Breadcrumb Trail
Session A: Two 45 Minute Presentations
- Date and Time
- Wednesday, April 23, 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM
- Description
"Learning From History." Presented by: Sue Curtis, Quality Assurance/Family Support Manager, Montgomery Developmental Center; and Carolyn Akakpo, Qualified Mental Retardation Professional, Montgomery Developmental Center.
Patrick Henry said, "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; the lamp of experience. I know no way to judge the future but by the past." We can judge our predecessors for the ways in which people living in public institutions were, and were not, included in the community over our 150 year existence. In looking back at the social mores, medical practices, and financial infrastructure that created and supported the public institution since it's inception in Ohio, we can see the changes in the treatment of the people who lived in those institutions.
Using a pictorial review, 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 will be discussed. 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.
The current philosophy and practice in state-operated centers in Ohio is one in which full participation in the community is expected, as is equality of opportunity in all areas of life. The presenters will discuss the status of current "institutions" in regards to both the philosophy of inclusion and how that translates into outcomes, again using pictures to illustrate. While some pictures are graphically disturbing, it is crucial to include them to insure an understanding of how and why philosophy and reality diverged. 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." Pesented by: Carmen Shelton, MSW, LSW.
The content of this discussion will focus on issues regarding the inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the workplace. Most individuals with disabilities desire to be included in and contribute to their communities. One way to accomplish this goal, is to educate employers and businesses about the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities. Since the passage of the ADA in 1990, there are still seventy percent of individuals with disabilities that are unemployed, and most of those individuals desire to work. This discussion will educate businesses and employers on the benefits of inclusion of individuals with disabilities and steps that can be taken toward inclusion in the workplace.
Best practices of a business that has a history of hiring people with disabilities and establishing a diverse workforce will be highlighted. Accor North America 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.