Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

[Guest guest]

National Down syndrome Awareness Month is October; if I remember correctly.

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: teteme55 <teteme@...>

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 1:27 AM

 

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief

librarian at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure

all our communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools

had displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned

for months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we

all spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press

releases, church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is

'Together'. Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know

about this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never

would have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families

and individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness

about DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church.

That can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight.

But can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing

at a National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

I have to share this:

Every March for the last three years (maybe four) President Larry Dominick of

Cicero celebrates National Developmental Disability Awareness Month.  A banner

is hung over the City Hall and one day, every week in the Month of March, he has

an awareness event.  The first week of the month he has a huge luncheon with

all the children in special education , service agencies, legislators etc.  The

school children put on a show (which is the best I have ever seen).  I love

what he does!  It's amazing.

I only wish more Towns and Cities would take the time. 

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

 

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know

about this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never

would have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families

and individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness

about DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church.

That can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight.

But can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing

at a National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

, how great that your City President sponsors these kinds of events.

Thanks for sharing.

From: Bedard

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:46 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

I have to share this:

Every March for the last three years (maybe four) President Larry Dominick of

Cicero celebrates National Developmental Disability Awareness Month. A banner

is hung over the City Hall and one day, every week in the Month of March, he has

an awareness event. The first week of the month he has a huge luncheon with all

the children in special education , service agencies, legislators etc. The

school children put on a show (which is the best I have ever seen). I love what

he does! It's amazing.

I only wish more Towns and Cities would take the time.

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know about

this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never would

have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families and

individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness about

DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church. That

can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight. But

can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing at a

National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, my town doesn't  celebrate (berwyn).  I think our Mayor is

beginning to " get it " .  Cicero is next door to me and I get to go to the all

the events.  It's wonderful to see such a huge city wide  celebration.  I

only hope that this type of awareness will catch on in other towns and cities. 

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know about

this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never would

have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families and

individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness about

DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church. That

can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight. But

can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing at a

National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, Cicero indeed is serious about it.

I, for a few years now, teach The Man who Loved Clowns in March (I think

EVERYBODY should read it!), which was imposed by our school district. When we

read it and discuss it, I often talk about .

I have to say that more and more students become sensitive to " our " issues.

Often people are inconsiderate because they simply don't know anything about the

subject. I believe that celebrating people w/disabilities (at least once a

year...)will gradually promote awareness, tolerance, and compassion toward all

of our sons and daughters!

Beata

's mom

Beata Kruss

Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting

how together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work,

volunteer, recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are

finalized (thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

My reason for posting was in case someone else reading this list would decide

that's something they want to work towards, too. Hoping that someone else picks

it up and runs with it, in my experience, isn't terribly effective. (And ,

I know that's not you, you do a lot in your community.) It's really not much

harder than planning a child's birthday party (maybe easier depending on your

family situation!). Sometimes all it takes is someone from the community asking

the question and providing some reference materials, time and energy.

Municipalities and community groups do these sorts of things all the time; but

they may not consider doing this one unless one of us asks and then offers to

help make it happen. The first time is the hardest. After that, it often

becomes built onto other people's calendars, too.

Take care,

L.

From: Bedard

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 9:44 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Unfortunately, my town doesn't celebrate (berwyn). I think our Mayor is

beginning to " get it " . Cicero is next door to me and I get to go to the all the

events. It's wonderful to see such a huge city wide celebration. I only hope

that this type of awareness will catch on in other towns and cities.

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know about

this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never would

have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families and

individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness about

DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church. That

can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight. But

can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing at a

National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Laurie, you are far too modest.

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know about

this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never would

have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families and

individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness about

DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church. That

can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight. But

can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing at a

National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, my friend, but I disagree. How many excellent advocates paved the way

for me, and people like you & others who have my back? It's always a group

effort, over time, one foot in front of the other. The proverbial village makes

things possible.

Developing allies outside of our usual circle of social service advocates

doesn't hurt, either. I'm convinced that remains our best bet to make progress

going forward. We're not competing with them for a slice of the same pie.

L.

From: Margie Sillery

Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 8:06 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie, you are far too modest.

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2:37 AM

Marie and all,

I'm glad if anyone can make use of this information. Was I surprised I'd never

heard of this 'month' before? Yes, and I asked myself how could I not know about

this? If I hadn't happened to open that ARC of the U.S. email, I never would

have known. I realize this may not seem very important to many people,

especially for those whose interests lie in statewide political reform,

budgetary/public funding concerns, legislative support, etc. That's very

important work. But let's not minimize the importance of empowering families and

individuals to reach out to their local communities and to raise awareness about

DDs among neighbors, co-workers, school families, members of your church. That

can be powerful stuff, too. I wish our advocacy groups could be more of a

balance between the two instead of so often seeming to be all about the former.

You mention, Marie, that you had a committee working on Autism Awareness Month.

I didn't do this alone by any stretch. We have a committee, too, and ours isn't

entirely made up of parents of kids with DDs. It includes a wonderful and

diverse collection of people from City government, public librarians, school

district administrators, the faith community, and regular people who happen to

employ or volunteer alongside our young adults with DDs. Did it take time to

build this coalition of community members? Yes, it doesn't happen overnight. But

can it happen? Absolutely. Your DD choir from New Jersey coming in to sing at a

National Convention in Illinois is a perfect example of what's possible.

So let's not all despair about the 'dark days' in Illinois and feel hopeless.

There's a lot that every one of us can do, close to home, to forge connections

and relationships for our kids and for ourselves. Let's not forget that.

Night all,

L.

From: teteme55

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:27 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Laurie,

When I was president of my local ASA chapter, we did all of these things and

more for National Autism Awareness Month. One of our members was chief librarian

at Crete's public library(a former ASI president, no less)made sure all our

communities libraries had plenty of autism resource material and schools had

displays. Much of what you pulled together in such a short time we planned for

months but....it takes work. I had a committee to take care of it and we all

spread out and took care of our own little corners and it worked well.

