| From the CEO
In our house, the game of Scrabble can be an all-out war. Between our youngest and his father, the rest of us never stand a chance in winning a game. The one way we can defeat them is to recognize our allies. I can hand off an easy access to a triple word score to ensure our daughter gets major points. Blocking access to a valuable Q, X or Z can have the same effect for our older son. Working together, the three of us can add many barriers.
Military alliances, as seen in WWII with the likes of Russia as well as UK, was what it took to defeat the Nazis. In war, effective alliances begin with a common enemy.
Allies, however, are not exclusive to conflicts, globally or in the game room. The origin of the word, in Latin, is alligare (to bind) or in French, alier (to combine).
How do we join forces to be supportive for those with disabilities? For people with disabilities and their allies the common enemy is ableism. We all have much to learn about being a better ally. Let me start by making three simple suggestions.
Promote access and inclusion. In planning a meeting, designing a space, writing a job description, or organizing a diverse group, ask “Are we doing all that we can to be welcoming to those with disabilities?” In asking the question, you encourage everyone to think differently about signage, websites, furniture, entrances, lighting, food, and everything else. It’s important to have someone with a disability in the conversation. “Nothing about us without us.”
|
|
|
Vantage Grant Series: Inclusion Institute
by Joni Schmalzried
|
|
|
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” - Angela Davis
As we continue to highlight the AWSF Vantage Grant recipients, this month we are shining the spotlight on The Inclusion Institute at The League. The League is Northeast Indiana’s Center for Independent Living (CIL), where the focus is on promoting equal access so individuals with disabilities can achieve their potential and thrive in their community.
The Inclusion Institute is specifically focused on giving a voice to both people with disabilities and their allies to address issues and barriers to inclusion and equity. They are accomplishing this through their Inclusion Institute Leadership Academy, addressing policy issues, and building strategic relationships with community leaders.
The Director of the Inclusion Institute, Luke Labas, explained that "for the first time, we are building new bridges for people with disabilities to connect and provide voice to barriers that impact them with their elected officials.” The overall goal of the Institute is to increase independence and cultivate full inclusion through systemic change. This impact can be seen through the first 22 graduates of the Institute who are now serving on boards and committees and sharing their stories with community leaders and colleagues.
John Guingrich, President/CEO of The League, shared that one of the things he has found the most rewarding is the change they have seen in the individuals who participate. He believes that The Inclusion Institute is not only building a force of advocates, but helping each person grow throughout the course of the program and learn how to tell their story. As each story is told, The Leadership Academy hopes to increase their impact in communities across the region.
Are you interested in becoming more fully engaged – either as an ally or a person with a disability? If so, check out the Inclusion Institute and consider applying for the Leadership Academy.
|
|
|
Photo of the first Leadership Academy graduating class.
|
AWS Foundation News & Reminders
| | |
Records Broke at Disabilities Expo
|
We want to thank everyone who participated in the 2024 Disabilities Expo, whether as a volunteer, vendor, attendee, performer, athlete, or artist. We broke two records this year: 1. 138 vendors exhibited (125 previous record). 2. 1,447 attendees participating (1,200 previous record and only 950 post-pandemic). It was an excellent event full of learning, entertainment, and friendship. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
|
|
We are happy to have members of the community use our universally designed meeting space for free. Periodically we supply the Community Food Pantries set up by Forward Indiana. We have set up a bin in our office to take donations for these pantries. If you're using our space and your group would like to help, bring us nonperishable food, hygiene items, formula, or winter supplies (hats, gloves, scarves, or hot hands) and we will be sure these valuable pantries are restocked.
| |
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
5323 W Jefferson Blvd. | Fort Wayne, IN 46804 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
