disability and inclusion resources for mentoring programs

2010 Disability and Inclusion

WeekMentor Michigan

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Katy TimmerMentor Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

Elyse V. WalterCommunication Specialist

2010 Disability/Inclusion Week MCSC’s Commitment Value of Disability and Inclusion Purpose of this week-long effort

Purpose of Today’s Webinar Goals:

Connect you with resources for recruiting individuals with disabilities.

Provide you with resources for serving youth with disabilities.

Encourage you to make your program environment more inclusive.

Mentor Michigan Statewide partnership of over 250 youth

mentoring organizations

Works to ensure all youth have ongoing relationships with stable, caring individuals

Support, strengthen and sustain mentoring in Michigan

Overview Recruiting mentors with disabilities Serving youth with disabilities Creating an inclusive environment Special considerations for youth mentoring

programs Further resources to explore

Mentor Michigan CensusWave VII – Fall 2009

Recruiting Mentors with Disabilities

Benefits for mentors Increased self-esteem, patience Feelings of accomplishment and effectiveness Acquiring new skills

Recruitment Strategies Promotional materials Outreach to disability organizations

Resources: 2010 Michigan Disability Organization Database and listing of Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living

Recruiting Youth with Disabilities

Effectiveness of mentoring for youth Develop skills, knowledge, and motivation to

successfully transition into adulthood Resources:

2010 Michigan Disability Organization Database Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living

Key concepts for including youth with disabilities in mentoring programs

Establish a clear structure Openness Mentor support and training Regular, ongoing communication Screen mentors Parental consent

Disability/Inclusion Resources:Creating an Inclusive Environment

Accessible website Resource: www.w3.org/WAI

Promotional materials Welcoming program environment Accommodations Mentor Training

Resource: MENTORING 101: An Introductory Workshop for New Mentors (www.pyd.org)

“Creating and Inclusive Environment”

Disability/Inclusion Resources:Things to Consider

Accommodations to participate Mentor preparedness Disability-related information for the mentor Disclosure Acknowledge needs, while encouraging

development

Resource: Issues of Diversity in Youth Mentoring (Mentoring Resource Center Fact Sheet)www.edmentoring.org/pubs/factsheet23.pdf

Disability/Inclusion Resources:Comprehensive Items

National Service Inclusion Project Disability/Inclusion Train-the-Trainer Downloads

Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs

MCSC IN Touch E-newsletter

Disability/Inclusion Resources:Those who can help!

Michigan Community Service Commission and Mentor Michigan www.michigan.gov/mcsc and www.mentormichigan.org

Corporation for National and Community Service www.nationalservice.gov

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities www.nichcy.org

Partners for Youth with Disabilities www.pyd.org

There’s still time! Join us the rest of this week!

Facebook www.facebook.com/mentormichigan

Twitter http://twitter.com/mentormi

YouTube www.youtube.com/mcsconline

Sharing presentations with other staff www.slideshare.net/mentormichigan

Contact us for More Information! Katy Timmer

Mentor Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTAtimmerk@michigan.gov (517) 241-4784

Elyse V. WalterCommunication Specialistverberkmoese@michigan.gov(517) 241-0063

Amber TroupeMentor Michigan Directortroupea@michigan.gov (517) 241-3493

QUESTIONS?