I didn't know March was DD awareness month. Actually, since I'm working with a

choir of adults with DDs coming in from New Jersey to Chicago and singing in

March at the national American Choral Directors Association (this is a really,

really big deal)convention, I will make sure people that should know about this,

will. And have been trying to get coverage...this will be perfect!

Perhaps if we know when things happen, things like this can be qu-ed up and

ready every year---when is National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month? April is

autism but what about CP and others? Folks, tell us if you know.

Marie

>

> Did you know that March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

I learned of this about 2 weeks ago, from an ARC of the United States

e-newsletter that mentioned it. There were a few suggestions for ways state

chapters or service providers or other members could work on increasing

awareness in their state or local community. I thought I'd see if my fellow

NapervilleWorks colleagues were interested; and wow, did they ever rise to the

challenge. Here are just a few of the things we've got in place as of today

with more to come. Thought I'd share these with you in case anyone wants to

replicate in their own communities.

>

> There's a great website with a full range of materials & ideas at low or no

cost: www.publicimagesnetwork.org. It has posters, templates for press releases,

church bulletin inserts, PSAs and more. The theme this year is 'Together'.

Here's what we have organized to date:

>

> 1. City Proclamation designating March as DD Awareness Month in Naperville

> (City Council meeting March 1 -- thank you Councilman for getting that

date reserved for us)

>

> 2. March 24th Transition Forum scheduled in Council Chambers, highlighting how

together, as a community, we all win when residents with DDs work, volunteer,

recreate, worship and vote together. More on this as details are finalized

(thanks again Councilman and ADA Coordinator Marita Manning).

>

> 3. Month long displays confirmed at all Naperville Public Libraries, with

resource materials, children's books, software and other items available for

checkout.

>

> 4. Month long displays at each of our public school's Learning Centers with

same as above.

>

> 5. Press releases going out to all faith communities in Naperville with a

sample bulletin insert describing ways a congregation can consider celebrating

their members with developmental disabilities

> (thank you to our City's ADA Coordinator, Marita Manning, for her help with

this)

>

> 6. Article about March as DD Awareness Month in local magazine Positively

Naperville (thanks again Marita!)

>

> There may be more, but not bad for a week and a half of knowing about it.

Imagine what we can do next year.

>

> Let me know if anyone else is doing this & if you've found better sources of

information or promotional activities. I believe this falls under the proverbial

'building local capacity' heading, don't you?

>

> Take care,

> Laurie

>

[Guest guest]

Ellen:

I completely agree.  Many times I wondered why we had to have these " special "

days.   My kids should just be a part of society without any eyes raised

etc. 

Until the day comes; Lord, I pray it will happen before my time ends on this

earth; I guess we  need to do anything possible to promote awareness. 

I have to say that when I watch the Cicero celebration,  Larry Dominick does it

with great taste and no condescending attitude..  Last year he met one of the

young ladies that was attending the event.   At the end of the event he came

over to her, no cameras, no press, nothing, he asked to speak to her

privately.  She was working at City Hall immediately.  When you walk into

Cicero City Hall; people with intellectual disabilities are working there, from

the high school, in the lobby area.  Go to the mail room, the 2nd floor and

many other areas,  many people with different disabilities work there.  Cicero

has NO discrimination when hiring.  This is a man who brought back Special

Olympics, started wheel chair basketball teams for the City, he has special

programs in the library just for children with disabilities, he has started a

Special Transportation program for Cicero Residents with Disabilities.  When

you walk into the gym at his Community

Center; which is ADA accessible, he even has a elevator so that people can get

to the stage and participate in programs.  The parks are being renovated for

children with disabilities; (when he gets the grant) he's is frustrated with

this one. 

I have to say Larry Dominick, as controversial as he is, is the biggest Teddy

Bear I have ever met.  When he  met my children, his kindness overwhelmed

me.  My children just about charge him whenever they see him and he could care

less.  Hugs for everyone! His wife is the same too.

As I said, more towns and cities need to look to Cicero to see inclusion and

understanding at it's best. 

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: ELLEN BRONFELD <egskb@...>

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

Hi all:

Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

all, people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are

just people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every

day of the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a

special day.

I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

ones to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not

require a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

community.

Just my opinion...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

[Guest guest]

Hi,

As much as I love the idea of inclusion, we don't live in a perfect world. It

hurts me greatly when I see people who are insensitive or mean (regular ed.

students making fun of sp. ed. students).

With those perhaps artificial monthly reminders or " lessons, " I'm hoping we will

eventually have more people who are aware of OTHERS...sometimes people are mean

because they were not exposed to " different life's situations. "

I, personally, love to teach the book we were imposed to teach (i mentioned it

before, The Man who Loved Clowns) because I see a change in my students! When I

top it w/stories about , the students become even more sensitive...yes, we

cry together...

I do the same when there is Hispanic heritage month, African-American heritage

month, and so on. I teach then about many ethnicities (again including personal

examples: Jewish family members, Polish family members...). Young people do

understand then. The seed of tolerance is planted at least...

I would love everybody to be open-minded, tolerant, and respectful; I would love

everybody to treat our children w/respect in every aspect of life, BUT it

doesn't always happen...People need to be reminded or taught sometimes...I think

it gives us a bigger chance for future inclusion.

Beata

's mom

Beata Kruss

Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite <mailto:IPADDUnite%40>

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

Hi all:

Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

day.

I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones

to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

Just my opinion...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@... <mailto:egskb%40sbcglobal.net>

[Guest guest]

Dearest Ellen,

I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

doing a bang up job.

However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I asked

him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city for

people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh no no,

we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you tried

_____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other words, I

feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation, but lordy

no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of Naperville.

Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken care of, blah

blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how parents/caregivers can't

keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for day programs any more, how

much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are spending six figures to

educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly? Talk about feeling

angry!

I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the head

of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

it's worth discussing.

Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast Cancer,

Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can be reduced

to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a strategic tool

that brings together many organizations within a town, then I disagree with you

that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to cultivate and yes,

give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who are not a part of the

social service world. And those allies, those connections, I believe, are what

will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for all.

More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

L.

From: ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Hi all:

Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

day.

I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know me,

know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones to

be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require a

special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

Just my opinion...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

[Guest guest]

I agree.  As long as I have been doing this, and hate to have these " special

months " we have to bring about awareness.

No Laurie, I don't live in Cicero.  There have been times that I wish I did. 

I live in Berwyn.  I'm working hard at trying to bring about the awareness that

Cicero has.  My little non profit " re-opened " in Berwyn in January.  

We as parents, have to keep working very hard, one person at a time! 

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 2:44 PM

 

Dearest Ellen,

I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

doing a bang up job.

However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I asked

him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city for

people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh no no,

we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you tried

_____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other words, I

feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation, but lordy

no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of Naperville.

Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken care of, blah

blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how parents/caregivers can't

keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for day programs any more, how

much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are spending six figures to

educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly? Talk about feeling

angry!

I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the head

of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

it's worth discussing.

Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast Cancer,

Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can be reduced

to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a strategic tool

that brings together many organizations within a town, then I disagree with you

that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to cultivate and yes,

give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who are not a part of the

social service world. And those allies, those connections, I believe, are what

will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for all.

More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

L.

From: ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Hi all:

Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

day.

I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know me,

know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones to

be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require a

special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

Just my opinion...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

[Guest guest]

Marie:

My life in Berwyn is much better now.  Yes, I had many battles in Berwyn,

including Due Process(2x), but my children are out of District 100 and  have

now moved on to D201.   I have been in Berwyn, (originally Cicero for 18

years) for close to 28 years.  1 year spent in LaGrange Park.  When you have

three children with different disabilities you have to expect problems.  I now

spend a great deal of time going with families in D100 and D98 to their

childrens IEP meetings.  I have nothing but respect for both Special Ed

Directors.  I also feel the same as you,  I thought that I made a difference,

only to find that you have to advocate for what is appropriate and rightfully

due our children through IDEA. 

I don't know what my reputation is in this district, I know I made huge waves

and rocked many boats.   I know that opening my little Community Parent

Resource Center in Berwyn has made a huge difference.  Families in Berwyn are

pouring into the office and I enjoy going to each IEP meeting, and training all

these parents to advocate for their loved ones. 

I do believe I met Dolly K. many years ago.  If it is the same Dolly she has a

beautiful young woman who works in our local grocery store.  A real pleasure to

get her line!!!

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: teteme55 <teteme@...>

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 7:19 PM

 

I am very unhappy to learn you've had to fight in Berwyn. We lived in Berwyn

from 1985 to 1991, when my husband was a Resident Physician at the University of

Chicago. My mother grew up in Berwyn. My grandmother lived in Berwyn during

the time we did. I had hoped the trail we blazed in Berwyn was still there. I

am sad to know it isn't.

I had to fight for things in the beginning, school district-wise, and had

thought some of things we set in place were still there. It is true, unless you

keep it up, things won't stay and those that come after will have to re-invent

the wheel. And, the " powers that be " don't think we parents of special needs

persons talk and compare notes.

Please always contact me off-list when you need something--I still have contacts

and friends in Berwyn, including a another " special needs mom " whose daughter

with Downs Syndrome was in love with my son and they were classmates from the

age of 5 to about 11....Dolly will know where the bodies are buried, that's for

sure! You shouldn't have to do it alone.

Marie

>

> From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

> Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

> IPADDUnite

> Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 2:44 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Dearest Ellen,

>

>

>

> I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

doing a bang up job.

>

>

>

> However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city

for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh no

no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation,

but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for

day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are

spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly?

Talk about feeling angry!

>

>

>

> I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the head

of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

>

>

>

> I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

>

>

>

> What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

it's worth discussing.

>

>

>

> Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can be

reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who are

not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections, I

believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for

all.

>

>

>

> More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

>

>

>

> L.

>

>

>

> From: ELLEN BRONFELD

>

> Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

>

> IPADDUnite

>

> Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

>

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

>

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

day.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones

to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

>

> Just my opinion...

>

> Ellen

>

>

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

>

> egskb@...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I lived in Berwyn for 13 years from 1982 to 1995. was born at MacNeal and

our pediatrician is there although we don't see her anymore. I've missed the

" neighborhood " feel many times and was just back there to attend the memorial

service for a friend of my dad's who passed away in December. The house I lived

in was bought by my grandparents when my dad was in high school (dad is now 91)

and passed down through the family. I have the best memories of walking on

those streets lined with all of those bungalows :-) Memories..........

PS: I loved on 32nd and Elmwood - 2 houses from the tracks.

H.

Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

>

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

isability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

>

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

bout it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

orld where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

eople with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

eople. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

he year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

ay.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

he Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

ood about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

e, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones

o be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

>

> Just my opinion...

>

> Ellen

>

>

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

>

> egskb@...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

:

Interesting to hear your story of the community of Berwyn.  My husband and I

lived on Highland and 28th and decided we would be better off moving with our

children.  We bought a house in LaGrange Park.  Thought we had made the best

decision of our lives.  When school started and we found that we had 1 child in

Hinsdale, 1 child in LaGrange Park and 1 in Stickney, we were a bit

disappointed.  Then we discovered the Park District was nothing like Berwyn. 

Berwyn supports children w/disabilities to be included in ALL of their

programs.  If necessary, they will contact West Suburban Special Recreation to

get a one on one aide.   Also, WSSRA is an extremely good, well run Special

Recreation Program.  It only took one year for us to put the house on the

market and move back to Berwyn.  We now live on 34th and Lombard and are

extremely happy here.  Berwyn is not perfect, but I will say, it is a warm,

loving and very supportive community. 

