Health Care Reform Information

President Obama is trying to alleviate the fears being spread about health care reform by debunking the myths at a new website

Building Inclusion Together

Building Inclusion Together is a community disability awareness program created by two local parents, Jennifer Monteleone and Lisa Okada Visitacion, parents of children with developmental disabilities. They have developed a great website and have put together trainings for high schools for National Disability Awareness Month in October 2009.

Check out their website at http://www.buildinginclusiontogether.org

For more information, contact: info@buildinginclusiontogether

Here is info about the 2009 School Program

In October 2009, Building Inclusion Together will be traveling to high schools throughout Washington State to talk about disability history in our state, inclusion, and begin discussions about the ways in which student leaders can make a difference in their school communities.

By speaking directly with future community, business and government leaders, we hope students will begin to shape their opinions and philosophies, as well as develop their sense of compassion about why the inclusion of people based on their abilities, not their disabilities, makes our communities stronger.

Students who are passionate about an idea often carry their thoughts beyond the school yard and into their community, planting seeds of change with parents, family members and neighbors. We hope the Building Inclusion Together program will create a sense of passion and awareness within your school community to build new opportunities in which all students can belong regardless of disability or difference.

Participating schools will be eligible to compete for the first ever Building Inclusion Together Inclusive School Award. Working in teams, students will be encouraged to develop a comprehensive program to create opportunities for inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their school communities.

This year, we are offering two program options. Schools are encouraged to select the option that they feel would connect best to their student population. Program times may be able to be amended based on school needs.

Option 1 - ASB Student Leadership - 90 minutes
ASB Student Leadership will participate in a 90-minute program that includes watching the full length (60 minute) Including Samuel documentary, listening to stories on inclusion and self determination from Washington State self advocates who will be in attendance, followed by a brief question and answer session. The Building Inclusion Together Inclusive School Award competition will also be introduced and explained. Resource materials will be provided for student research, discussion and idea generation.

Option 2 - Social Studies and English classes - 45 minutes Students will participate in a 45 minute in-classroom program that includes watching the 12-minute Including Samuel trailer, followed by a 15-minute discussion led by self advocates with support from the Building Inclusion Co-Founders. The Building Inclusion Together Inclusive School Award competition will also be introduced and explained. Resource materials will be provided for student research, discussion and idea generation.

Technical Requirements

DVD player and projection screen to show Including Samuel documentary
ADA accessible building and/or room
Access to elevator if room is located on the second floor
Internet connection
Due to generous community support, we are able to bring
the Building Inclusion Together program
to your school free of charge.




For more information, contact: info@buildinginclusiontogether