Possibilities
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- Dynamic Students Bring Message of Inclusion to Waverly
- Coming of Age. . . with the Disability Resource Library
- Education & Training Events
- Quotation
Dynamic Students Bring Message of Inclusion to Waverly
Students and staff of Waverly Shellrock High School celebrated Iowa’s first-ever Disability History Week in a big way. In proclaiming October 14-20 as Disability History Week, Governor Chet Culver called on Iowa schools to educate their students about the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities. Students enrolled in Waverly Shell Rock High School’s Dynamics of Inclusion class heeded the governor’s call.
Class members spearheaded the week-long celebration. They wore T-shirts promoting “ability awareness,” trained over 700 students on the topic of disability history, organized a school-wide wheelchair basketball game, and produced a DVD depicting students with and without disabilities enjoying themselves in natural settings.
Teacher Maria Peth is quick to point out that the Disability History Week celebrations were but a small part of Dynamics of Inclusion’s year-round effort to break down attitudinal barriers. “Students are required to plan two events outside of school every quarter,” she said. “Whether it’s a musical, homecoming dance, or pizza party at someone’s house, students labeled as non-disabled learn that their classmates do not have DISABILITIES--they have varying abilities. They recognize them as PEOPLE FIRST.”
Participation in Dynamics of Inclusion has a profound impact on students’ lives. Many are considering careers in special education, social work and physical therapy. Two members of this year’s homecoming court deemed their participation important enough to list it on their resumés.
“We refer to our students as bridge builders,” says Maria Peth. One need spend a very short time inside Waverly Shellrock High School to notice that the bridge gets a lot of traffic. Students and teachers are “crossing over” stereotypes and fears to reach inclusion and acceptance, leaving social isolation behind.
Living the Roller-Coaster: Two College Students with Bipolar Disorder,Coming of Age. . . with the Disability Resource Library
New York: Filmakers Library, ©2007.
1 DVD (10 min.): #4116Stanford University students Jennifer and Kimberley are two of many students who experience the onset of bipolar illness between the ages of 18 and 21. Explained from the coeds’ angle as well as from the perspective of loved ones who witnessed their transformation, the film provides a relevant introduction for young people and college counselors about a condition that remains misunderstood despite its prevalence.
Today’s Man: Adventures of a Young Man with Asperger Syndrome, Lizzie Gottlieb.
New York: Filmakers Library, ©2006.
1 DVD (53 min.): #4117
Nicky is a brilliant young man with the distinctive characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome. Diagnosed with the syndrome on the brink of adulthood, Nicky sets out to find a place for himself in the world with the support of a loving family.
The Gillian Film: A Video Documentary about an “Exceptional” Young Woman,
produced and directed by Joanne Hershfield.
Harriman, NY: New Day Films, ©2006.
1 DVD (44 min.): #4118
Gillian is an accomplished teen equestrian and dedicated dancer who has developmental disabilities. When she decides to move to an apartment, her mother must come to terms with letting go.
Without Apology, Susan Hamovitch.
Brooklyn NY: One Eyed Cat Productions, ©2004.
1 DVD (73 min.): #4114
Alan, diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability, was placed into the care of the New York state system for mental retardation in 1958 at the age of eight. Eventually, through social mandate, the doors of Letchworth Village were closed, and Alan was released to his community. Susan, Alan’s sister, unflinchingly tells her family’s story in this film and reflects on her relationship with the brother who for so long was the “family secret.”
New Training Materials in the Disability Resource Library
Tuberculosis in the Healthcare Environment.
Boothwyn, PA: Marcom Group, ©2006.
1 DVD (18 min. + trainer’s guide): #4112
This National Safety Compliance training addresses the nature and extent of TB. The DVD shows healthcare workers how to protect themselves from possible infection and facilities how to deter transmission of mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Tool Kit for Soldiers and Veterans on Traumatic Brain Injury
Wolfeboro, NH: Marilyn Lash & Associates, [2006]
[Multi-part reference]: #4165
A new resource for families and for clinicians treating veterans and returning troops. Includes tip cards, books and manuals with practical information on treatment, rehabilitation and recovery after traumatic brain injury and concussion.