Bedard,

PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

  

From: teteme55 <teteme@...>

ubject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

o: IPADDUnite

ate: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 7:19 PM

I am very unhappy to learn you've had to fight in Berwyn. We lived in Berwyn

rom 1985 to 1991, when my husband was a Resident Physician at the University of

hicago. My mother grew up in Berwyn. My grandmother lived in Berwyn during

he time we did. I had hoped the trail we blazed in Berwyn was still there. I

m sad to know it isn't.

I had to fight for things in the beginning, school district-wise, and had

hought some of things we set in place were still there. It is true, unless you

eep it up, things won't stay and those that come after will have to re-invent

he wheel. And, the " powers that be " don't think we parents of special needs

ersons talk and compare notes.

Please always contact me off-list when you need something--I still have contacts

nd friends in Berwyn, including a another " special needs mom " whose daughter

ith Downs Syndrome was in love with my son and they were classmates from the

ge of 5 to about 11....Dolly will know where the bodies are buried, that's for

ure! You shouldn't have to do it alone.

Marie

>

> From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

> Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

> IPADDUnite

> Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 2:44 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Â

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Dearest Ellen,

>

>

>

> I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

e celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

uh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

icero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

ommunity is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

eadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

one for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

n Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

or the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

heerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

evs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

n Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

oing a bang up job.

>

>

>

> However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

sked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city

or people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh no

o, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

ried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

ords, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation,

ut lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

aperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

are of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

arents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for

ay programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are

pending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly?

alk about feeling angry!

>

>

>

> I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

rovider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

eeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

olunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the head

f the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

ith DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

aughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

usinesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

rong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

>

>

>

> I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

tarted to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

ake this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

ry. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

>

>

>

> What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

eetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

ead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

now what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

ocial service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

t's worth discussing.

>

>

>

> Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

ancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can be

educed to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

trategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

isagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

ultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who are

ot a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections, I

elieve, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for

ll.

>

>

>

> More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

>

>

>

> L.

>

>

>

> From: ELLEN BRONFELD

>

> Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

>

> IPADDUnite

>

> Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

>

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

isability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

>

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

bout it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

orld where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

eople with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

eople. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

he year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

ay.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

he Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

ood about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

e, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones

o be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

>

> Just my opinion...

>

> Ellen

>

>

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

>

> egskb@...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was never a big time reporter, but a very small one. Do NOT take these

stories to the papers. You'll get a better relationship with the local papers

with a different approach.

I only know Pradel by reputation, but I've certainly met my share of

cheerleader mayors over the years. In Laurie's shoes, I'd have been tempted to

pull him aside and say, " Sir, my kid knows how to shake hands, and it's good for

him/her to practice this social skill with new people. A pat on the head looks

patronizing, and you would not want that action to be seen in the papers.

Besides, some folks with developmental disabilities are aversive to touch, and a

pat on the head might cause some real problems. If you offer your hand, those

individuals can choose to follow through, plus you look enlightened. " .

You can sometimes get more done by befriending the City Manager and staff--they

implement the ideas, they are employees, and are around for decades. Can't say

the same for the politicians.

Laurie and others are doing fine things in Naperville. Not every town has a

disability awareness committee.

Let's all think about ways to get to know city pols and administrators away from

the crowd, where they are thinking about those who are watching and listening.

Maybe take your City Manager to lunch, with your kid? Avoid the big agenda,

talk about getting acquainted, ask how your family can be a resource to city

staff.

-Gail

________________________________

From: swedegrl2005 <swedegrl@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 20, 2011 12:53:00 PM

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

HI Laurie. I too live in Naperville, and is 18 now and will start

Transition next year. I am appauled at what I just heard from your post in

regards to our City of Naperville leadership. See I have a different take on

this. Tears I often have as well. But if everyone is to believe the rhetoric of

" transparentcy in Government), then I'm sure there exists a non judgemental, or

eneemy- making way to make this public or share this aspect of or current

government. How about an article in the Naperville Sun as well as something

broader like a county wide newspaper? With the appropriate writer, and freedom

of speech, I'm sure this could be done while not getting you run out of town.

Any thoughts? Honestly embarrasment, without them obviously knowing this is

what your goal, is what will institute change, not our tears, nor our asking and

begging. Let's face it, we have asked, we have cried, and we've tried to

partner with them in all the ways we are supposed to. Sometimes it's got to go

beyond that while not making enemies. Sometimes if it is made a situation where

it is easier to go with you then to fight you, works wonders.

just my 2 cents....

Diane S.

>

> Dearest Ellen,

>

> I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

>be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

>duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

>Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

>community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

>leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

>tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc.

Currently

>in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

>for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

>cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

>revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

>in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

>doing a bang up job.

>

>

> However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

>asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city

>for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

no

>no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

>tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

>words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation,

>but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

>Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

>care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

>parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for

>day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are

>spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly?

>Talk about feeling angry!

>

>

> I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

>provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

>meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

>volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

head

>of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

>with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

>daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

>businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

>wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

>

> I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

>started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership

positions

>take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

>try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

>

>

> What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

>meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

>(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

>lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

>'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

>know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

>social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

>it's worth discussing.

>

>

> Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

>Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

be

>reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

>strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

>disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

>cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

are

>not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections, I

>believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for

>all.

>

>

> More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

>

> L.

>

>

>

>

> From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> IPADDUnite

> Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

>Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

>about it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

>world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

all,

>people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

>people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

>the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

>day.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

>the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

>good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

>me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

ones

>to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

>a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

community.

> Just my opinion...

> Ellen

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good advice, Gail. I'm not sure it would have registered with Mayor Pradel, but

would have been worth a try. Believe it or not, the whole meeting rendered me

nearly speechless. (I know, hard to believe). It was not one of my finer

moments.

Your advice about befriending the city staff is right on point, too. Luckily

there are some of us who have managed to build positive working relationships

with city staff who routinely handle things that effect our daily lives -- you'd

be surprised at how many of your local projects, events and services can be made

more accessible for all, and how positively that can affect your family's

community participation.

