Principle 6: Valuing the Process

Summary

The script highlights the importance of valuing the process of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing that inclusive organizations should involve individuals from the start of projects. By doing so, valuable lessons are learned, new skills are developed, and everyone involved gains a deeper understanding of inclusive practices. The script also stresses that the process of inclusion is as crucial as the end result, benefiting both staff and people with disabilities. It encourages reflection on past projects, asking how the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities could have improved planning and outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inclusion starts from the planning stage, not just at the end of a project. It's essential to involve people with intellectual disabilities from the beginning.
• 😀 The process of including people with intellectual disabilities is as valuable as the final outcome itself.
• 😀 By including individuals from the start, the project becomes inclusive from the idea phase to implementation.
• 😀 The inclusion process benefits everyone involved by fostering mutual learning and understanding between people with intellectual disabilities and the staff.
• 😀 Staff members will develop new skills, such as running inclusive projects, writing clearly, and managing time effectively.
• 😀 Ensuring everyone understands the project goals is important for effective communication and collaboration, including for funders.
• 😀 People with intellectual disabilities are among the most excluded groups in society, making inclusion a crucial step toward equity.
• 😀 Inclusive organizations prioritize building relationships from the very beginning of a project to demonstrate genuine value for inclusion.
• 😀 If people with intellectual disabilities are only added at the end of a project, it signals that inclusion is not truly valued.
• 😀 Reflecting on past projects can help identify opportunities where the input of people with intellectual disabilities could have improved the planning and execution.
• 😀 The script encourages pausing the video to discuss these points with a group, fostering deeper understanding and engagement with the concepts presented.

Q & A

What does 'valuing the process' mean in the context of inclusion?

Valuing the process means recognizing that including people with intellectual disabilities in the planning and execution of work is just as important as the final outcome. It emphasizes the value of participation throughout the entire project.

Why are people with intellectual disabilities often excluded from planning work and projects?

People with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from the planning stages because they are brought in only at the last minute for feedback, rather than being included from the start.

How do inclusive organizations approach the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities?

Inclusive organizations understand that including people with intellectual disabilities from the beginning is essential. They involve these individuals in the process from the idea stage through to execution, ensuring that activities are inclusive throughout.

What are some benefits of including people with intellectual disabilities in the planning process?

Including people with intellectual disabilities allows both the individuals and the staff to learn valuable lessons, such as new perspectives, better communication, and enhanced planning and prioritization skills.

How does working with people with intellectual disabilities help staff develop new skills?

Staff can develop new skills such as learning how to run inclusive projects, writing more clearly, and improving their ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

Why is it important for staff to ensure everyone understands the project goals?

Ensuring that everyone understands the project goals is important because it helps with clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and makes the project more accessible for all, including funders.

How does inclusion benefit the broader community?

Inclusion helps to combat the exclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, who are among the most marginalized groups in society, by making sure they have a voice and a role in important community projects.

What can happen if people with intellectual disabilities are only included at the end of a project?

If people with intellectual disabilities are only included at the end, it signals that their input is not truly valued, which undermines the purpose of inclusion and can affect the project's overall success.

Why should relationships with people with intellectual disabilities be built from the beginning of a project?

Building relationships from the start ensures that inclusion is genuine, meaningful, and effective, making the project more inclusive and respectful of all participants.

How could involving people with intellectual disabilities have improved past projects?

Involving people with intellectual disabilities in past projects could have provided valuable insights, fostered better communication, and led to more inclusive and effective planning, improving both the process and outcome.