About Inclusion Connection
Our History
Inclusion Connection was organized in 2004 as a non-profit 501 (c)3. The initial concept was developed by a Dynamics of Inclusion class at Waverly-Shell Rock High School. The initial financial support for the Inclusion Connection was provided by The Iowa Governors Developmental and Disabilities Council.
Since its inception, the Inclusion Connection has expanded into an Employment Service, supporting adults of diverse abilities desiring inclusive work opportunities. The Inclusion Connection began overseeing the Together We Play program in 2012; a program modeled from the Kids Included Together organization which engages children with and without disabilities through training on inclusion, accommodations, behavior and more. The Inclusion Connection provides educational opportunities throughout the community and organizes an annual Inclusion and Communication Conference in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa.
Inclusion Connection was organized in 2004 as a non-profit 501 (c)3. The initial concept was developed by a Dynamics of Inclusion class at Waverly-Shell Rock High School. The initial financial support for the Inclusion Connection was provided by The Iowa Governors Developmental and Disabilities Council.
Since its inception, the Inclusion Connection has expanded into an Employment Service, supporting adults of diverse abilities desiring inclusive work opportunities. The Inclusion Connection began overseeing the Together We Play program in 2012; a program modeled from the Kids Included Together organization which engages children with and without disabilities through training on inclusion, accommodations, behavior and more. The Inclusion Connection provides educational opportunities throughout the community and organizes an annual Inclusion and Communication Conference in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa.
Board of Directors
The Inclusion Connection is governed by an 11 member working board of community leaders who represent and support our mission and vision. The board consists of business leaders, educators, family members and persons with disabilities.
The Inclusion Connection is governed by an 11 member working board of community leaders who represent and support our mission and vision. The board consists of business leaders, educators, family members and persons with disabilities.
"My son, Joey, has autism. This significantly impacts his ability to communicate as he struggles to show
us (others) what he knows and understands. Last summer Joey and I participated in the Inclusion and Communication Institute held at UNI where he had an opportunity to learn to type on an iPad as a way
of communicating. Within two hours and tears streaming down his face, Joey typed his first sentence, “I want to talk but the words can’t.” It was in that moment as his mom, I realized even I had let his outward actions and quirky mannerisms determine what I thought he might be capable of. While I know it is a slow process as Joey works to control his body and filter the sensory thoughts going through his mind, in the end the effort will be worth it. As a direct result of the conference, we have a renewed sense of optimism for what the future holds for Joey."
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