I hereby appoint you, Gail, to be organizer of next year's IPADDUnite

celebration of DD Awareness Month. There have been several others, including

me, who will gladly work on this with you. Thanks for your offer to spearhead

it. We can talk off list in more detail.

Will also try to get a copy of 'accomplishments' from the ADA Coordinator of

what projects the Commission has been involved with in Naperville. I'm sure

there are other municipalities who do a lot more than us, but at least it may

give the group ideas.

More to come.

L.

From: G Mrozak

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 9:16 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

I was never a big time reporter, but a very small one. Do NOT take these

stories to the papers. You'll get a better relationship with the local papers

with a different approach.

I only know Pradel by reputation, but I've certainly met my share of

cheerleader mayors over the years. In Laurie's shoes, I'd have been tempted to

pull him aside and say, " Sir, my kid knows how to shake hands, and it's good for

him/her to practice this social skill with new people. A pat on the head looks

patronizing, and you would not want that action to be seen in the papers.

Besides, some folks with developmental disabilities are aversive to touch, and a

pat on the head might cause some real problems. If you offer your hand, those

individuals can choose to follow through, plus you look enlightened. " .

You can sometimes get more done by befriending the City Manager and staff--they

implement the ideas, they are employees, and are around for decades. Can't say

the same for the politicians.

Laurie and others are doing fine things in Naperville. Not every town has a

disability awareness committee.

Let's all think about ways to get to know city pols and administrators away from

the crowd, where they are thinking about those who are watching and listening.

Maybe take your City Manager to lunch, with your kid? Avoid the big agenda,

talk about getting acquainted, ask how your family can be a resource to city

staff.

-Gail

________________________________

From: swedegrl2005 <swedegrl@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 20, 2011 12:53:00 PM

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

HI Laurie. I too live in Naperville, and is 18 now and will start

Transition next year. I am appauled at what I just heard from your post in

regards to our City of Naperville leadership. See I have a different take on

this. Tears I often have as well. But if everyone is to believe the rhetoric of

" transparentcy in Government), then I'm sure there exists a non judgemental, or

eneemy- making way to make this public or share this aspect of or current

government. How about an article in the Naperville Sun as well as something

broader like a county wide newspaper? With the appropriate writer, and freedom

of speech, I'm sure this could be done while not getting you run out of town.

Any thoughts? Honestly embarrasment, without them obviously knowing this is

what your goal, is what will institute change, not our tears, nor our asking and

begging. Let's face it, we have asked, we have cried, and we've tried to

partner with them in all the ways we are supposed to. Sometimes it's got to go

beyond that while not making enemies. Sometimes if it is made a situation where

it is easier to go with you then to fight you, works wonders.

just my 2 cents....

Diane S.

>

> Dearest Ellen,

>

> I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

>be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

>duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

>Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

>community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

>leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

>tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

>in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

>for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

>cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

>revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

>in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

>doing a bang up job.

>

>

> However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

>asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city

>for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

no

>no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

>tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

>words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation,

>but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

>Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

>care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

>parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for

>day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are

>spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly?

>Talk about feeling angry!

>

>

> I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

>provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

>meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

>volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

head

>of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

>with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

>daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

>businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

>wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

>

> I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

>started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

>take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

>try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

>

>

> What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

>meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

>(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

>lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

>'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

>know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

>social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

>it's worth discussing.

>

>

> Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

>Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

be

>reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

>strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

>disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

>cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

are

>not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections, I

>believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for

>all.

>

>

> More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

>

> L.

>

>

>

>

> From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> IPADDUnite

> Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

>Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

>about it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

>world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

all,

>people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

>people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

>the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

>day.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

>the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

>good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

>me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

ones

>to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

>a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

community.

> Just my opinion...

> Ellen

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would agree Ellen, if we did live in that perfect world.  However, the world

is far from perfect and we have to grab these opportuntiies to spread

awareness.  It is in an effort spread awareness, not to single our kids out

and put a label on them, that we do this.  Furthermore, for those of us who

have the privilege to spend their time on this volunteer effort, it is a way to

give back to society at large. 

 

Written from my liberal bubble,

 

Margie

From: ELLEN BRONFELD <egskb@...>

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

IPADDUnite

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

Hi all:

Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

about it all day.

I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After all,

people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

day.

I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know me,

know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved ones to

be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require a

special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the community.

Just my opinion...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

[Guest guest]

Yes, thanks, Gail for offering to spearhead IPADD DD Awareness Month for next

March. 

I think the exchanges on this issue have been wonderful and don't see an 'either

or' aspect.  Local awareness efforts are not unrelated to funding issues on the

state level.  Our legislators also need to learn of the abilities of our loved

ones, need to know that attitudes, stereotypes, etc. can be the most disabling

factors.

In my first advocacy trip to Springfield I met a member of the legislator, who

lives in my community.  He told me that parents of children with disabilities

are " angels. "   I felt as if he had patted ME on the head.   So changing

attitudes like his can only help

..

Bonnie

________________________________

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Mon, February 21, 2011 10:04:18 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

 

Good advice, Gail. I'm not sure it would have registered with Mayor Pradel, but

would have been worth a try. Believe it or not, the whole meeting rendered me

nearly speechless. (I know, hard to believe). It was not one of my finer

moments.

Your advice about befriending the city staff is right on point, too. Luckily

there are some of us who have managed to build positive working relationships

with city staff who routinely handle things that effect our daily lives -- you'd

be surprised at how many of your local projects, events and services can be made

more accessible for all, and how positively that can affect your family's

community participation.

I hereby appoint you, Gail, to be organizer of next year's IPADDUnite

celebration of DD Awareness Month. There have been several others, including me,

who will gladly work on this with you. Thanks for your offer to spearhead it. We

can talk off list in more detail.

Will also try to get a copy of 'accomplishments' from the ADA Coordinator of

what projects the Commission has been involved with in Naperville. I'm sure

there are other municipalities who do a lot more than us, but at least it may

give the group ideas.

More to come.

L.

