Integrate!

Some people look at individuals with disabilities and the first thing they might notice is a wheelchair.  Maybe they'll notice the loud sounds some of them make at inappropriate times or the braces on their legs.  Since some of them are non-verbal, people might not realize their intelligence, sense of humor or desire to engage with those around them.  But I see other things.  I see the different ways they are smart.  There are no tests that can capture it.  I see young people, who because of their autism, have a superior ability to focus on details and sustain attention.  I see students with cerebral palsy, and although every movement they make requires exceptional effort, they push through to claim their independence and perform their best work.  Where some people see limitation, I see potential and possibility.

The young people I work with are often the recipients of assistance.  They receive occupational, physical and speech therapy, vision and hearing support, special transportation, special education and specialized medical care.  The people surrounding them are often paid to be there.  The research shows that individuals with disabilities lack community connection and meaningful opportunities to work and receive competitive wages.

We can make a difference!  My mission is to partner with individuals of all abilities to enhance meaningful occupational engagement for the purpose of promoting improved health, well-being and life participation.  Through volunteer and paid work experiences, individuals with disabilities learn to view themselves as contributors and hard workers.  Others are learning to view them the same way.

Two months ago, I left my secure job in a school district outside Philadelphia because my passion for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities outgrew my work space!  I took a huge risk and entered the non-profit arena to extend my work throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond!  In two short semesters, I will complete my doctoral work at Temple University in Occupational Therapy with an additional certificate from the Fox School of Business in Innovation and Entrepreneurship!!

I am asking for your support so I can kick-off an innovative initiative to bring microbusiness opportunities to teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities.  Through microbusiness and service learning participation, these young people will learn social skills, customer service, inventory management, sales, functional math, marketing skills...and so much more.  Individuals of all abilities will collaborate to raise money through their businesses to help fund their own social activities in the community and to reinvest in their own business ventures.

Your contribution will help fund transportation needs, initial inventory needs, business supplies, and space rental.  This is just the beginning!  It's time to shift the paradigm!   Individuals with disabilities are often the recipients of service, but will now be seen as service providers.

I count my blessings every day, and try to find ways to help individuals of all abilities find more reasons to count theirs too.  Thank you for partnering with me to change the landscape of opportunities for people of ALL abilities in our communities!  I will continue to post updates to this exciting initiative!  Thanks for giving my dream wings!

Learn more about me at my website:
https://sites.google.com/a/temple.edu/bev-weinberg-ms-otr-l/