Community Integration
Posted November 14, 2011 by Mandy Smith in Independent Living
Community integration ensures that people with disabilities have the supports and services they need to live in their own homes in their communities. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) champion community integration and understand that when a community is truly integrated it then becomes the best possible community for all of its inhabitants.
Sometimes we spend so much time focusing on what changes the community needs to make to move towards integration that we may overlook what responsibilities we, as people with disabilities, have to our communities.
At the Disability Caucus, I was fortunate to be able to facilitate a regional session brainstorming issues and solutions to those issues Kansans with disabilities are facing. A recurring theme was a call to the disability community to step forward, be proactive, and contribute to our communities.
Several members of our regional caucus asked the question, “How are we contributing to our communities?” While pushing for equality, necessary accommodations, and adequate services is very important, we can also have a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
Of course, possibly the easiest place to start is in your own backyard, so to speak. By simply being a good neighbor we are contributing to our community. Whether it’s just taking good care of what is yours (your yard, house, etc.) you are helping the appearance and safety of your community. If you are a good observer of your neighborhood, you can alert police or neighbors to any potential problems.
Other ways to become an involved and active part of the community is by attending city council meetings, running or volunteering for city or county board positions, or volunteering at your local school or community center.
For people who live in rural areas, your public library, church, or even convenience store will often have posted information about public groups, local government issues, etc.
When we take the time to help those around us, even in small ways we are giving back. For Kansans with disabilities to be truly integrated with our communities, we must also be contributing members of those communities.
What ways are you contributing to your community? Let us know in the comments section and share your ideas with this community.