From: G Mrozak

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 9:16 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

I was never a big time reporter, but a very small one. Do NOT take these

stories to the papers. You'll get a better relationship with the local papers

with a different approach.

I only know Pradel by reputation, but I've certainly met my share of

cheerleader mayors over the years. In Laurie's shoes, I'd have been tempted to

pull him aside and say, " Sir, my kid knows how to shake hands, and it's good for

him/her to practice this social skill with new people. A pat on the head looks

patronizing, and you would not want that action to be seen in the papers.

Besides, some folks with developmental disabilities are aversive to touch, and a

pat on the head might cause some real problems. If you offer your hand, those

individuals can choose to follow through, plus you look enlightened. " .

You can sometimes get more done by befriending the City Manager and staff--they

implement the ideas, they are employees, and are around for decades. Can't say

the same for the politicians.

Laurie and others are doing fine things in Naperville. Not every town has a

disability awareness committee.

Let's all think about ways to get to know city pols and administrators away from

the crowd, where they are thinking about those who are watching and listening.

Maybe take your City Manager to lunch, with your kid? Avoid the big agenda,

talk about getting acquainted, ask how your family can be a resource to city

staff.

-Gail

________________________________

From: swedegrl2005 <swedegrl@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 20, 2011 12:53:00 PM

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

HI Laurie. I too live in Naperville, and is 18 now and will start

Transition next year. I am appauled at what I just heard from your post in

regards to our City of Naperville leadership. See I have a different take on

this. Tears I often have as well. But if everyone is to believe the rhetoric of

" transparentcy in Government), then I'm sure there exists a non judgemental, or

eneemy- making way to make this public or share this aspect of or current

government. How about an article in the Naperville Sun as well as something

broader like a county wide newspaper? With the appropriate writer, and freedom

of speech, I'm sure this could be done while not getting you run out of town.

Any thoughts? Honestly embarrasment, without them obviously knowing this is

what your goal, is what will institute change, not our tears, nor our asking and

begging. Let's face it, we have asked, we have cried, and we've tried to

partner with them in all the ways we are supposed to. Sometimes it's got to go

beyond that while not making enemies. Sometimes if it is made a situation where

it is easier to go with you then to fight you, works wonders.

just my 2 cents....

Diane S.

>

> Dearest Ellen,

>

> I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

>be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

>duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

>Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who else's

>community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

>leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets the

>tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc. Currently

>in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

>for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

>cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie and

>revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful life

>in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

>doing a bang up job.

>

>

> However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

>asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the city

>for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

no

>

>no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

>tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

>words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your situation,

>but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

>Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

>care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

>parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded for

>day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we are

>spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what exactly?

>Talk about feeling angry!

>

>

> I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

>provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

>meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

>volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

head

>

>of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having people

>with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

>daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

>businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

>wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

>

> I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

>started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership positions

>take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

>try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

>

>

> What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

>meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

>(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

>lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

>'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

>know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

>social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

>it's worth discussing.

>

>

> Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

>Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

be

>

>reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

>strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

>disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

>cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

are

>

>not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections, I

>believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future for

>all.

>

>

> More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

>

> L.

>

>

>

>

> From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> IPADDUnite

> Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

>

>

>

> Hi all:

> Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in Developmental

>Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have thought

>about it all day.

>

> I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

>world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

all,

>

>people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

>people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day of

>the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a special

>day.

>

> I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't expect

>the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

>good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

>

> I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

>me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

ones

>

>to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not require

>a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

community.

> Just my opinion...

> Ellen

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Diane and all,

You're right, of course, I do most often play the role of the 'good girl' in

negotiations. Diplomacy has always gotten me farther than other methods, and

it's in my comfort zone. However, when necessary, I like to think we can all

channel our inner 'Velvet Hammer' and use this technique effectively.

In the case of our local school districts, for example, when several parents &

employees went before the school boards and argued persuasively for the business

case in hiring some of our own students into paid positions -- they were

embarrassed. Embarrassment can go a long way. That resulted in 8 paid

part-time positions in one district, and now a dozen or more in another. AND

the districts (who are two of the largest employers in our area) can now 1) lead

the parade among employers and thus, truly 'own' the accomplishment; 2) use it

as leverage with other area employers and 3) hopefully learn a lot about what it

takes to employ our kids, the positives and the challenges, and use that

knowledge in helping to create more work-rich IEP goals and objectives. So

that's a win-win.

I applaud the families and professionals, though, who also use the power of

litigation to further the cause. At the state level, that's really our only

recourse at this point IMO. Just got our Ligas letter in the mail yesterday --

this would never have happened with the Velvet Hammer approach, it took

litigation to achieve what gains were made there. My friend who works in the

regional ADA office tells me the reason there's so little mention of

accommodations for people with cognitive disabilities in the ADA is simple: Not

enough (or any) formal complaints or lawsuits against municipalities, companies,

etc. from people with DDs who can't access employment consideration, municipal

programs/services, etc etc. He tells me that's what it will take.

Letters to the editor CAN be very effective awareness tools, I think, when

combined with an overall schematic so that the reader is hearing or getting the

message from more than one source. I'll email you privately, Diane, about

upcoming opportunities to do just that in some of our local news outlets. And

of course, perhaps the most powerful thing any of us can do? VOTE! Take the

time to learn about the candidates running for local offices...they can have

more direct impact on your day-to-day life than state or federal offices. And

their views matter. More on this to come.

Off the soapbox for now,

L.

From: swedegrl2005

Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 10:00 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Well, I suppose. however, seems to me that this is what Laurie has been trying

to do all this time- befriend, asking nicely for partnership.

Also seems to me the pull off to the side and follow aroung method for years has

not worked well for Marie either....... hmmmmmmm.

Diane S

> >

> > Dearest Ellen,

> >

> > I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

> >be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

> >duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

> >Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who

else's

> >community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

> >leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets

the

> >tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc.

Currently

> >in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

> >for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

> >cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie

and

> >revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful

life

> >in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

> >doing a bang up job.

