Persons with Intellectual Disabilities:
Facing the Challenges of Life after Graduation
March 12, 2009
Meeting Place:WorkhouseArtsCenter at Lorton
GalleryBuilding W-16
9601 Ox Road (Rte. 123)
Lorton, VA22079
Theme of Day:“A Life Like Yours – Ordinary Dreams for Extraordinary People”
To whom much is given, much is required … We who have the ability must also have the tolerance and understanding that disabilities of any kind should not be an innate barrier to the pursuit of happiness, to reaching for dreams and establishing a productive place in the greater community.
Session Goals:To explore and understand the evolution of diagnostic terminology, labels and cultural barriers to persons with intellectual disabilities in the community at large and the associated consequences.
To understand services available to people with Intellectual Disabilities provided by Fairfax County, what “aging out” of the educational system means and the resulting gaps and barriers in services.
To understand the inherent challenges of funding and competing service delivery priorities and models for minority populations in FairfaxCounty.
To understand the importance of inclusion, independence and availability of life choices for those persons with intellectual disabilities.
To share first hand testimonies from self-advocates and others about living with an intellectual disability in our community.
Note:All gifts should be presented at the end of each session, as guests may
not stay until the end of the day.
AGENDA
8:00 – 8:45Arrival, Check-In, Refreshments
8:45 – 8:55Welcome to Lorton Arts- A Few Words about the History of the WorkhouseArtsCenter at Lorton
Intro:Jeff Smithberger, LFI Class ’09, Director, Solid Waste Collection and Recycling, Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
Speaker: Conrad Mehan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, LortonArtsCenter
Note: Jeff, please ask Conrad to go over emergency exits and restroom locations – first and second floors.
8:55 – 9:05Introductions to Our Day and Topic
Video: Show 1 minute Video with no introduction. “The R Word - Respect” by the ARC of Northern Virginia
Speaker:Tyra Garlington, LFI Class ’09, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Government Office of Public Affairs
Info Covered:Welcome to the LFI March program day, a discussion about Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Facing the Challenges of Life after Graduation. Our learning experience inspired a more personal subtitle “A Life Like Yours – Ordinary Dreams for Extraordinary People”
Purposes:
- To introduce team and coaches.
- To review study methodology to include first hand research, interviews with self advocates and service providers, field trips, e.g. legislative breakfast and advocate trip to Richmond, and legislative/literature review.
- To describe team challenges: first time topic for LFI program; ID = shadow population; competing funding priorities for FFX budget; perceived small ROI on allocated funds; ID externally dependent on legislation for access and service delivery.
- To explain that our call to action will be dispersed through the day.
- To relate the theory of differing learning styles to how we developed our day.
- To explain the intent of our challenge activities. Simulations are rarely able to accurately duplicate what it is like to have a disability. But, throughout the day, we will challenge you to several activities which will better help you understand challenges associated with having an intellectual disability.
9:05 – 9:45FirstClassActivity – What Do You Know About Intellectual Disabilities?
Moderator:Tyra Garlington, LFI Class ’09, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Government Office of Public Affairs
Purpose:To have the class explore and describe what they personally know and/or believe about the ID population. This will provide a baseline for our day’s learning experience. We will revisit initial perceptions in the day’s summation to discover what, if any, new understanding has resulted from the day.
Structure:
Part 1 - Explanation of process (5 minutes)
Part 2 - Individual reflections - see worksheet (5 minutes)
Part 3 -Team /Group discussion - see worksheet (15 minutes)
Part 4 - Debriefing/Reporting out to entire class (15 minutes)
Segue:Briefly share how our group had similar experiences as we expanded the breadth and depth of our knowledge about the world of ID. Morality, ethics and the theory “WYSIWYS” (where you sit is where you stand) drove our discussions, our plans and our growth. The next segment will validate, and continue to expand this knowledgebase focusing on public policy, terminology and service delivery issues.
