, funerals, weddings, family celebrations. This may include a gift purchase or a special outfit for the event. Support studio portraits of people and send to family.

27. Support people�s heritage If a person responds when family speaks in Spanish, support purchases at stores with Spanish speaking vendors. Shop at neighborhood bodegas. If a person observes Kosher requirements, support lunch out at Kosher restaurants and become acquainted with the restaurant employees. Support people in seeking stores and hair salons related to fashion and hair styles consistent with their heritage.

28. Look terrific Cover expenses for people as regulars at hair salons/barber shops in their neighborhood. Particularly with hair styling and personal appearance, encourage indvidual looks that are trendy and consistent with community peers. Consider spa services, perhaps a �personal day� for the individual from their day/work program for a day of beauty at a local spa and a special lunch out. Buy special clothing items at specialty stores. Help develop a style or look, and to be contemporary. While glasses are considered a Medicaid expense, sunglasses might be an appropriate personal expense unless the sunglasses meet a health need.

29. Develop hobbies Take a person to purchase his or her own craft or hobby supplies. Be a regular in the store. Look for clubs that match people�s interests and preferences, and support related expenses. Fund classes at a local high school, college or continuing education program. Join a special interest group. Use �walk in� craft locations, i.e., community darkroom for photograhy, Color Me Mine for pottery. Contribute to local causes and associations where people meet others who share their interest or hobby, such as a drama club or volunteer fire department.

30. Keep fit Support individual memberships at local gyms or �Y� programs. Consider the use of personal trainers or swim lessons/classes. Support membership in health related support groups, i.e., Weight Watchers. Ensure that people have pocket money to purchase a beverage after classes or training sessions.

31. Access reading materials Frequent local book stores. Whenever possible, support expenses related to library use, book club activities, literacy program participation. Purchase magazines or book CDs that address special interests or hobbies. To the extent that people can read or enjoy the pictures, they can subscribe to a local newspaper or magazine. CDs in other languages offer important opportunities to support cultural/ethnic heritage.

32. Target the senses Consider purchases that involve sensory experiences available in the community, the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the neighborhood. For those who like bright lights, consider going to the local disco and travel to see fireworks. Purchase movie tickets that offer sights and sound, but select the show carefully to match the person�s interests and preferences, and their ability to sit for an extended period. For people who enjoy music, attend concerts in the park and at local theaters, listen to new releases at record stores (remember the earphones), and to purchase CDs for enjoyment once home.

33. Target the senses (continued) If people enjoy TV watching, use monies to get food or beverages with big screen TVs. Arrange music lessons from a music student. Bakeries smell great and allow people to be customers. People who benefit from tactile stimulation can become regulars in spas and hair salons where they can enjoy a manicure, facial, and massage. Even those who like their �own space� may enjoy the relaxation and soft touch of these experiences. Enjoy the smells of a perfume counter, and the feel of lotions and creams from bath and body stores when considering a purchase.

34. Participate or watch sports Sports fans can become regulars at local sports groups � public schools, sports leagues, professional sports. Purchase seasons tickets for local teams. Participate in special ski programs if available. Support individual memberships at local gyms or �y� facilities and consider use of personal trainer or swim lessons/classes. Join a bowling league. Consider therapeutic riding experiences. Purchase sports regalia that promote a favorite team, including posters, shirt, hat, jacket, etc. Ensure that people have pocket money for spending during the sports event.

35. Affiliate with religious organizations Don�t just go to services - support special events and causes of the church, temple or mosque, and other activities sponsored by these organizations, such as dinners, bazaars, socials and carnivals. Support weekly donations. Join the brotherhood/sisterhood of a church, temple or mosque.

36. Make and relate to friends Support the expenses for the person with developmental disabilities at public locations, such as a restaurant or entertainment venue, or arrange for a shared experience that builds on a mutual interest or preference. Support lunches out with co-workers.

37. Dine out Support dining out for one or two people to a restaurant with preferred fare or ethnic foods/specialties. Support people to go to dinner with friends and family. Support expenses for a local lounge, club, caf�, coffeehouse.

38. Support people to take interesting vacations Consider vacations that lead to one-to-one interactions and opportunities; visits to families and extended family members. Consider taking advantage of the non-profit travel packages offered by organizations like SPROUT or TULIP.

39. What are your next steps? Calendar November celebration (NYC) Information Sharing StatewideCalendar November celebration (NYC) Information Sharing Statewide