> >

> >

> > However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

> >asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the

city

> >for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

no

> >no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

> >tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

> >words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your

situation,

> >but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

> >Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

> >care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

> >parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded

for

> >day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we

are

> >spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what

exactly?

> >Talk about feeling angry!

> >

> >

> > I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

> >provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

> >meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

> >volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

head

> >of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having

people

> >with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

> >daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

> >businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

> >wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

> >

> > I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

> >started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership

positions

> >take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

> >try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

> >

> >

> > What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

> >meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

> >(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

> >lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

> >'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

> >know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

> >social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

> >it's worth discussing.

> >

> >

> > Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

> >Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

be

> >reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

> >strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

> >disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

> >cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

are

> >not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections,

I

> >believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future

for

> >all.

> >

> >

> > More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

> >

> > L.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> > Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> > IPADDUnite

> > Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi all:

> > Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in

Developmental

> >Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> > When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have

thought

> >about it all day.

> >

> > I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

> >world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

all,

> >people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

> >people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day

of

> >the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a

special

> >day.

> >

> > I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't

expect

> >the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

> >good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

> >

> > I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

> >me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

ones

> >to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not

require

> >a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

community.

> > Just my opinion...

> > Ellen

> >

> > Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> > egskb@

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

If only 1 person or 1 family is talking and advocating within a community, then

Diane, of course you are right. My point was: several families meeting a city

manager each year would provide a clearer picture of DD in his/her city. .

Laurie has helped create a commission within Naperville to advocate for those

with disabilities, including at city-sponsored events.

Politicians come & go, and they are interested in knowing what you can do for

them, too--to help them stay in office. In my town, there's been several

mayors since my reporting days in the early 80's, but Wheaton still has the same

City Manager.

I suspect that politicians and municipal employees will not think that we have

tried to " partner " with them if they have never met with us before. It does not

appear to me that any of us have been begging or crying to public officials--but

I don't think we have spent much time letting them know us, either.

-Gail

________________________________

From: swedegrl2005 <swedegrl@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 10:00:56 PM

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Well, I suppose. however, seems to me that this is what Laurie has been trying

to do all this time- befriend, asking nicely for partnership.

Also seems to me the pull off to the side and follow aroung method for years has

not worked well for Marie either....... hmmmmmmm.

Diane S

> >

> > Dearest Ellen,

> >

> > I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all

>rather

>

> >be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

> >duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world?

Maybe

>

> >Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who

else's

>

> >community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

> >leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets

the

>

> >tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc.

>Currently

>

> >in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

> >for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

> >cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie

>and

>

> >revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful

>life

>

> >in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd

be

>

> >doing a bang up job.

> >

> >

> > However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

> >asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the

city

>

> >for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

>no

>

> >no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

> >tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

> >words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your

>situation,

>

> >but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

> >Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected,

>taken

>

> >care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

> >parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded

for

>

> >day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we

are

>

> >spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what

>exactly?

>

> >Talk about feeling angry!

> >

> >

> > I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

> >provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

> >meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

> >volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

>head

>

> >of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having

people

>

> >with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

> >daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

> >businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove

>me

>

> >wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

> >

> > I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home,

>I

>

> >started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership

>positions

>

> >take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

> >try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

> >

> >

> > What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

> >meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

> >(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

> >lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

> >'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

> >know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

> >social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

> >it's worth discussing.

> >

> >

> > Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

> >Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

>be

>

> >reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

> >strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

> >disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

> >cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

>are

>

> >not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections,

>I

>

> >believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future

>for

>

> >all.

> >

> >

> > More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

> >

> > L.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> > Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> > IPADDUnite

> > Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi all:

> > Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in

Developmental

>

> >Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> > When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have

>thought

>

> >about it all day.

> >

> > I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

> >world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

>all,

>

> >people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

> >people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day

of

>

> >the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a

>special

>

> >day.

> >

> > I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't

>expect

>

> >the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

> >good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

> >

> > I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

> >me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

>ones

>

> >to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not

>require

>

> >a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

>community.

> > Just my opinion...

> > Ellen

> >

> > Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> > egskb@

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Laurie:

Very well stated! Thank you!

Bedard, PLA

Ricky, andra and 's Mom

Mothers on a Mission, Inc.

6515 Stanley Avenue #4

Berwyn, IL 60402

708-217-3196

www.mothersonamission.net

www.noewait.net

" Don't judge me because as far as I know I haven't let you borrow my shoes to

walk in. "

________________________________

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

IPADDUnite

Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011 7:48:28 AM

Subject: Re: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Diane and all,

You're right, of course, I do most often play the role of the 'good girl' in

negotiations. Diplomacy has always gotten me farther than other methods, and

it's in my comfort zone. However, when necessary, I like to think we can all

channel our inner 'Velvet Hammer' and use this technique effectively.

In the case of our local school districts, for example, when several parents &

employees went before the school boards and argued persuasively for the business

case in hiring some of our own students into paid positions -- they were

embarrassed. Embarrassment can go a long way. That resulted in 8 paid

part-time positions in one district, and now a dozen or more in another. AND

the districts (who are two of the largest employers in our area) can now 1) lead

the parade among employers and thus, truly 'own' the accomplishment; 2) use it

as leverage with other area employers and 3) hopefully learn a lot about what it

takes to employ our kids, the positives and the challenges, and use that

knowledge in helping to create more work-rich IEP goals and objectives. So

that's a win-win.

I applaud the families and professionals, though, who also use the power of

litigation to further the cause. At the state level, that's really our only

recourse at this point IMO. Just got our Ligas letter in the mail yesterday --

this would never have happened with the Velvet Hammer approach, it took

litigation to achieve what gains were made there. My friend who works in the

regional ADA office tells me the reason there's so little mention of

accommodations for people with cognitive disabilities in the ADA is simple: Not

enough (or any) formal complaints or lawsuits against municipalities, companies,

etc. from people with DDs who can't access employment consideration, municipal

programs/services, etc etc. He tells me that's what it will take.

