Hello Kelly,

In terms of community integration , we have opted to use the  term “Livable Communities”, a fast growing movement across the country and world – total inclusion for all.

Over the past three years the Council has engaged in an initiative with the potential of significantly changing Indiana’s landscape and reframing the conversation about community access and inclusion for all.  

There is a movement afloat across not only Indiana but our nation with regard to Livable Communities. It all started with the aging population defining Aging in Place / Communities for a Life Time.  After reviewing their definitions and seeing where the movement was headed it became apparent that we in the “disability community” should be a part of the conversation.

This movement impacts lives by changing the built, economic and social environment of our communities. The beauty of this movement is that mayors, city planners, community leaders, the corporate world gets it, so it is easier for the disability community to come in under the umbrella of Livability as a common goal. 

This initiative has yielded some good results but more importantly it has led to some lasting partnerships outside of the disability community.

We have been promoting the concept of “Livable Communities” as a gateway to opening up opportunities for people with disabilities to live in communities of their choice. By using the common language of Livability for all- it frames the conversation as we versus the old method of us and them. It promotes the greater good and a common goal for all to strive toward. What has made this particularly interesting is that Livability  appeals to all generations: aging, young families and millennials alike. It cuts across economics, political and social systems and moves the conversation to quality of life for everyone with a natural support system.      

The Council has funded the following to advance this initiative :

• 3 Disability Awareness Months Campaigns
• 3 State Wide  Annual Conferences 400 people in attendance
• Development and distribution of publication “Livable Comes To Life”
• Livable Community Advocacy Project – training people with Intellectual and other disabilities and aging  to participate in city  planning meetings, understanding ordinances and various aspects of planning in communities that have been designated Stellar
• Transportation and Complete Streets workshop projects ( training on advocacy for people with disabilities and other advocates)for communities to adopt complete street ordinances and the need for affordable, accessible transportation
• Home of Own Project, advancing  visitability, universal design  and accessible and affordable housing  in the community
• Funding ADA Indiana to do Livability Grants – local community initiatives
• Serving on the Life Long Community Coalition ( aging, economic development, housing, health, transportation , rural development, higher education,  Philanthropy Alliance
• Community support thru Time Banks

Kelly, this is just a few of the initiatives that the Council has been engaged in.   This path is truly a gateway to inclusion opening the door for employment opportunities as well.

I am on my way to our board meeting, but will send you additional information.

Hope this is helpful as you move forward.

Suellen

Hello,

 

The MD Council is considering developing an education and awareness campaign to inform families and address concerns, fears, and opposition to community integration and employment.

 

Does anyone have any resources to share that may help us develop such a campaign?  If so, please advise.

 

Thank you!

 

Kelley 

Kelley Malone
Director of Communications
410-767-2914 (O) 410-829-1685 (C) 
http://www.md-council.org/
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