Inclusion is a bitch, how do we get there?

What is Inclusion anyway?

Where do we find it?

How do we create inclusion for people with disabilities?

It goes beyond making sure that the building is accessible. Making those with disabilities be seen by the larger community is a very difficult task. Each of us must help advocate for full citizenship and inclusion for our friends and clients with disabilities.

After asking several people what inclusion means to them I present these answers;
--living with people I choose.
--being free to ride my bike to Dunkin' Donuts.
--meeting new friends, that aren't disabled or paid.
--having a girlfriend.
--being able to vote for my candidate.
--going to the movies and not being stared at.
--people not talking "down" to me.
--smoke cigarettes if I choose.
--having a job wiping tables.
--working in the community, not a sheltered workshop.
--being allowed to go to doctor alone.

I ask that all of us without disability do the following;
--Meet one person with a disability.

--Volunteer with an organization to help someone have a non-paid, non-disabled friend.

--Talk to people with disabilities like you talk to me.

--Encourage law makers to include people with disabilities in their respective budgets.

--Find creative ways to employ people with disabilities in "normal" jobs with accommodations.

--Think outside the box about solutions for letting people live the lives they want to, even if its harder to do than not doing anything at all.

--Don't stare, ask. People with disabilities would prefer to help you understand their disability than you gawk at them in wonder.

--Don't call or say to staff with clients "angels", "god bless you", "I could never do what you do". Its annoying and you could do it. It isn't hard when you treat that person with dignity. Its wired into who we are. We aren't special, we are just doing our jobs.

--Find ways for people with disabilities to be part of YOUR community. Include in church/synagogue groups, help feeding the homeless, go grocery shopping together, dog walking, motorcycle groups, knitting circles, farmers market, baseball teams, college campuses, cultural fairs, etc. etc. etc. As many things you can think of there is an interested person with a disability.

--Help with transportation. Transportation is one of the biggest reasons people with disabilities aren't included in the community, they can't find a ride.

Please help people with disabilities be safe but let them live with the dignity and respect they deserve.