Theresa and others who have made recommendations for fuller inclusion of those who are differently abled, thank you. If you are interested in making recommendations regarding fuller inclusion of those with invisible dis--abilities, I would be interested.
Here is what friends and colleagues along the way have taught me that I would like to add to the list: -some people are very environmentally sensitive and need non-florescent lighting and good ventillation to fresh air -some people are very environmentally sensitive to scents and in order not to be ill, need a scent free environment so in the invitation people are to be asked to wear no scents included scented hair gel and deodorant and perfumes etcetera. I learned this one the hard way when people had to leave a meeting due to someone's perfume. -some people have been abused. In some cases this means that to be asked to touch someone by holding hands in the closing circle or any other such intimate act of group work is enough to make them ill. Recommendation: make it clear that there is to be no expectation that requires physical contact. I learned this one the hard way when I facilitated a closing circle years ago. -seniors and people on medications often cannot read fine print. A font size of 14 or more is needed for them to participate in reading the reports. -the theme, givens, and instructions need to be clear both to see and to hear and to be repeated at least three times for those who have different abilities in how they learn. -always assume there are people in the room who cannot read/write. Include in the instructions that if there are challenges with getting the topic up in written form, to partner up with others to do so. Normalize this as much as possible. I too have found that dealing with different abilities right up front and doing my best to ensure an environment that is inclusive of all, is one way to assist the people involved. I would like to learn more tips from those on the list who know more regarding this. Blessings, Birgitt -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Therese Fitzpatrick Sent: Friday, April 04, 2003 9:23 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: OS for people with disabilities At one point in my life, I ran a workshop business that attracted many disabled people. My partner and I were proud that our marketing message conveyed a sense of inclusivity. We conducted five day personal growth intensives (along with some other experiences: the 5 day intensive was our core work) and we sought to create ongoing community for workshop participants after the intensives ended. The personal natural of the work and the privilege of convening weekly community meetings led to many rich and some life-long friendships. Some of these friendships were with the disabled. I am sure many people on this list know disabled people and I am sure many people on this list have disabled friends. What I am about to say is based strictly on my direct, personal experience with a number of close friends with severe physical disabilities. I state my opinions, not conclusions of fact. I handled enrollment. I came right out and asked each person that disclosed that they had a disability what their needs were and how we could meet them. As friendships grew, I had many discussions with my disabled friends about their ongoing struggle to feel included. All of the people I am talking about agreed that the mainstream, able bodied culture tends to 'disappear' the disabled. My disabled friends tell me that they would much rather be asked about their disability than to be unwittingly erased. My disabled friends tell me that they prefer open acknowledgment of their disabilities. My disabled friends tell me that sometimes they like help and sometimes they dont: they say it is ok for anyone to ask them if they want help as long as they ask respectfully and as long as they are willing to get turned down. None of my disabled friends would prefer that a facilitator of a meeting give no attention to the fact that disabled people are in the room. As a convenor opens a meeting, it is an opportunity to advocate for inclusion of the disabled by openly discussing the accomodations that are available to the entire group: this has the effect of educating the "normal" people as well as openly inviting the disabled to feel included. It is also an invitation to the non-disabled participants to see the disabled participants as real peole, as colleagues. It has been my experience that addressing disability accomodations in front of any meeting is a steady way to educate. I know I was surprised, when I first developed friendships with physically disabled people, to learn how unintentionally they are so often excluded. Ever since then I have spoken openly, at meetings I design and/or facilitate, to include disability accomodatons as a routine part of my logistics: sometimes even at meetings where I am not expecting disabled participants. Who knows who is going to show up? I have been surprised by a few comments on this list serve. Some people have suggested that nothing special be done. I would like to know what data might indicate that no special mention of disabilities would be the right way to go. If we can tell a large group about toilet breaks and telephone access, we can include the whole group and discuss EVERYONE"S needs, acting as if everyone's needs are entitled to be met. I have a permanent disability that is not visible to the eye. I won't get started on how to include those persons in an event that have invisible disabilities . . . but I have opinions and experience if anyone is interested. _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.459 / Virus Database: 258 - Release Date: 2/25/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). 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