9:45 – 10:00BREAK
10:00 – 10:45Intellectual Disabilities – Evolution of Concepts and Terminology and Their Relationship to Public Policy and the Current Intellectual Disabilities Service Access and Delivery Movement
Introduction: Tyra Garlington, LFI Class ’09, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Government Office of Public Affairs
Speakers:Nancy Mercer, Executive Director of The Arc of Northern Virginia
James A. Thur, MSW, MPH, Former Executive Director, Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
Purposes:
- To introduce definitions, diagnoses, concepts, labels and evolving societal acceptance associated with intellectual disabilities.
- To discuss the impact of labels and stereotypes before and after aging out of the educational system in FairfaxCounty.
- To understand the evolution of and implications for public policy and access to and delivery of services.
- To understand the current climate of community inclusion/civil rights models.
Structure:Conversational format between Nancy and Jim where they speak from their respective historical positions of advocate and provider of funding and contributor to shaping of public policy. The format of the conversation may be one of point/counterpoint. There will be time for Q& A at the end of thediscussion.
Segue:Nancy and Jim have provided the history and background of persons with intellectual disabilities, how they have been treated over time, how diagnoses have changed, how services delivery models have evolved and the new community inclusion/civil rights models. In our next session we will begin to talk about the current environment of ID in FairfaxCounty and how decisions are made by County and state government related.
10:45 – 11:00Challenge Activity #1–Reproducing the Amorphous Shape
11:00 – 11:50State of FairfaxCounty – Current Community Services Availability & Resource Allocation
Moderator:Allyn Summa, LFI Class '09, Director of Development &Communications, TahirihJusticeCenter
Speakers:The Honorable Penny Gross, Vice Chairman, FairfaxCountyBoard of Supervisors, MasonDistrict
Dennis Brown, Directorof Vocational and Contractual Services, Mental Retardation Services,Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
Purpose:To layout what current delivery systems look like andthe process that goes into decisions to fund and serve minority populations,such as those with ID inFairfaxCounty.
Structure:Each panelist will speak for 20 minutes and the final 10 minutes will be dedicated to audience Q&A.
Info Covered:
By Penny: How the Board of Supervisors approaches the
budgeting process overall. How funding decisions are made and howpriorities are set by the Board. What is the role of the Human ServicesCouncil in the decision-making process?
By Dennis: Facts, figures, and the state of the current service
delivery system in FairfaxCounty for persons with intellectual
disabilities. An overview of what services are mandated vs. optional.How FairfaxCounty has approached funding and the situation we are innow. What services are particularly affected when people age out of thesystem?
Segue:Now that we have introduced related terminology andits relationship to public policy and funding issues at the countylevel, we will explore several subset needs of this population in more detail, including housing, employment and quality of life issues.
11:50 – 12:00An Introduction to the Intellectual Disabilities Artists’ Exhibit
Intro:Liz Giles, LFI Class ’09, Citigroup VP & Financial Center Manager
Speaker:Joyce Muis-Lowery, Executive Director of Art-Enables
Info Covered:Liz will introduce Joyce Muis-Lowery, who will give an overview of the Art-Enables program. She will let our class know which art was produced by artists with ID and also indicate if their art is for sale. The art may be viewed at any and all breaks. All participants may feel free to explore the downstairs gallery as well during the lunch break.
Note:All of our speakers and self advocates should be invited to and encouraged to eat lunch with our class.
12:00 – 1:00LUNCH
1:00 – 1:45Housing Stories From the Trenches – Building an Inclusive Community
Introduction:Sean Manley, LFI Class ’09, Partner, Deloitte & Touche
Video:Eva Jones and a brief overview of her daily care schedule (2 minutes)
Speakers:Pam Gannon, Director of Planning, Resource and Site Development, Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
Eva Jones, Private Caregiver
Kathy May, LFI Class ’06, Director, Voices for Virginia’s Children
Structure:Speaking in sequence with moderated Q & A.
