In looking back at the social mores, medical practices, and financial infrastructure that created and supported the public institution since its inception in Ohio, we can see the changes in the treatment of people who lived in those institutions. Using a pictorial review, this presentation will illustrate the various ways in which people with disabilities were included and excluded from participation in the global community from the 1850's through the present. The philosophies and theories in practice over the years will be reviewed to highlight what was intended and how those intentions were realized in outcomes. The presentation will also illustrate how those philosophies and outcomes changed over the decades and will discuss the status of current "institutions" in regards to the philosophy of inclusion and how that translates into outcomes. It is expected that participants will obtain a better understanding of the historical philosophical roots of residential institutions, how these changed over the years, and the present structure and belief system that is in place.

"Inclusion: Good for Individuals with Disabilities, Good for Businesses." Presented by Carmen Shelton, MSW, LSW.

Including individuals with disabilities in the workplace educates businesses and employers on the benefits of and steps to take toward inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Since the passage of the ADA in 1990, there are still seventy percent of individuals with disabilities that are unemployed, most of whom desire to work. The presenter will explore the best practices of Accor North America who has been recognized for employing individuals with disabilities and has partnered with businesses and other agencies to ensure individuals with disabilities have the potential to reach optimal performance outcomes. As a result of hiring people with disabilities, businesses and employers contribute to the inclusion of people with disabilities, giving them the opportunity for economic self-sufficiency and independence that so many people with disabilities desire.

In order to understand, assess, and project the future of any significant occurrence, historical perspectives need to be reviewed. Learning disabilities are not any different. The focus of this presentation will be an historical approach to learning disabilities, how students or parents can assess services at the post-secondary level, what the ADA legally mandated services are, and how comprehensive support service programs at the post-secondary level can assist the student's collegiate success. The importance of inclusion of the student in the middle school and high school years within the regular curriculum, while not always reflective in a grade success, is a must for those seeking post-secondary education. Additionally, a discussion of selected learning disabilities and the strategies that need to be ingrained in the student to create someone who is empowered in the educational system at the post-secondary level will be addressed. Lastly, the presentation will look ahead at the field of post-secondary education. Where is it now, where is it going, and what does the future hold from an educator's perspective in light of the Supreme Court decision of October 10, 2007?

"Current Application of Independent Living & Deinstitutionalization Ideals: Interactions between People with Disabilities and Their Support Providers." Presented by: Christine Kelly, PhD Candidate in Canadian Studies, Carleton University.

Looking back on the development of the Disability Movement in North America, both Independent Living Philosophy and deinstitutionalization have played integral roles in shaping the politics of the movement. This presentation will review the current application of these core values as demonstrated through support provision relationships in two specific organizations. It will begin with a brief review of the key approaches to support provision including Independent Living, holistic nursing, feminist ethic of care, and the L'Arche model. Next, the presentation will describe findings from a small study recently conducted in Canada. The study examines ways in which Independent Living Philosophy and deinstitutionalization shape interactions between people with disabilities and support providers at two organizations: a L'Arche community for people with intellectual disabilities and the Independent Living Resource Centre. The presentation concludes with a discussion of the evolution of these core values and what it could mean for the larger Disability Movement today and in the future.

The presenter has been a C-4, C-5 quadriplegic since a car accident at age 16. He will discuss his accident and describe the challenges that have arisen due to it. The biggest fear he has overcome is of accomplishing what he thought was impossible. One of the presenter's dreams before the accident was to go skydiving. With the use of assistive technology, he was able to search web pages and identify a skydiving location that would accept the challenge of a quadriplegic skydiving. On July 8, 2007, he went tandem skydiving and has described it as one of the most amazing experiences in his life. The presenter will discuss his experiences and the ability to accomplish dreams even after what may seem to be a tragic, life-changing event.

"Digging Growth." Lyn Geiser, Master Gardener, and Judy Arnett, Master Gardener.

The presenters will demonstrate how people who are disabled and either gave up gardening or have never gardened can enjoy this past time. Participants will learn how adapting a raised bed or container allows them the opportunity to resume or start an activity that would demonstrate their competence and provide personal joy and creation, as well as contribute to their environment. The ability to garden provides people with disabilities the opportunity to get together with others. Just as plants can not flourish without the nutrients from many components (soil, water, organic matter….) people with disabilities cannot reach their potential and continue to prosper and "grow" without opportunities for enrichment.