People First of Washington

We are people first, our disabilities are secondary!

Home | Who we are | How to Join | Convention | Newsletter | Reaching My Own Greatness | Mixed Voices | People First links | Other goodies | Site Map | Spokane County Young Adult Chapter Project

Mixed Voices

A Training Program on Inclusion

For Boards, Commissions & Committees

Inclusion is the full and effective participation of people with developmental disabilities on boards, commissions and committees.

Inclusion Benefits Any Board

Members of an advisory board or board of directors have different backgrounds, experiences, and skills. What they have in common is their in the goals of the organization. By being board members, they help accomplish something important.

One person may be good with numbers and finances. Another may like taking notes and writing reports. Another may be good at planning for the future or organizing an event or telephoning members. Each board member makes a contribution from his or her own interests and talents.

Is there anyone on your board with a disability? If the answer is "No", you are not including an important part of the population that has important experience to contribute to your goals.

Inclusion is full and meaningful participation of a person with a developmental disability in the activities he or she chooses to be part of in the community.

[Back to Top]

Mixed Voices Training on Inclusion can give your board:

• An "Inclusion Assessment" for setting board goals;

• An opportunity to write or revise an inclusion policy;

• Details and strategies for supporting a member with a disability on the board;

• A sample support contract and the most important qualities of a successful support person;

• A chance to define each board member's personal goals for supporting full inclusion on the board.

[Back to Top]

Mixed Voices is taught by a team. One member of the team is a person with a developmental disability.

The training is hands-on and personal. As a board, members will be assisted to review policies on inclusion, as well as strategies that make inclusion meaningful. The training is an opportunity for your board to define its goals and action plan for full inclusion.

[Back to Top]

Real and Meaningful Inclusion

ACCEPTANCE IS GENUINE. Be friendly and welcoming. Talk to me. Answer my questions. Help me if I ask for help. Be respectful. Listen. Help me feel welcome here, among friends.

PHYSICAL NEEDS ARE MET. I may need transportation to the meeting. I must have physical access to the building, the meeting room and the bathroom. I want to be able to sit with everyone and be included in the group. Remember that my physical needs are unique. My personal care aide is welcome.

COMMUNICATION SUCCEEDS. Listen when I speak. Allow me the time I need to communicate. Encourage me to ask questions and participate. Provide materials in alternate formats if I need them (audio tapes, graphic illustrations, large print).

COMPREHENSION IS ASSISTED. Be a partner. Help me prepare for meetings. Welcome my questions. Don't talk in jargon. Help me participate in the meeting. Help me participate in the meeting. Repeat motions before they are voted on.

[Back to Top]

For more information or for training opportunities, call: 1-800-758-1123

or e-mail: pfow@clarkston.com

[Back to Top]

Home Office
Donna Lowary
P.O. Box 648
Clarkston, Washington 99403
Phone: 1-800-758-1123
E-mail: pfow@clarkston.com

For questions about this Website, please contact: Dave Reynolds