This post is probably not going to make me very popular with some folks that live in my little corner of the world. The following video speaks to a partnership between the Richmond ARC and the YMCA. The Richmond ARC, according to its website, "In partnership with families, the Greater Richmond ARC creates life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities." The Richmond YMCA states on its website, "The YMCA of Greater Richmond is a resource within your community of men, women and children committed to bringing about lasting personal and social change. With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation's health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y enables youth, adults, families and communities to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.
Pay particular attention to the last slide on the video:
So, what I saw on the video was a group of gentlemen (or clients, as they are referred to on the video) who appear to have developmental disabilities, gentlemen who are pulling weeds, planting plants, and picking up trash for the privilege (reward?) of being able to play basketball in the YMCA-owned building. I saw an ARC staff person and a YMCA staff person with the group of gentlemen.
On the last slide of the video, I saw the statement, "The Y Values Inclusiveness."
Did you see "inclusiveness" in action during that video? Did you see anyone other than the gentlemen and the two staff persons?
If you are going to try to sell yourself as a purveyor of inclusiveness, you might want to actually model some of that inclusion. Just saying....
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