West Virginia Inclusion Campaign

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West Virginia Inclusion Campaign

• Promoting awareness of the abilities of people
  with disabilities

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A statewide effort ofWest Virginia Department
of Health and Human Resources, Bureau of
Behavioral Health and Health Facilities

• In partnership with
• Individuals with Disabilities
• Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU
• West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council
• West Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association
• With financial support from
• Center for Mental Health Services, Substance
  Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Purposeto ensure the full inclusion of people
with disabilities in all aspects of life,
including

• Housing
• Education
• Transportation
• Employment
• Health Care
• Worship
• Leisure Activities
• (Source Governors Proclamation, 2004)

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What is Disability?

• Disability is a long lasting physical, mental or
  emotional condition that inhibits a persons
  ability to perform ordinary functions such as
• Walking
• Bathing
• Learning
• Remembering
• (Source 2000 Census)

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Disability is Natural

• Disability is a natural part of the human
  experience
• Disability occurs in people of all ages, races,
  classes, genders and nationalities
• The incidence of disability increases with age

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Facts Figures

• West Virginia has one of the highest rates of
  disability in the nation (23.5 of the
  population)
• 410,781 West Virginians report having a
  disability (1 out of every 5 West Virginians)
• 129,170 seniors report having a disability(1 out
  of every 2 senior citizens)
• (Source 2000 US Census)

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities are sick or have
  something wrong with them and they need to be
  cured.
• Reality
• Having a disability is not the same as being
  sick. Disabilities are not contagious, and
  people with disabilities dont need to be cured.
  

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities have a poor quality of
  life and deserve sympathy, pity, and charity.
• Reality
• The quality of a persons life depends on their
  living conditions, access to community activities
  and social relationships, and the opportunity to
  contribute to society.

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities need to be protected
  from failing.
• Reality
• People with disabilities have the same rights as
  everybody to participate in the full range of
  human experiences including success and failure.

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities should live in
  protective settings, such as group homes or
  facilities, with other people with disabilities.
• Reality
• People with disabilities have the right to live
  as independently as possible in community
  settings of their choice.

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities are inspirational,
  courageous, and brave for overcoming their
  disability.
• Reality
• People with disabilities are simply carrying on
  normal activities of daily life when they work,
  drive, compete in athletic events or participate
  in recreational activities.

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Myths Realities

• Myth
• People with disabilities are a drain on society.
• Reality
• All people have inherent value. People with
  disabilities are contributing members of society,
  attending school, working, raising families,
  shopping, paying taxes, and voting, just like
  everyone else.

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Disability EtiquetteWhat to do when you meet
someone with a disability

• Relax, dont be embarrassed
• Look at and speak directly to the person
• Ask before offering assistance
• Avoid staring
• Its OK to ask questions about their disability
• Be patient when communicating
• Treat adults as adults
• Avoid labeling
• Treat others as you wish to be treated

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Available Products

• A Reporters Guide- Reporting About People
  with Disabilities
• Disability Awareness Guide
• Just Like Me and You- Disability Awareness
  Curriculum
• Disability Awareness Coloring Book/Crayons
• Promotional Materials
• (Materials Available in Alternate Formats)

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What Are Alternate Formats?

• Large Print
• Audio Tape
• Braille
• Electronic Formats(Disk, Plain Text Files)
• Accessible Websites

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A Reporters Guide Reporting About People with
Disabilities

• A point of reference for journalists to help them
  form basic understanding of disability issues and
  etiquette
• Addresses negative stereotypes that lead to
  social discrimination and prejudice toward people
  with disabilities

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A Reporters Guide Reporting About People with
Disabilities

• General Information
• Language and Images
• Things to Consider
• Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
• Information Resources
• References

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Person First Language
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Tips for Using Images of People with Disabilities

• Are the images of good quality and in focus?
• Are the images shot from a flattering point of
  view?
• Do the images portray the individual as
  independent?
• Are the individuals shown participating in
  age-appropriate activity?
• Are the individuals shown in socially valued
  roles?
• Do the images avoid negative stereotypes of
  disability?

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Disability Awareness Guide

• Facts Figures
• Myths Realities
• Disability Etiquette
• Disability Rights
• Disability Awareness Events

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Just Like Me and You Disability Awareness
Curriculum

• Curriculum for 3rd, 4th, 5th Graders
• Communication
• Community
• Careers

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Promotional Materials

• Buttons
• Brochures
• Pens
• CD Cleaners
• Computer Brushes
• Sport Flyers (youth and adult)
• Paper Products
• Bags

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Upcoming Activities

• Spring 2006 Continuing Education Conference for
  Social Workers (Charleston)
• Mental Hygiene Commissioners Conference (Canaan
  Valley)

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Web Site Address

• Visit us on the Web at
• http//www.wvdhhr.org/wvic/
• Download free products and information!

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Contact Information

• Barbara EdmondsProgram Specialist SeniorBureau
  for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities,
  Adult Mental Health Division350 Capitol St.,
  Room 350Charleston, WV 25301Phone
  [phone]Fax[phone]Email
  bedmonds_at_wvdhhr.org

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Planning Committee

• Barbara Edmonds, Chairperson,
• Jackie Chellew, Bureau for Behavioral Health and
  Health Facilities
• Angie Ferrari, APS Healthcare
• David Horvath, Center for Excellence in
  Disabilities at WVU
• Scott Miller, Peoples Advocacy Information and
  Referral Services
• Kim Murphy, West Virginia Mental Health
  Consumers Association
• Linda Pauley, West Virginia Mental Health
  Consumers Association
• Myrt Simmons
• Betsy Southall, West Virginia Developmental
  Disabilities Council
• Cindy Spinks
• Teri Toothmann, MSPCAN
• Bob Waybright
• Steve Wiseman, West Virginia Developmental
  Disabilities Council
• Jan Derry, Northern West Virginia Center for
  Independent Living