Purpose:To provide an overview of housing options for individuals with ID in FairfaxCounty, focusing on the accessibility and affordability of available options. To highlight different housing options, explore pros/cons of each from a personal perspective, to have a parent-advocate tell their story about the concerns and desires of both caregiver and ID individual facing the challenge of “aging out of the system” in FairfaxCounty.
Info Covered:Pam:
- Types of adult housing arrangements:
- Individual living and related levels of supports necessary depending on individual needs
- Group living
- Costs and funding:
- Sources and issues (e.g. Medicaid Waiver, State, County, Private)
- Accessibility:
- Current supply vs. demand (waitlists)
- Projected supply vs. demand and related funding shortfall
- NIMBYism
- Design issues for individuals w/ special needs
Eva:
- First-hand viewpoints of private caregiver:
- How and why Eva became a community care giver
- Experience with ID individuals transitioning out of the system
- Positives & negatives
- The real story about affordability and quality
- The need for and value of community living supports
Kathy:
- First-hand viewpoints of parent of ID individual “aging out of the system”
- Importance/necessity of non-family based housing
- Desires of ID individuals for independence
- Desires of parent caregivers for their children and themselves
- Impact on ID individuals and families as they age
- Challenges faced and fears from perspective of parent of ID individual “aging out of the system” in FairfaxCounty
Segue:Lifting the veil of invisibility - exploring the needs and desires of this population for full inclusion. Fostering independence through increased employment.
1:45 – 2:45Toward Productive Lives – Fostering IndependenceThrough Employment
Moderator:Steve Cohen, LFI Class ’09, United Airlines
Speakers:Mark Hall, LFI Class ’02, Vice President of Operations for Service Source
Paul Wexler, Executive Director of Central Fairfax Services
Lucy Madert, Manager of Retail Recruitment, Safeway Eastern Division
James Rogan, Founder of Wildflour Caterers
Guillermo Cardenas, Employee at Wildflour Caterers & Self-Advocate
Purpose:To provide awareness to our classmatesof the possibilities for employment for FairfaxCountyhigh school graduates who are transitioning into adulthood.
Structure:Panel Discussion with audience Q & A at the end.
Info Covered:By Mark and Paul: Will cover the types of employment opportunities available to those with ID. Will also address the need for meaningful employment vs. rote, assembly line type work and the challenges of finding opportunities in today’s economic climate.
By Lucy: Will provide a corporate employer’s perspective on hiring practices. She will also discuss how long Safeway has had a disability employment program in place, what accommodations must be made for employees and what the rewards are for the employer.
By Wildflour: Will provide testimonials about working together, being part of a team and what that means. Can attest to the challenges, but also the inherent rewards of an inclusive workplace where everyone has a meaningful and important job.
2:45 -3:00BREAK
3:00 – 3:20The Challenges of Graduation-Aging Out of the System and Losing Supports
Intro:Steve Cohen, LFI Class ’09, United Airlines
Speakers:Mary Wolf, Founder of Project SUCCESS
Kathy May, LFI Class ’06, Director, Voices for Virginia’s Children
Purpose:To discuss what it is like to transition from school to an adult life. To educate the class as to the support system that is lost once someone ‘ages out’ of the system.
Structure:Mary and advocate speaking separately and then having an interactive conversation with the audience about challenges and obstacles. Or a moderated interview. Last five minutes is allotted for Q & A.
Info covered:Real life concerns, challenges and issues that are faced by families as they begin the transition process.
Segue:After our next challenge, we’ll meet a group of individuals who are pursuing their life dreams.
3:20 – 3:50Rounding Out Life’s Experiences – Building Interpersonal Relationships and an Active Social Life
Introduction:Laurie Gilbreath, LFI Class ’09, Human Resources Manager, Northrop Grumman
Speakers:Patricia Woolsey, Executive Director of ArtStream
Purpose:To highlight some of the social and interpersonal challenges which impact the quality of life for the intellectually disabled while also celebrating the artistic contributions and theatrical capabilities of the intellectually disabled which are made possible by organizations such as ArtStream.
