West Virginia Inclusion Campaign
Promoting awareness of the abilities of
people with disabilities
A statewide effort of…
West Virginia Department of Health and
Human Resources, Bureau of Behavioral
Health and Health Facilities
In partnership with…
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Individuals with Disabilities
Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU
West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council
West Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association
With financial support from…
• Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration
Purpose
…to ensure the full inclusion of people with
disabilities in all aspects of life, including:
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Housing
Education
Transportation
Employment
Health Care
Worship
Leisure Activities
(Source: Governor’s Proclamation, 2004)
What is Disability?
Disability is a long lasting physical,
mental or emotional condition that
inhibits a person’s ability to perform
ordinary functions such as:
• Walking
• Bathing
• Learning
• Remembering
(Source: 2000 Census)
Disability is Natural
• Disability is a natural part of the
human experience
• Disability occurs in people of all
ages, races, classes, genders and
nationalities
• The incidence of disability increases
with age
Facts & Figures
• West Virginia has one of the highest rates of
disability in the nation (23.5% of the
population)
• 410,781 West Virginians report having a
disability (1 out of every 5 West Virginians)
• 129,170 seniors report having a disability
(1 out of every 2 senior citizens)
(Source: 2000 US Census)
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities are sick or have
something wrong with them and they need
to be cured.
Reality:
Having a disability is not the same as being
sick. Disabilities are not contagious, and
people with disabilities don’t need to be
cured.
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities have a poor quality
of life and deserve sympathy, pity, and
charity.
Reality:
The quality of a person’s life depends on
their living conditions, access to community
activities and social relationships, and the
opportunity to contribute to society.
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities need to be
protected from failing.
Reality:
People with disabilities have the same
rights as everybody to participate in the
full range of human experiences including
success and failure.
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities should live in
protective settings, such as group homes or
facilities, with other people with disabilities.
Reality:
People with disabilities have the right to live
as independently as possible in community
settings of their choice.
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities are inspirational,
courageous, and brave for overcoming their
disability.
Reality:
People with disabilities are simply carrying on
normal activities of daily life when they work,
drive, compete in athletic events or
participate in recreational activities.
Myths & Realities
Myth:
People with disabilities are a drain on
society.
Reality:
All people have inherent value. People
with disabilities are contributing members
of society, attending school, working,
raising families, shopping, paying taxes,
and voting, just like everyone else.
Disability Etiquette
What to do when you meet someone with a disability
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Relax, don’t be embarrassed
Look at and speak directly to the person
Ask before offering assistance
Avoid staring
It’s OK to ask questions about their disability
Be patient when communicating
Treat adults as adults
Avoid labeling
Treat others as you wish to be treated
Available Products
• “A Reporter’s Guide”
- Reporting About People with Disabilities
• Disability Awareness Guide
• “Just Like Me and You”
- Disability Awareness Curriculum
• Disability Awareness Coloring
Book/Crayons
• Promotional Materials
(Materials Available in Alternate Formats)
What Are Alternate Formats?
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Large Print
Audio Tape
Braille
Electronic Formats
(Disk, Plain Text Files)
• Accessible Websites
A Reporter’s Guide: Reporting
About People with Disabilities
• A point of reference for journalists to
help them form basic understanding
of disability issues and etiquette
• Addresses negative stereotypes
that lead to social discrimination
and prejudice toward people with
disabilities
A Reporter’s Guide: Reporting
About People with Disabilities
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General Information
Language and Images
Things to Consider
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Information Resources
References
Person First Language
Don’t Use
Use
“The” disabled
People with disabilities
Handicapped
Person with a disability
Confined to a wheelchair
Uses a wheelchair
Wheelchair user
Victim, Sufferer, Cripple
Individual with disability
Mentally Ill
Experiences Mental
Illness
“The” mentally retarded
People with
developmental disabilities
“The” blind
People who are blind
Tips for Using Images of People
with Disabilities
• Are the images of good quality and in focus?
• Are the images shot from a flattering point of
view?
• Do the images portray the individual as
independent?
• Are the individuals shown participating in
age-appropriate activity?
• Are the individuals shown in socially valued
roles?
• Do the images avoid negative stereotypes of
disability?
Disability Awareness Guide
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Facts & Figures
Myths & Realities
Disability Etiquette
Disability Rights
Disability Awareness Events
“Just Like Me and You”
Disability Awareness Curriculum
Curriculum for 3rd, 4th, 5th Graders
• Communication
• Community
• Careers
Promotional Materials
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Buttons
Brochures
Pens
CD Cleaners
Computer Brushes
Sport Flyers (youth and adult)
Paper Products
Bags
Upcoming Activities
• Spring 2006 Continuing
Education Conference for
Social Workers (Charleston)
• Mental Hygiene
Commissioners Conference
(Canaan Valley)
Web Site Address
Visit us on the Web at:
http://www.wvdhhr.org/wvic/
Download free products and
information!
Contact Information
• Barbara Edmonds
Program Specialist Senior
Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health
Facilities, Adult Mental Health Division
350 Capitol St., Room 350
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304)558-1128
Fax:(304)558-1008
Email: bedmonds@wvdhhr.org
Planning Committee
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Barbara Edmonds, Chairperson,
Jackie Chellew, Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities
Angie Ferrari, APS Healthcare
David Horvath, Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU
Scott Miller, Peoples Advocacy Information and Referral Services
Kim Murphy, West Virginia Mental Health Consumer’s Association
Linda Pauley, West Virginia Mental Health Consumer’s Association
Myrt Simmons
Betsy Southall, West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council
Cindy Spinks
Teri Toothmann, MSPCAN
Bob Waybright
Steve Wiseman, West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council
Jan Derry, Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living