Advocacy Day : Engaging Our Communities-"How Do We Make Our Communities Welcoming?"

Topic: Engaging in Our Communities - How Do We Make Our Communities Welcoming?
Summary: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities desire to lead rich and meaningful lives. Historically, people with I/DD have been excluded and rejected from participating in everyday settings and activities, like work, school, community recreation, and social activities. This exclusion, compounded by limited transportation options, can lead to isolation and loneliness for individuals with I/DD.
Inclusion Matters: Creating an inclusive community benefits everyone, fostering diversity and enriching the lives of individuals with I/DD.
Equal Opportunities for Employment: Investing in job opportunities and employment supports is a pathway to self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. See successful employment in action here.
Breaking Isolation: Accessible transportation and Community Inclusion programs are essential to combat isolation and loneliness among individuals with I/DD.
What We Need: We need robust investment in the community, to make spaces and transportation welcoming and accessible. We need the public to be educated about the value that workers with I/DD can bring to the workplace. We need Investments in the employment network that provides important supports like job developers and job coaches so people can have real jobs with real wages in the community. We need to invest in and strengthen Community Inclusion programs so individuals can do things they enjoy and have the appropriate supports to access them.
Guests: Rep. Sam Low, Aaron Dickson, CEA, Ivanova Smith, AtWork!, Cheryl Monk, SKCAC, Suzanna Rodriguez, Cascade Connections, Lived Experience: Alex Motteler, Ellafair & AJ Keyes, Joanne & Brendan O'Neill, Jason Peterson.

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