UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations From Exclusion to...

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationsFrom Exclusion to Empowerment: Role of ICTs for Persons with Disabilities

24-26 November 2014

New Delhi, India

Utilizing the i2Lab to Facilitate Integrated Employment and Community InclusionScott W. Harrington, Ph.D., BCBA-D

University of Nevada, Reno

Thank you

Other members on this panel

Lindsay Young and Lindsay Cotton

Mr. Indrajit Banerjee & conference organizers

The Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities at the University of Nevada, Reno

Representatives from the Government of India

Special thanks to Irmgarda Kasinskaite

Overview & Goals

Ten minutes to plant seeds of innovation

Philosophical foundation: Full community inclusion

Conference Mission & Goals

Inclusive Employment Examples from Nevada

ICTs as the conduit for sustainable change, with a focus on integrated employment

The i2Lab at work in the Community

The facts

650 million persons with disabilities in the world (15%)

80% live in isolated or rural areas

186 million children with disabilities have not completed primary school education

“Disability” cuts across all gender, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and religious barriers.

We are simply just “temporarily abled”

Our challenge

“The challenge now is to take the situations of persons with disabilities fully into account and to incorporate their needs as well as to make responses available to everyone.” (UNESCO)

We can and will: Presume competence, while being mindful of person-

centered supports Move toward a fully inclusive community Introduce new policy and new initiatives Share innovative practices Use ICTs as the conduit for inclusion

Inclusion in Employment-Nevada

Success Stories1. One person at a time, making a

fit where the person’s passion, skills, and interests benefit the business.

2. “Customized Employment”

3. Must work in an integrated setting

4. Must earn a wage similar to that of a coworker

5. Build natural supports

6. Volunteering is acceptable when working toward an employment outcome.

Full Inclusion at Work-Stacy

Stacy included at Starbucks

1. Carved a position where she cleans the coffee shop.

2. Been employed four years, earned three raises ($10.25/hr)

3. Works three days a week, four hours per day

4. Has natural supports

5. Takes public transportation from her apartment

Full Inclusion at Work-Eric

Eric scanning documents1. Community-based

assessment at state agency

2. Earns $8.25/hour at small business

3. Scans documents and drags PDF into folder

4. Works two days a week, four hours per day

5. Starting his own business with supports

Full Inclusion Volunteering-Ian

Ian gaining valuable experience

1. Volunteers for the Washoe County cleaning the park

2. Enjoys solitary work

3. Listens to his music

4. Letter of Recommendation from the Park Ranger

5. Time-limited to avoid business taking advantage of a hard worker

Full Inclusion at Arrow-Glenn

Arrow Electronics-Glenn1. Moved from segregated

job to inclusive job at Arrow

2. From $40/week to $400/week

3. Repetitive work requiring much attention to detail

4. Found a girlfriend at work

5. Bought a new TV and videogames

6. Takes bicycle and public bus to work

The i2Lab at work

Which articles of the UNCRPD can be affected with Integrated Employment?

The i2Lab at work

Which articles of the UNCRPD can be affected with Integrated Employment?

Answer: All of them!

The i2Lab at work-Community

How can we use the i2Lab to help individuals be included in their communities?

The i2Lab at work-Community

How can we use the i2Lab to help individuals be included in their communities?

The Four Interlinked Zones1. Development2. Digital Accessibility3. Dialog and Creative

Expression4. Diversity

The i2Lab at work-Community

The Development Zone: The development of core academic subjects and….

“… online resources and services, as well as access to practical technology that supports a multidisciplinary approach to formal education, access to information and knowledge, and civic engagement.”

The i2Lab at work-Community

The Development Zone

The zone can provide a conduit to:1. Employment opportunities2. Volunteer opportunities3. Resume writing4. Job search supports5. Discovery supports6. Interview tips7. Job developers/providers8. Video resumes9. A pool of potential candidates

for employers10.Information for employers on

accessibility, UDL, UNCRPD, etc.

11.?????

The i2Lab at work-Community

The Development Zone

The zone may include access to: 1. The private sector2. NGOs3. Government4. Civic engagement5. Self-advocacy6. Inclusive social and

recreational opportunities7. More!!!

The i2Lab at work-Community

Key underpinning requirements

Three core principle: 1. Inclusive and accessible

learning content2. Inclusive technologies for

experimentation and exploration

3. Access to peer and expert support

A Conference Declaration with teeth

Measureable outcomes from stakeholders on:1. Implementing ICTs

2. Draft policies, products, and innovative services

3. Clear communication about barriers and successes

4. Commitment reflected in “concrete actions” toward full inclusion

Thank you

Scott W. Harrington, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Director Youth Transition

Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED)

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV 89557

sharring@me.com

(775) 682-9059