tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post5864819631809629812..comments2024-03-19T07:36:33.915-04:00Comments on Of Battered Aspect: Way. Way. BetterDave Hingsburgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11918601687946534172noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-87302596783978399442015-10-20T15:46:39.862-04:002015-10-20T15:46:39.862-04:00You know what is even more "way, way better&q...You know what is even more "way, way better"? That thinking about the needs of people with disabilities pushed you to create a presentation that was objectively better and more engaging for everyone. Even if there was no-one with a disability in the audience, doing an interactive presentation would have generated more excitement than a simple speech. <br /><br />In the same way, thinking about diverse learners creates a better classroom environment even for those students who would do fine with a traditional pedagogy.<br /><br />Streets that are wheelchair-accessible are also stroller-friendly and scooter/rollerskate/skateboard compatible.<br /><br />Media which is accessible both visually and aurally improves comprehension for all populations, not just the visually or hearing impaired.<br /><br />And so on.<br />gpshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14621047190396415934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-16856822589972920202015-10-20T09:59:17.405-04:002015-10-20T09:59:17.405-04:00Dave,
A few weeks ago NYSACRA hosted a one day con...Dave,<br />A few weeks ago NYSACRA hosted a one day conference on self-direction. This was the first conference of its kind hosted by NYSACRA and was really spear-headed by a group of providers who are passionate about self-direction and the challenges being imposed by NY State in the development of these services. The conference focused on an explanation of these services for providers new to this type of service as well as for agencies more experienced in providing this service. When developing the days agenda we selected a person with an intellectual disability to be the keynote for the conference, to start our day off. It was the best decision that we could have ever made. Cathy Torbitt, our keynote, articulately spoke of her journey to self-direction and how her life has opened up since living a self-directed life. She spoke of her challenges (she has a diagnosis of Prader-Willie and depression) and how she works daily with the support of her direct support professionals to manage these challenges. After her presentation she also took questions and answered each one with great thought and passion. It was a fabulous experience for everyone in the room, and the pride she felt in performing so well was worn on her face throughout the day. As stated in your blog today, it was way, way, way better.Desireehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368205161993130712noreply@blogger.com