OUR MISSION:

NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 5

IDC's mission is to bring together
community members dedicated topromoting the full and equal
participation of individuals withdisabilities in all aspects of life.

Happy Thanksgiving from The IDC
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded how much we are thankful for our Island community. While thesemonths have been a challenge, our community remains strong and resilient. At the IDC we are continuing our quest for amore inclusive Martha's Vineyard and have a number of initiatives underway.
IDC's Employment Workgroup: The team has been meeting regularly to assess the needs of employers, community
partners, and prospective employees to offer robust solutions to further employment opportunities for those with adisability.
Information Dissemination: A key component of the IDC is to gather
and disseminate disability related information. Resource packets
are currently being developed including:
Inclusive employment resources
Disabilities and the school system
Disability health care specialists and organizations
Disability transportation information
Self Advocacy resources
Inclusive recreation & leisure resources

Calling all parents, caregiversand special education professionals.
The IDC and the Family Support Center are proud to host:Transition Training
Tuesday December 8th, 7-9pm via zoom
Save the date for this important zoom session with Eileen Sandberg, the Coordinator for the Pathways for Parents
program at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Watch your email for your invitation and zoom details
to access the session. You may also email idcmvy@gmail.com to register or for more information.
This 2 hour virtual training will cover how to plan for the steps leading to transition, including academic and nonacademic courses and learning experiences, employment and related training opportunities, community living,and leisure activities. Topics will include how to develop an IEP for transition aged youth to focus on the youth’s
strengths, preferences, interests for future education, employment and living. Adult service agencies including
DDS, DMH and MRC will also be discussed.

Community Corner

OUR MISSION:

Welcome to Community Corner! As part of IDC’s mission to promote an inclusive
Martha's Vineyard, we plan to highlight an initiative each newsletter.
This month’s spotlight is a brief interview with Josey Kirkland,
Education Manager and Camp Director of Felix Neck, part of Mass Audubon.
Felix Neck is an Organizational Member of the IDC
and participated in the Kids Included Together Cohort.
Describe steps your organization is taking towards inclusion:“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is one of Mass Audubon’s top priorities. Here at Felix Neck we continue to update ourprogram offerings, activities, trails, and buildings to make sure that they are accessible to all. We are able to make reasonableaccommodations with our camp, school programs, and other offerings so that everyone has an opportunity to participate nomatter their abilities or financial situations. We have ADA compliant trail systems, bathrooms and buildings, a Nature Play
Zone that we are in the middle of updating with more sensory activities and features for all levels and ages,
internship programs for youth with learning disabilities, and more.”
How did being part of IDC’s Kid’s Included Together cohort impact Felix Neck?
"I think my biggest take away so far from the KIT cohort is that while we know what we offer internallyfor all abilities, we weren’t necessarily publicizing it. I received great coaching on putting more language
into our program brochures so families and individuals knew all that we offered at Felix Neck. We also
received help in creating an accessibility brochure to be able to highlight those specific programs and features."Any opportunities coming up in the next weeks/months?
"We may not be able to hold our annual Fall Festival in-person, but we're still celebrating! This year we invite
you to share your memories of Fall Festivals past in our Fall Festival Reflections Contest. Enter by November 27for the chance to win a prize! Our trails are open every day dawn-dusk so I encourage everyone to come take awalk! We have long trails, short trails, a labyrinth, benches, a nature play zone, and more! It is so important tospend time outside so come and take advantage of all that we have to offer at Felix Neck!"
For more information visit www.massaudubon.org/felixneck

News & Noteworthy:

Contact:

Recreation & Leisure Discovery Session: Continuing theconversation with Kat King and the IDC Tuesday, December
2nd, 12:00 PM via Zoom (contact idcmvy@gmail.com)

Beth Wike, IDC Coodinatorbwike@mvcommunityservices.org

General Coalition Meeting: January 6th at 12:00 PM via zoom

Julie Lively, Resource Specialist
jlively@mvcommunityservices.org

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