OS for people with disabilities

Sat Apr 5 09:33:12 PST 2003

Theresa and others who have made recommendations for fuller inclusion of
those who are differently abled, thank you. If you are interested in making
recommendations regarding fuller inclusion of those with invisible
dis--abilities, I would be interested.

Here is what friends and colleagues along the way have taught me that I
would like to add to the list:
-some people are very environmentally sensitive and need non-florescent
lighting and good ventillation to fresh air
-some people are very environmentally sensitive to scents and in order not
to be ill, need a scent free environment so in the invitation people are to
be asked to wear no scents included scented hair gel and deodorant and
perfumes etcetera. I learned this one the hard way when people had to leave
a meeting due to someone's perfume.
-some people have been abused. In some cases this means that to be asked to
touch someone by holding hands in the closing circle or any other such
intimate act of group work is enough to make them ill. Recommendation: make
it clear that there is to be no expectation that requires physical contact.
I learned this one the hard way when I facilitated a closing circle years
ago.
-seniors and people on medications often cannot read fine print. A font size
of 14 or more is needed for them to participate in reading the reports.
-the theme, givens, and instructions need to be clear both to see and to
hear and to be repeated at least three times for those who have different
abilities in how they learn.
-always assume there are people in the room who cannot read/write. Include
in the instructions that if there are challenges with getting the topic up
in written form, to partner up with others to do so. Normalize this as much
as possible.

I too have found that dealing with different abilities right up front and
doing my best to ensure an environment that is inclusive of all, is one way
to assist the people involved.

I would like to learn more tips from those on the list who know more
regarding this.

Blessings,
Birgitt

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Therese
Fitzpatrick
Sent: Friday, April 04, 2003 9:23 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: OS for people with disabilities

At one point in my life, I ran a workshop business that attracted many
disabled people.  My partner and I were proud that our marketing message
conveyed a sense of inclusivity.  We conducted five day personal growth
intensives (along with some other experiences:  the 5 day intensive was our
core work) and we sought to create ongoing community for workshop
participants after the intensives ended.  The personal natural of the work
and the privilege of convening weekly community meetings led to many rich
and some life-long friendships.  Some of these friendships were with the
disabled.

I am sure many people on this list know disabled people and I am sure many
people on this list have disabled friends.  What I am about to say is based
strictly on my direct, personal experience with a number of close friends
with severe physical disabilities.  I state my opinions, not conclusions of
fact.

I handled enrollment.  I came right out and asked each person that disclosed
that they had a disability  what their needs were and how we could meet
them.  As friendships grew, I had many discussions with my disabled friends
about their ongoing struggle to feel included.  All of the people I am
talking about agreed that the mainstream, able bodied culture tends to
'disappear' the disabled.  My disabled friends tell me that they would much
rather be asked about their disability than to be unwittingly erased.  My
disabled friends tell me that they prefer open acknowledgment of their
disabilities.  My disabled friends tell me that sometimes they like help and
sometimes they dont:  they say it is ok for anyone to ask them if they want
help as long as they ask respectfully and as long as they are willing to get
turned down.  None of my disabled friends would prefer that a facilitator of
a meeting  give no attention to the fact that disabled people are in the
room.

As a convenor opens a meeting, it is an opportunity to advocate for
inclusion of the disabled by openly discussing the accomodations that are
available to the entire group:  this has the effect of educating the
"normal" people as well as openly inviting the disabled to feel included.
It is also an invitation to the non-disabled participants to see the
disabled participants as real peole, as colleagues. It has been my
experience that addressing disability accomodations in front of any meeting
is a steady way to educate.  I know I was surprised, when I first developed
friendships with physically disabled people, to learn how unintentionally
they are so often excluded.  Ever since then I have spoken openly, at
meetings I design and/or facilitate, to include disability accomodatons as a
routine part of my logistics:  sometimes even at meetings where I am not
expecting disabled participants.  Who knows who is going to show up?

I have been surprised by a few comments on this list serve. Some people have
  suggested that nothing special be done.  I would like to know what data
might indicate that no special mention of disabilities would be the right
way to go.

If we can tell a large group about toilet breaks and telephone access, we
can include the whole group and discuss EVERYONE"S needs, acting as if
everyone's needs are entitled to be met.

I have a permanent disability that is not visible to the eye.  I won't get
started on how to include those persons in an event that have invisible
disabilities . . . but I have opinions and experience if anyone is
interested.

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