Better Together Cultivating a Diverse and Effective Service Corps

Advocates Valerie Luther Solomon Miles Kathleen Vaughan Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU

Mission of The Partnership for People with Disabilities Our mission is to partner with people with disabilities and others to build communities where all people can live, learn, work and play together.

Let’s view two very diverse and equally provocative commentaries by people with disabilities on a recent media portrayal of a person with a cognitive disability and the use of the word “retarded”.

What messages have you received from your culture about the meaning of disability?

“Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind?”

Facts About People With Disabilities (Source: National Organization on Disability Harris Survey) Only 35% of people with disabilities reported being employed full or part time, compared to 78% of those who do not have disabilities. Compared to their non-disabled counterparts, they are three times as many people with disabilities living in poverty (annual household incomes below $15,000). Twice as likely to drop out of high school Twice as likely to have inadequate transportation, and a much higher percentage go without needed health care (18% versus 7%). People with disabilities are less likely to socialize, eat out, or attend religious services Not surprisingly, only 34% say they are very satisfied with their lives compared to 61% of those without disabilities.

Language is Power (Source: MPACT handout) Our words have the power to inspire, motivate, and uplift people. They also have the power to hurt, isolate and oppress individuals or entire segments of society. Often times, throughout our history, it has become necessary to change our language and the way in which we refer to individuals and groups to avoid further oppressing those members of society. The time has come to reshape our language once again so that we may refer to people with disabilities and the disability community in a respectful and inclusive manner. Using People First language

How can you demonstrate an assumption of competence while also recognizing the challenges that are common to people with disabilities in your service locations?

AmeriCorps Manual Participation in the Corporation and its programs and projects must be based on merit and equal opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service, or religious, community, or social affiliations. You have a right to reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Programs must furnish reasonable accommodations for the know physical and mental limitations of qualified AmeriCorps members.

What is your pledge?

Disability Inclusion Plan

If we can agree that segregation never raises the quality of life for any people involved… what will you do about it? Final Thoughts…