Letters to the editor CAN be very effective awareness tools, I think, when

combined with an overall schematic so that the reader is hearing or getting the

message from more than one source. I'll email you privately, Diane, about

upcoming opportunities to do just that in some of our local news outlets. And

of course, perhaps the most powerful thing any of us can do? VOTE! Take the

time to learn about the candidates running for local offices...they can have

more direct impact on your day-to-day life than state or federal offices. And

their views matter. More on this to come.

Off the soapbox for now,

L.

From: swedegrl2005

Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 10:00 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Well, I suppose. however, seems to me that this is what Laurie has been trying

to do all this time- befriend, asking nicely for partnership.

Also seems to me the pull off to the side and follow aroung method for years has

not worked well for Marie either....... hmmmmmmm.

Diane S

> >

> > Dearest Ellen,

> >

> > I believe we're going to have our first public tiff. Wouldn't we all rather

> >be celebrating community inclusion every month, every day of the year? Well,

> >duh, of course you're right! But geez louise, who lives in that world? Maybe

> >Cicero (wonderful stories, by the way, , about your Mayor) but who

else's

>

> >community is like this? What this brings home to me is the importance of

> >leadership at the top, and the vision of that person (or persons) who sets

the

>

> >tone for your local government, civic groups, faith communities, etc.

>Currently

>

> >in Naperville we have this great guy, Mayor Pradel, who has been Mayor

> >for the past 20 years or so, he sees his primary role as being 'lead

> >cheerleader' for our City. He appears at every event in his Naperville tie

and

>

> >revs up the troops about the latest business ribbon-cutting, how wonderful

>life

>

> >in Naperville is, etc etc. And if that was all we had to worry about, he'd be

> >doing a bang up job.

> >

> >

> > However, he has LITERALLY patted my adult daughter on the head, and when I

> >asked him for a meeting to talk about developing more jobs throughout the

city

>

> >for people with DDs (he knows she volunteers at the Police Dept), he said 'oh

>no

>

> >no, we don't have jobs...you don't really want her working, do you...have you

> >tried _____(substitute in here a local segregated day program)?. In other

> >words, I feel so very sorry for you, I'm full of compassion for your

>situation,

>

> >but lordy no, people like your daughter don't belong out on the streets of

> >Naperville. Surely she couldn't really work. They need to be protected, taken

> >care of, blah blah blah. Completely ignorant to the facts of how

> >parents/caregivers can't keep up as they age, people aren't getting funded

for

>

> >day programs any more, how much they cost to private pay, the fact that we

are

>

> >spending six figures to educate these folks, only to have them do what

>exactly?

>

> >Talk about feeling angry!

> >

> >

> > I also had the pleasure of talking with the CEO of the big social service

> >provider in our town which touts it's autism expertise. He told me, in a

> >meeting to discuss the possibility of his agency partnering with my band of

> >volunteers at NapervilleWorks, he actually said this, and remember he's the

>head

>

> >of the agency...'The City of Naperville is NEVER going to accept having

people

>

> >with DDs, particularly those with behavioral & communication issues (like my

> >daughter and half of the autism population) working in their downtown

> >businesses. It's never gonna happen. I wish you luck, and I hope you prove me

> >wrong, but I don't believe it will ever happen.'

> >

> > I went out to my car and actually cried. And cried. And then halfway home, I

> >started to get really really mad. How dare these people in leadership

>positions

>

> >take this stance? Like they were saying to me, just give up and don't even

> >try. Resign yourself to the status quo. REALLY?

> >

> >

> > What's that expression about 'a woman scorned'? Well, as news of these

> >meetings traveled (because of course I shared the joy) a lot of women friends

> >(and some men, too) got mad. If these paid public servants were not going to

> >lead us, we would lead ourselves. And, yes, sometimes we use artificial

> >'months' or 'days' to help raise awareness in our local communities. But you

> >know what else it does? It can lead to important new allies apart from the

> >social service network. More on this later, in another post, because I think

> >it's worth discussing.

> >

> >

> > Point is, dearie, I agree with you that if DD Awareness Month (or Breast

> >Cancer, Animal Shelter, etc days) are the only thing a community does, it can

>be

>

> >reduced to a pat on the head and nothing more. However, when used as a

> >strategic tool that brings together many organizations within a town, then I

> >disagree with you that it's dumb -- because then we have the opportunity to

> >cultivate and yes, give positive strokes to, new allies in our community who

>are

>

> >not a part of the social service world. And those allies, those connections,

I

>

> >believe, are what will help us all build a better and more inclusive future

>for

>

> >all.

> >

> >

> > More to come...I'll make a convert of you yet, Ellen Bronfeld!!

> >

> > L.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: ELLEN BRONFELD

> > Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:55 PM

> > IPADDUnite

> > Subject: Re: Developmental Disability Awareness Month

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi all:

> > Hate to be a " party pooper " but I don't really see the point in

Developmental

>

> >Disability Awareness Month, or Autism Awareness Month or any of that...

> > When I read the postings this morning it really bothered me and I have

>thought

>

> >about it all day.

> >

> > I guess I would like to live in a different world. I would like to live in a

> >world where we didn't have to have special days for " special " people. After

>all,

>

> >people with autism, and people with other intellectual disabilities are just

> >people. I would rather be celebrating community inclusion month...every day

of

>

> >the year. Real community inclusion would not single any group out for a

>special

>

> >day.

> >

> > I would like to live in a world where everyone is equal and we wouldn't

>expect

>

> >the Mayor to pat our little darlings on the head once a year and feel really

> >good about " recognizing " people with " special needs. "

> >

> > I am sorry if I sound a little cynical, or angry or negative. Those who know

> >me, know that I am typically not any of those things. I just want our loved

>ones

>

> >to be part of the world at large; to blend in and not stand out; to not

>require

>

> >a special proclamation to be able to take their rightful place in the

>community.

> > Just my opinion...

> > Ellen

> >

> > Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> > egskb@

> >

> >