Isolated, But Not Alone
Inclusion during a time of social distancing
Inclusion isn’t about a place or space or individual. Inclusion is about community. Relationships. Connections. Which is why the National Inclusion Project team is striving to continue to unite our family in mission no matter how far apart we are in person.
This is an unprecedented time. We, like many others, have had to postpone or cancel events. We’ve had to isolate ourselves from colleagues, friends, and families. We’ve had to adjust immediate, short-term, and long-term plans.
Yet, amid all this change and uncertainty we are comforted by the fact that our NIP community is made up of the most creative, adaptive, and resilient people in the world. Necessity is the mother of invention after all—and what an exciting time it is to invent innovative ways to support inclusion even in isolation!
We are inspired by the extraordinary services our school and camp partners are providing to their communities. We are heartened by the continued support of our donors who share our vision for the future. We are excited to create virtual resources that will reach more programs, professionals, children and families than in NIP history. We firmly believe we will emerge better equipped to serve programs on their inclusion journey.
Here are some highlights of how NIP is shifting activities during this time:
Convening virtual Inclusion Think Tank sessions comprised of inclusion experts, professionals, advocates, and families to discuss the successes & hurdles of programming during this time. We will share these lessons learned with the NIP community in upcoming newsletters and social media posts.- Partnering with programs to help them assess the inclusivity and accessibility of current exhibits/programming and plan for staff training this fall.
- Redesigning conference presentations as virtual learning sessions for events shifting to digital platforms during social distancing.
Developing e-learning and virtual training tools to broaden the reach of our Programming Department.- Connecting with accredited programs and partners to provide support, learn from their current creativity and share new innovations.
- Shifting accreditation cycles to flexibly support Fall 2020 and Summer 2021 partnerships.
- Submitting grant proposals to promote enhanced on-line and on-site partnerships for inclusive recreation opportunities with North Carolina schools, community centers, and universities.
Developing alternative scenarios for our fall events and conferences in the chance that we are still in a state of social distancing.- Enhancing multi-year partnerships with programs to provide support throughout 2020 into 2021 for inclusive standards alignment, program development, and accreditation.
Convening virtual Inclusion Think Tank sessions comprised of inclusion experts, professionals, advocates, and families to discuss the successes & hurdles of programming during this time. We will share these lessons learned with the NIP community in upcoming newsletters and social media posts.
Developing e-learning and virtual training tools to broaden the reach of our Programming Department.
Developing alternative scenarios for our fall events and conferences in the chance that we are still in a state of social distancing.Want to learn more about what we’re doing right now? We want to tell you, reach out!
Looking for ways to continue to engage your participants and community? We’re gathering that info, contact us!
Want to begin or continue on the road to inclusion so your organization is ready to go once social distancing ends? GREAT, we’re here for you!
Interested in supporting our efforts now and year-round? Your gift would help make sure that when social distancing ends, it ends for everyone, including those with disabilities. Consider a monthly recurring gift today!
We hope to hear from you soon! Stay well, stay positive, and stay connected,
– Amanda, Aron, Nick and Tonya
The National Inclusion Project Team