Structure:Introduction of Patricia Woolsey (bio highlights)
Patricia Woolsey will provide overview of ArtStream (history, students, current projects, etc.).
Patricia Woolsey will introduce guest artists who will perform a piece from current theatrical production, “Kickball – The Musical.”
Info Covered:Performance piece strictly entertainment. Discussion following performance will highlight quality of life issues
Segue:As we round out our day, let’s reflect on the changes in our perceptions about the importance of funding small populations in need and how everyone contributes to the greater good of our community.
3:50 – 4:20Self Advocates Speak About Their Futures
Introduction:Laurie Gilbreath,LFI Class ’09, Human Resources Manager, Northrop Grumman
Moderator:Jill Egle, Co-Executive Director, the ARC of Northern Virginia
Frank Stephens, Self-Advocate
Casey Hammake, Self-Advocate
Additional ArtStream Performers
Purpose:To get a first person account of living and working in our community.
Structure:Moderated discussion by Jill with audience Q&A.
Info Covered:The advocates will speak about their current life plans and what their hopes and wishes are for the future –both for themselves and all people with ID.
4:20 -4:30Challenge Activity #2 – Backwards Sentences (optional)
4:30 – 4:45Challenge Activity – Reflections on the Day
Moderator:Tyra Garlington, LFI Class ’09, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Government Office of Public Affairs
Purpose: To explore how the class’s perceptions of the intellectually disabled changed from the start of the day until now. How do you think you can help make a difference for this population in FairfaxCounty? Would you consider employing an individual with intellectual disabilities? Would you consider volunteering or becoming an advocate?
Segue:To focus on what persons with ID can do, as opposed to what they can’t do (i.e. what their limitations are). To understand that those who are intellectually disabled want to be seen as active partners in crafting service delivery, and not just as recipients of services. Working with people with ID, is far different than merely working for them.
4:45 – 4:55Round-Up
Speaker:Tyra Garlington, LFI Class ’09, Deputy Director, Fairfax County Government Office of Public Affairs
Purpose:Tyra will thank all of our speakers and self-advocates forjoiningus and giving us the benefit of their time, experiences and wisdom for the day. She will also thank our classmates for being active participants inour day. Ask class to please fill out evaluation forms, which are in their folders, and return them to Moniek before they leave.
4:55 – 5:00Final Call to Action
Video:Frank Stephens Video (Special Olympics)
5:00 – 6:00Optional Guided Tour of the Lorton Arts Facilities and Other Galleries
Please meet your tour guide on the first floor of the building.
Persons with Intellectual Disabilities:
Facing the Challenges of Life after Graduation
Leadership Fairfax Program Day
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Nancy Mercer, Executive Director of The Arc of Northern Virginia
James A. Thur, MSW, MPH, Former Executive Director, Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
The Honorable Penny Gross, FairfaxCountyBoard of Supervisors, MasonDistrict
Dennis Brown, Directorof Vocational and Contractual Services, Mental Retardation Services,Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
Joyce Muis-Lowery, Executive Director of Art-Enables
Pam Gannon, Director of Planning, Resource and Site Development, Fairfax-FallsChurch Community Services Board
Eva Jones, Private Caregiver
Kathy May, LFI Class ’06, Director, Voices for Virginia’s Children
Mark Hall, Vice President of Operations for Service Source
Paul Wexler, Executive Director of Central Fairfax Services
Lucy Madert, Manager of Retail Recruitment, Safeway Eastern Division
James Rogan, Founder of Wildflour Caterers
Guillermo Cardenas, Employee at Wildflour Caterers and self-advocate
Mary Wolf, Founder of Project SUCCESS
Patricia Woolsey, Executive Director of ArtStream
Jill Egle, Co-Executive Director, the ARC of Northern Virginia
Frank Stephens, self-advocate
Casey Hammake, self advocate
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