Using positive approaches to inclusion during a meeting and conference: a case study
Abstract
Using public forums, such as meetings and conferences, to put principles of inclusion into practice, provides a paradigm for the larger world of service. At the 2006 Florida AmeriCorps and National Service Conference (December 2006), reasonable accommodations, accessible format material, and valuing and affirmative statements, were some of the implemented best practices. This material was shared by Elesheva Soloff, Training Specialist, with the National Service Inclusion Project, in January 2007.Issue
People with disabilities are oftentimes invisible at meetings and conferences, without previous deliberate planning and strategies for implementation.Action
The 2006 Florida AmeriCorps & National Service Conference was held on December 1 and 2, 2006 and was preceded by the Volunteer Florida Inclusion council meeting. Both events exemplified commendable practices on the inclusion of people with disabilities.The conference included:
- Positive photos of people with disabilities actively engaged in service throughout all event literature.
- One page of the conference booklet devoted to "National Service Includes Everyone," which is an inclusive theme used in products and materials to celebrate the service of over 700 people with disabilities serving since 1998.
- Several notifications indicating the availability of reasonable accommodations and accessible format materials.
- CART (computer-aided real-time reporting or communication access real-time reporting), sign language interpreters, and the availability of materials in large print and Braille were provided. Also noticeable was the guidance offered to individuals with cognitive disabilities to increase their full participation in an unobtrusive, positive and supportive manner.
- Each keynote and plenary speaker made references to the "power of people with disabilities serving" or used similar valuing and positive statements.
- Lynn Manning, an award-winning poet, playwright, actor, and former Blind Judo Champion of the World provided the Dinner Keynote presentation.
- Judith Barrett, Executive Director of Ability 1st Independent Living Center, recognized an inclusive service program known as "Project Impact Coordinators" during the plenary session.
Context
The Volunteer Florida Inclusion Council is a state-based team composed of people with disabilities, disability state agency and provider staff, and national and community service representatives. This group initially convened in 2003 to develop long-term goals and action plans to meaningfully include people with disabilities in volunteering and service. The council is organized with clearly-defined guidelines of chairperson and membership roles, an established meeting structure, and concrete action plans and outcomes. Four committees specifically work on:- Policy Development
- Outreach
- Volunteer Strategies
- Training
- Resource Development
Council members are selected because these individuals can affect policy and practices within their respective agencies and organizations. Most members were knowledgeable about each other's organization's services and roles. There seemed to be little turnover in membership with most individuals actively serving on the council for several years. The participation from the director of national service programs, Florida state director, and an address by Wendy Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, sent a powerful message to the council emphasizing that its valuable work is resulting in a positive difference. These factors increase the likelihood that national service and disability groups and representatives will embrace service as a valuable option for people with disabilities, as members, volunteers and leaders.
Volunteer Florida Commissioners and CEO Wendy Spencer strongly support the dedication of full-time disability staff and coordinator, Paul Martell, to develop and carry out Florida's Disability Placement Plan. In addition, the Florida Commission has several standing committees, one of which is the Disability Outreach Committee. This standing committee was established by the commission to provide oversight for the state's disability plan activities.
Posted On
May 11, 2007For More Information
Related Practices
Related sites
Volunteer Florida: Disability Inclusion and Outreach