from inspiration to initiation

i n c l u s i o n

t e a m

Presenter

Faith Hicks, WV Division of Rehabilitation Services

Faith is the Branch Office Manager of the Wheeling Office for WVDRS. She has worked there for over 20 years. She has much experience in working with people with disabilities. She also is the co-chair for the Region V Inclusion Team.

Inclusion TeamPlanning Phase

Planning

Informal round-table with emphasis on County and City government and employers

Discussions regarding networking to assist people with barriers to find employment

Inclusion TeamGathering Phase

Gathering

Wish-List was compiled

Started small – approx. 15 organizations

Personal visit to discuss venture

Sent letter with date of first meeting

Gathering

Emphasis made to each organization that the group is a “DOING” group . .

NOT just a “think-tank”.

“Who’s Who” of Inclusion Team Invites

Chamber of Commerce

Educational Groups such as RESA

Employers such as Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack

Social Service Agencies such as Diocese of Charleston/Wheeling, Goodwill, and Human Rights Commission

Examples of some entities to whom invitation letters were sent:

Inclusion TeamAction Phase

Action

Information Packet

Gateway Information

ADA Information

Workforce Mission

Action

First Meeting:

Did SWOT analysis of local area needs

Scheduled next meeting wherein we would evaluate and develop Inclusion Team mission statement.

Broke into groups to evaluate local gateway needs

Inclusion TeamWhere We Are Now

Present

Hold monthly meetings

Quarterly meeting is a roundtable

Developed working groups

Developed case management team

Developed web site:

www.wvinclusionteam-region5.org

Present: Working Groups

Transportation

Employer Education/PR

Work Ready/Transitions

Grant Writing

Job Club

Felons

Inclusion TeamFuture Outlook

Future

Hiring of full time Disability Program Navigator

Conduct a new needs assessment

Set up monitoring guidelines for each working group

TestimonialsTestimonialsWhat our members are saying . . .What our members are saying . . .

Testimonials

The dedication, focus and total involvement is what really impresses me regarding the “Inclusion Team”. Led by devoted team leaders, they have involved our diverse group into a meaningful team, with a purpose, helping people. I look forward to each and every meeting because it’s so worth while.

Joe Ripoly, Senior Vice PresidentWheeling Area Chamber of

Commerce

Testimonials

"If you want to make a difference...you have to do something different." Giving EVERYONE the opportunity for a quality of life regardless of any barriers they may have. That is the goal of the inclusion team. Doing different things....to make a difference. The heart has no barrier....

Lori Kestner, Human Resources Employment Manager

Wheeling Island Hotel * Casino * Racetrack

Testimonials

The Region 5 Inclusion Team is an excellent example of collaboration. What a wonderful opportunity for various agencies to work together with common goals to assist the clients that they serve. Job seekers receive more information on services and support systems that will assist them in overcoming barriers to employment. And, employers are better educated on training, services, and assistive technologies in which a more prepared and qualified pool of candidates is available to fill employment needs.Kim McConaughy

RESA VI

Testimonials

The Inclusion Teams are an excellent resource that bring together agencies, organizations and interested parities to address the community specific needs and concerns that will lead to a comprehensive program and array of services to promote employment and community participation of individuals with disabilities in our state. I am excited about the progress of the Inclusion Teams to date and look forward to their future accomplishments.Janice Holland, Associate

Director/Clinical AssociateCenter for Excellence in Disabilities

(CED)