Dementia in Developmental Disabilities
Watertown, WI: Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, ©2001.
1 DVD (18 min. + training guide): #3923
Dementia is becoming more prevalent in the population of people with developmental disabilities due to longer life spans. This module defines dementia, gives examples of how dementia manifests itself, and suggests ways that staff can address behaviors associated with dementia.
All Disability Resource Library services are free to people with disabilities in the Center for Disabilities and Development service area and to members of their families. Other individuals and community service providers are asked to pay a per item fee to borrow materials, or they may purchase an annual subscription. There is no charge to anyone for assistance with finding information. To contact the Disability Resource Library at the Center for Disabilities and Development, phone (800) 272-7713; (319) 356-1345: email disability-library@uiowa.edu, or visit on the web at http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/cdd/multiple/drl/drl.asp.
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Education & Training Events
Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
December 5-7, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., AIB College of Business, Des Moines, Iowa
Intensive and detailed introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. More information: (888) 824-4424 or www.thegrantinstitute.com
TASH 2007 Conference: Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion
December 5-7,Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Tower, Seattle, Washington
Workshops and seminars on a wide range of disability topics, and excellent networking opportunities. More information: Barbara Trader (206)263-5600 ext. 1, brtrader@tash.org) or www.tash.org
The Low Vision Conference 2007: A Comprehensive Perspective on Low Vision & Vision Rehabilitation
December 6-8, 2007, The Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, Chicago, Illinois.
Resources for coping with vision loss, technology, information on causes of eye diseases, and more. Call 630-690-7115 Ext. 325 or e-mail leah@deicke.org and include Discovery 2007 in the subject line.
The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities
January 13-18, 2008, Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
Intense leadership course targeting leaders in organizations which provide, fund, or advocate for community-based services for individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information, e-mail Nancy Weiss at nweiss@udel.edu or call Mary Thomas at 302-831-2940.
Solving Behavioral Issues in Autism
January 17, 2008, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Provides an overview of instructional strategies used for students with Autism Spectrum disorder. Demonstrations, examples of visual supports, videos and other resources will be shared. For more information or to register, visit http://www.aea10.k12.ia.us/profdev/exceptlearners.html#_9037
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2008 Conference
January 30-February 2, 2008, Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Educational sessions, hands-on labs, and opportunities to see the latest in assistive technology. For more information, visit www.atia.org or call 877-OUR-ATIA (877-687-2842)
Parent-Educator Connection (PEC) Transition Conference
February 17-19, 2008, Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, Ames, Iowa
Dynamic presentations, exhibits, and excellent opportunities for parents and educators to dialog. For more information or to register, contact your local Area Education Agency.
LDA 45th Annual International ConferenceFebruary 27- March 1, 2008, Chicago, Illinois
Presenters will share latest research findings on topics such as mental health, teacher preparation, and public policy. More information: http://www.ldaamerica.org/conference/index.asp.
For more conference and training opportunities, see the Disability Training calendar.
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“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ”
- Winston Churchill
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How to get in touch with Possibilities:
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MAIL: Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Dr. Rm.S376
Iowa City IA 52242-1011
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PHONE: 319-353-6448
EMAIL: michael-hoenig@uiowa.edu
FAX: 319-356-8284
POSSIBILITIES is funded in part through a grant from the Iowa Department of Human Services to support the activities of the Iowa Training Consortium. Possibilities is designed by Loretta Popp.
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- Calendar
- Possibilities articles and news November 2003 (this page)
- Possibilities index
- Organizations by and for persons with disabilities
- World Wide Web Resources in Iowa and worldwide
- Comments and suggestions
To contact Disability Training
- Mail Office of Community Education, Center for Disabilities and Development, 100 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City IA 52242-1011
- Email information@DisabilityTraining.org
- Fax 319-356-8284
- Phone 319-353-6448
Center for Disabilities and Development
Iowa's University Center for Excellence on Disabilities
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011