SU consultant to facilitate summit on ending segregation of people with disabilities

SU consultant to facilitate summit on ending segregation of people with disabilitiesJune 15, 2007Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

Robert Ciota, a consultant working with the Center on Human Policy, Law and Disabilities Studies at Syracuse University, will facilitate “Inclusion NOW!” — a two-day strategic planning session to take place in Orlando, Fla. — June 19-20.

The 2007 “Inclusion NOW!” Summit is hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC). Participants will develop strategies to address the current situation for people with developmental disabilities following the budget cuts from the 2007 legislative session, as well as how to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities.

“We will be developing ways to ensure the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our schools, businesses and communities,” says Nila Benito, chair for the “Inclusion NOW!” Summit and community supports coordinator of the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities. “We’re going to examine public policy and develop a game plan for stopping the segregation of people with disabilities now.”

Attendees will share their vision for inclusion in health care, education, employment and community living; identify ways in which they can make their vision for inclusion a reality; and discuss resources and mechanisms available to support systems change. The purpose of the “Inclusion NOW!” Summit is to develop a strategic plan for igniting the inclusion movement and inspiring participants to become activists for change.

“Inclusion NOW!” is a public education campaign stressing the importance of full inclusion for people with disabilities in education, business and the community. It asserts that now is the time to enact and enforce legislation and assure that people with disabilities have the freedom, responsibility and right to experience life as equal and active members of society.

For more information about the Summit or the “Inclusion NOW!” campaign, visit http://www.fddc.org or call 1-800-580-7801.