On March 15^th, I had the opportunity to participate in a collaborative effort to imagine what a “perfect world” would look like for people with disabilities.  We decided to call this creation, “A Community for All”.  After all, shouldn’t community be for everyone?  Wouldn’t it be nice if there wasn’t a distinction between disabled and non-disabled individuals? 

For right now, unfortunately, that world doesn’t exist.  We decided to dream anyway.  Seven provider organizations and Olmsted County were represented during this PATH Building exercise.  A picture of the PATH is below.  Once our Dream was complete, we created the PATH to get there.  We have set specific goals to work collaboratively to change the world for people with disabilities. 

The first goal was to complete an application to receive a technical assistance grant with the University of Minnesota that will assist us in moving toward our “Community for All”.  We learned this week that we were selected as a Region to participate in this grant opportunity.  Now we roll up our sleeves and get to work.  Our goals for the first year: 

• More people have the community life they want: meaningful relationships, work, balance, hobbies, home (including where and with or without who they choose)
• Community is more accepting and beginning to think of all members of community
• Increased collaboration to help people make meaningful changes in their life more efficiently and effectively
• Increased informed choice
• Language is changing
• Dignity of risk for more people
• Housing options have increased and are honored
• All aspects of life are addressed for more people

And finally… ALL=ALL

I hope that you will join us in changing the world!