A QUESTION OF VALUE(S): Social Capital, Social Roles and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
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The document discusses the importance of social capital for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, emphasizing that enhancing their relationships can improve their quality of life and integration into the community. It argues that traditional human services should focus on promoting social capital rather than just addressing disabilities, thereby creating more opportunities for employment and community participation. The text also highlights the role of employers and community engagement in fostering inclusive environments that value the contributions of people with disabilities.
A QUESTION OF VALUE(S): Social Capital, Social Roles and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
- 1. Social Capital, Social Roles, and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism A QUESTION OF VALUE(S) Presented by Keenan Wellar May 6, 2017 Ottawa, Ontario
- 2. What would you say great cutting edge work looks like today in human services for people with intellectual disabilities? If people with intellectual disabilities are enjoying lives pretty much like other citizens, in terms of work, education, home life, participation in the community and so on, then you would have to say that is a huge improvement in quality of life from agency programs ~ Michael Kendrick We should measure the quality of agency work by the outcomes in the lives of supported individuals!
- 3. The best of intentions… …life-limiting results
- 4. Social Capital is a term that summarizes the value (tangible and intangible) of the relationships in our lives. It is closely associated with healthfulness, happiness, and even life expectancy. It is absolutely fundamental to life success and promotes pro social behaviors in the greater community. Yet sadly, many people with disabilities are limited in social capital and remain isolated in ways that are manifested in unemployment, limited housing, transportation disparities, and limited opportunities in the greater community. As traditional human services continue to focus on the elements of disability in an effort to address these ills, we are convinced that the key to change is not found in addressing the disability, but in promoting social capital, which in turn, will change attitudes, assumptions, and promote greater opportunities. ~ Al Condeluci At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer If a man is to shed the light of the sun upon other men, he must first of all have it within himself. ~ Romain Rolland
- 5. Thank you for choosing Acme Support Services, where we proudly facilitate community inclusion through person-centered planning! Now, let me start by assessing your level of disability and outlining the corresponding list of fixed choices available to you in our programs! Thank you for choosing Acme Support Services, where we proudly facilitate community inclusion through person-centered planning! Now, let me start by asking what sort of life you’d like to be living, then let’s talk about how we can help you make that happen in our community! MICRO APPROACH MACRO APPROACH
- 6. MICRO MACRO
- 7. DSO Health and Safety Contract Negotiations Family Expectations Vacancy Management Urgent Response ODSP CSPT Community Expectations Human Resources Funder Expectations QAM Some other work to do at the same time as trying to deliver a person-centred focus on building social capital…
- 8. Sometimes systems change is made harder because we aren’t listening to each other!
- 9. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
- 13. THEN NOW Royce is now 23 and wants to live on his own, says his father, Ralph. But the family has been told he needs constant care, and that there are no resources available to meet his needs. He’s always very pleasant to work with, always on time, shows a great deal of dedication to the task…it’s saved us tremendous amounts of money by having him here.
- 15. Friendship: a complex algorithm! But there are ways we can help people with intellectual Disabilities and autism build social capital. It starts with looking to the community for answers.
- 16. A sure sign of social inclusion: the rest of the team never forgets you at beer time!
- 17. WITH A FOCUS ON SOCIAL CAPITAL, STAFF SEE THEIR ROLE AS HELPING INDIVIDUALS BUILD A NETWORK OF NATURAL RELATIONSHIPS, RATHER THAN REPLACING THEM
- 18. Home is where the heart is!
- 19. Person-centred support: it’s all about who is making the decisions!
- 20. Employers are the biggest and most important supporters of inclusive employment!
- 21. • Costco • 3 Brewers • The Westin Ottawa • The Parliament Cleaning Group • Shoppers Drug Mart • TD Bank • Brown’s Cleaners • Whole Foods • Milestones • DOW Honda • Bushtukha • McDaniels YIG • Tim Hortons • Star Motors • The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro • Farmboy • Service Canada • Swiss Chalet • Kanata Honda • PODS • Sobeys • Pita Pit • RE-MAX • Garden Creations • Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group OSEG • Kelseys Restaurants • Volvo • Shopify • Landmark Cinemas • East India Company Restaurant • Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunication Services • South East Community Health Centre • Ottawa Champions Baseball • Levy Restaurants • Engineers Canada • Dress for Success • Value Village • Pancake Shack • Coles Funeral Home • Minto • Hot 89.9 • Canadian Human Rights Commission • Elections Canada • Precise Parking • Quickie • Your Reno Guys • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada • Welch LLP • Canadian Food Inspection Agency • GGFL Chartered Professional Accountants • Agriculture Canada • Employment and Social Development Canada • Invest Canada • Canadian Wildlife Federation • Money Coaches Canada • Ecivda Financial Planning Boutique Our employer partners…so far!!!
- 25. I know that people with intellectual disabilities and autism bring tremendous value to the relationships in their lives and to their community. They contribute to and benefit from reciprocal relationships that build social capital. I see them as neighbours, friends, employees, and other social roles that are common to all citizens. What will I do to bring inclusive values to people and places in my community?