Beyond Intention: Changing Practices to Honor All Community Members
9:00 AM - 10:00 AMThu
Bear Tower B
Speakers
Kathy Mullen
Director of Education, VIPS
Many professionals who are trained to work with individuals who have "disabilities" shy away from certain terminology in an effort not to offend. At the same time, they identify their self-worth by "helping" others. As leaders, their actions speak louder than their words, resulting in other community members demonstrating pity toward those served. What would happen if the members of the "disability" community were asked how they would like to be treated, talked to, cared for, admired, etc.? During this session, the leaders will guide participants through exercises to address these considerations resulting in a new lens for how we view and treat those we serve.