Inclusion Initiative
The Foundation launched the Inclusion Initiative in 2003, and has since invested more than $3.2 million in mainstream organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H Council, and the Girl Scouts of the USA, to help them fully include youth with disabilities in their programs. MEAF's investment has been leveraged by an additional $4 million raised by Initiative partners.
As an outgrowth of the Initiative, MEAF and its partners have developed Paths to Inclusion, a resource guide to help youth-serving organizations integrate youth with disabilities into their programs and created IncludingAllKids.org, as a repository for best practices on inclusion. Click here to download Paths to Inclusion.
Learn More...
...about MEAF's inclusion grantmaking.
Inclusion
The Foundation's major program focus is inclusion. Many grant applicants ask,
What is inclusion?
In-clu-sion (in-kloo-zhun), n —an attitude and approach that seeks to ensure that every person, regardless of ability or background, can meaningfully participate in all aspects of life.
Inclusion means
- offering the same opportunities for people with and without disabilities
- welcoming everyone
- building community
- emphasizing cooperation
- seeking to understand and accommodate differences
- providing a safe and socially comfortable environment for all
- teaching respect, understanding and dignity to people of all abilities
- embracing changes that facilitate full participation
- actively reaching out to people who are traditionally excluded or marginalized
- fostering a sense of belonging to community as a respected and valued peer
- honoring the intrinsic value of each person?fs life.
Inclusion is an approach, not a program.
An attitude, not an activity.
Inclusion is belonging!
Inclusion is enabling young people with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational and recreational opportunities and to participate alongside their non-disabled peers.
Sources:
CAST www.CAST.org
Kids Included Together www.kitonline.org
TASH www.TASH.org
Wilderness Inquiry www.wildernessinquiry.org
Recognizing Excellence in Inclusive Programming
Inclusion Champion Award
In recognition of individuals or organizations that have made significant efforts to promote the full inclusion of youth with disabilities in society, MEAF presented the Inclusion Champion Award in partnership with Kids Included Together from 2008 to 2011. The award consisted of a trophy and $1000 donated to the charity of the Champion's choice.
- 2008 Winner: Marvin B. Laster, Director of Diversity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- 2009 Winner: Ingrid M. Kanics, OTR/L, Therapy Director, Hattie Larlham
- 2010 Winner: Nancy Mayo Buchanan, Executive Director, Belle Center of Chicago
- 2011 Winners: MEAF recognized twenty organizations as part of its 20th anniversary celebration
MEAF no longer accepts nominations for this award program.
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