There is a paradigm shift on how we used to provide supports for adults with disabilities and how we are doing it now. The shift highly involves inclusion and successful goal evaluation. Many providers now provide supports in a community and the clients have goals they work on on a daily basis. The main mantra of these services is for clients to be able to live a functional life within their community. The company I work for, Candeo, has a mission "To inspire our clients to achieve their personal goals". Our vision "is a community empowered by the contribution of all." Basically what we're saying is that we feel that all members of a community should not only be welcome, but that each contribution is vital for the success of that community. This includes the people I get to work with.
So that is why I'm calling this blog the "People First Project". Because it takes every member of a community to catch the concept that we are defined as people first and whatever else can be used to describe us second. I'm not asking that we ignore that there are some people who need extra assistance to succeed in a community, as the work I do would be contradictory to that mindset, but what I'm asking is that we all open our eyes to the people we interact with on a day to day basis.
If you've ever seen someone walk into a restaurant who you could tell that they could very well have a disability, and you thought to yourself, "what is he/she doing here?" this blog is for you. If you ever thought to yourself, "I wonder what is wrong with them?" This blog is for you. If you saw them and thought to yourself, "good for them, they have the right to be here just as much as I do." This blog is for you. Because it's time we recognized that our community can only thrive by the involvement of everyone in it. No one will be set aside and shut out any longer. The movement is already happening and there is nothing that can stop it now.
So, I guess the reason I want to share some of my thoughts is because, I hope to educate some, encourage others, and if necessary, shame a few...let's hope only a few.
So here it is, the People First Project. Please like and share and spread the word as I intend to share a nugget or two every week. Keep your eye out for this blog on facebook and other social networks and share the heck out of it. Because the change is already happening, but we want everyone on board for a smooth transition.
-If you have a story or thought you'd like to share regarding this project, feel free to send it to me at yeshuawing@gmail.com and I'll be sure to read them and feature them here with your permission and full credit to you. Thanks in advance for sharing!
Click here for a good resource on people first language
So that is why I'm calling this blog the "People First Project". Because it takes every member of a community to catch the concept that we are defined as people first and whatever else can be used to describe us second. I'm not asking that we ignore that there are some people who need extra assistance to succeed in a community, as the work I do would be contradictory to that mindset, but what I'm asking is that we all open our eyes to the people we interact with on a day to day basis.
If you've ever seen someone walk into a restaurant who you could tell that they could very well have a disability, and you thought to yourself, "what is he/she doing here?" this blog is for you. If you ever thought to yourself, "I wonder what is wrong with them?" This blog is for you. If you saw them and thought to yourself, "good for them, they have the right to be here just as much as I do." This blog is for you. Because it's time we recognized that our community can only thrive by the involvement of everyone in it. No one will be set aside and shut out any longer. The movement is already happening and there is nothing that can stop it now.
So, I guess the reason I want to share some of my thoughts is because, I hope to educate some, encourage others, and if necessary, shame a few...let's hope only a few.
So here it is, the People First Project. Please like and share and spread the word as I intend to share a nugget or two every week. Keep your eye out for this blog on facebook and other social networks and share the heck out of it. Because the change is already happening, but we want everyone on board for a smooth transition.
-If you have a story or thought you'd like to share regarding this project, feel free to send it to me at yeshuawing@gmail.com and I'll be sure to read them and feature them here with your permission and full credit to you. Thanks in advance for sharing!
Click here for a good resource on people first language
So glad and proud of you for doing this! This is such a needed help and education for the community. Love you!! :D
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