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Label Jars, Not
People,
Community Inclusion and Social Capital
(pdf)
LABEL JARS, NOT PEOPLE reads a sign on
the wall. It’s a reminder that good manners and respect are necessary as
we communicate with others, and that includes people with disabilities.
Since all of us are "people first," it’s important to
remember that each of us has many qualities that describe us. Red hair,
green eyes, a petite figure or an orange jacket tells us something about
the person. Individuals are much more than the disabilities they have.
Perhaps we’re speaking of someone working in an office. Maybe she’s the
daughter of a friend or he’s the parent of a child in the neighborhood.
RESPECTFUL
LANGUAGE VS.
NOT RESPECTFUL (WRONG) LANGUAGE
• Pam has autism.
NOT Pam is autistic.
• Judy uses a wheel chair.
NOT
Judy is crippled.
• People with disabilities are . .
. NOT Those people are . . .
• Jim has a cognitive disability.
NOT
Jim’s retarded.
• Ann has a hearing disability. NOT Ann’s deaf.
We promote inclusion, transition, and self-determination when we set the tone with teachers, professionals,
providers, media representatives and even families by using respectful
terms. We must all be the leaders as we use correct terms and appropriate
language.
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Community Inclusion
Individuals and their families need to develop a plan for the future that
includes the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) if you qualify for
services. In addition, everyone needs to expand the community resources
that already exist and develop new resources. For individuals on the wait
list, do not sit around and wait to receive APD services. The Agency for
Persons with Disabilities (APD) is only one funding source.
State and Federal laws support the rights of children
and adults (with and without disabilities) to participate in the
community. Many roads have been opened in the last several years because
family members have invested their time and energy to the importance of
inclusion for everyone.
Department of Education:
The Department of Education, offers special education classes and
it is important these services be utilized for the benefit of a student.
Families need to work with the school system. When a special education
student becomes 14 years old, they should have a Transition Plan in their
Individual Education Plan (IEP) to encourage the direction of the student
through high school years and beyond.
Attend IEP meetings and know the teachers your child
has during the day. Support the system and your child, as much as you can,
to show them your commitment for your child’s success.
Believe in your child’s future!
http://www.fldoe.org
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation:
The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation works with the
Department of Education on the transition plans for special education
students while they are in school. A lot of emphasis has been placed on
employment and preparation for employment in the last couple of years.
Make sure these goals are in your child’s IEP. Statistics have shown the
importance of these goals. After a child leaves the school system it can
be much more difficult to establish an employment support system. Expect
the professionals to meet this goal for your child, regardless of the
disability.
The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation also
provides services for adult individuals with developmental disabilities.
They may provide assessment, training and job coaching. They are located
in every community in Florida. Contact them directly to receive services.
http://www.rehabwork.org
Social Security Administration (SSA):
Benefits for Social Security and Medicaid may be available for
adults and children. It is important qualifications be reviewed.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly benefits could be used to help
pay for some assistance or private services.
Employment is community inclusion
and the accomplishment of being paid is a powerful tool. The
vision of employment for individuals with disabilities often becomes
clouded with fear and confusion. Educating individuals and their
representatives about SSA work incentives (pages 14-15) has become a
priority. Many people take a pay check for granted, yet employment and a
pay check for individuals with developmental disabilities can change their
lives. http://www.ssa.gov.
Socialization:
Non-Programs: Do not limit your socialization
opportunities to "programs" for people who happen to have a disability.
Being "A Part" of the community means having choices. If necessary, some
parents volunteer temporarily as a mentor for success. Success can be
achieved and is healthy and rewarding for everyone.
Programs: Special Olympics gives children and
adults an opportunity to socialize and gain activity skills. Local
community organizations or families often initiate programs for
individuals with developmental disabilities. Many of these programs are
started by a family member seeking social activities. These could transfer
into inclusive opportunities.
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Self-Determination
Creating a Community to Support All People
Including those with Disabilities
"In our search to achieve social justice for people with
disabilities, we have determined that there are fundamental flaws in the
manner in which this nation has created a system of "community" services
that frequently fosters isolation from community. We are painfully
aware, that, through well intended, this separation causes people to be
perceived as "different". Their quality of life suffers. Their
basic human rights may be jeopardized. How, we asked over and over
again, can we change this?"
Tom Nerney
Center for Self-Determination
Principles
of Self-Determination
from the Center for
Freedom
to choose a meaningful life in the community
Authority
over a targeted amount of dollars
Support
to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and
meaningful to the individual with a disability
Responsibility
for the wise use of public dollars and recognition of the
contribution individuals with disabilities can make to their communities
Confirmation
of the important leadership role that individuals with disabilities
and their families must play in a newly re-designed system and support for
the self-advocacy movement
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