The need for and value of this programming is undisputed. The success of Inclusion Winnipeg in growing these programs is admirable, especially during COVID-19. All have witnessed the incredible benefits and impacts of this programming first-hand and have come to know and trust that Inclusion Winnipeg’s values and goals align well with CFRUC’s social justice and community service mission and its vital partnership with CAC to help carry out its community mission. CFRUC contributes the building and its strong dedication to supporting the arts. Recent examples and a story about Inclusion Arts are:
We all believe fully that art allows the expression of many things - love, joy, anger, sadness and thoughts. Participation in classes for creative expression is a way for Inclusion Arts participants to expand their creative skill-set, build a network of friends, and enhance a sense of belonging in society while also showcasing their talents to the community. The project/program offers social connections for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Many organic connections are made during the gatherings as many friendships have been formed and social connections are made. It also results in respite for family and caregivers during the sessions. Beyond this, we will be bringing the work of this community through performances to the general public to inspire the public to embrace inclusion to involve people with intellectual disabilities in the Arts as equals.
The impact is ‘inclusion’ in the arts. As Bill S-208 Nov. 24 2021 and currently under senate review, states that:
” (3) In developing the action plan, the Minister must consider measures to
(a) recognize the essential role and contribution of the arts, culture and heritage to the health and the social and economic well-being of everyone in Canada, including all aspects of social justice and reconciliation;”
Moving into the Future
In this short time, CAC has learned that there are several needs which should be addressed ideally. The word ‘inclusion’ bears multi-faceted consideration of needs such as:
The near future goals are:
The result is equity for adults with intellectual disabilities and access to instruction in the arts which is commensurate in quality to regular stream offerings. Equitable treatment also means that individuals in these programs should receive instruction and support from trained professionals.
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=R84QRTKaYiI
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=C091o728-VI
- https://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/lives-changed/the-inclusion-players/
We all believe fully that art allows the expression of many things - love, joy, anger, sadness and thoughts. Participation in classes for creative expression is a way for Inclusion Arts participants to expand their creative skill-set, build a network of friends, and enhance a sense of belonging in society while also showcasing their talents to the community. The project/program offers social connections for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Many organic connections are made during the gatherings as many friendships have been formed and social connections are made. It also results in respite for family and caregivers during the sessions. Beyond this, we will be bringing the work of this community through performances to the general public to inspire the public to embrace inclusion to involve people with intellectual disabilities in the Arts as equals.
The impact is ‘inclusion’ in the arts. As Bill S-208 Nov. 24 2021 and currently under senate review, states that:
” (3) In developing the action plan, the Minister must consider measures to
(a) recognize the essential role and contribution of the arts, culture and heritage to the health and the social and economic well-being of everyone in Canada, including all aspects of social justice and reconciliation;”
Moving into the Future
In this short time, CAC has learned that there are several needs which should be addressed ideally. The word ‘inclusion’ bears multi-faceted consideration of needs such as:
- the inclusion of regular stream participants in Inclusion programs;
- the inclusion of Inclusion participants in regular stream programs;
- dedicated Facebook and Instagram presence;
- expansion of program coordination to include things like the Inclusion comedy shows;
- creation/implementation of a teacher in training program; and
- the professionalization of the instructor corps to offer training in the arts commensurate with that offered to regular stream participants.
The near future goals are:
- inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities and regular steam adults together in arts programs
- training and professional development for arts instructors
- pay scales and job definitions for instructors and strategic planning to achieve fair employment
- plan for program expansion
The result is equity for adults with intellectual disabilities and access to instruction in the arts which is commensurate in quality to regular stream offerings. Equitable treatment also means that individuals in these programs should receive instruction and support from trained professionals.