Convergence

Two experiences I recently had converged in my mind to make a bigger point.

Experience one: over the weekend I read an obituary of someone I had known in my days growing up in the northeast kingdom. I’ll call him “Sam.” When I was a kid, Sam was one of the town characters (but only one of many). Sam was everybody’s friend. He would always wave to everyone he saw on the street, and had a kind word for all. Sam was part of every civic group and club and marched in all of the parades.

It didn’t matter then, but I realize now that Sam had an intellectual disability. It didn’t matter then because nobody talked about Sam that way. He was part of our community, for better or worse (mostly better), and was accepted for who he was, the same as everyone else. If considerations had to be made to accommodate Sam, people just made them without ordeal.

Experience two: I mentioned last week that I recently returned from a European vacation/bike trip. During a tour of one of the mediaeval towns we rode our bikes through, our tour guide offered an unsolicited piece of information. He pointed out that we wouldn’t see any homeless people on the streets of his city. He stated emphatically that it was because his fellow citizens wouldn’t allow people to be homeless – that the community was committed to ensuring everyone had a roof over his or her head.

In both examples above, I saw a strong commitment to inclusion, a commitment that wasn’t artificially generated but instead came from a basic belief that all citizens are fully expected to be fully part of their community.

Which brings me to my bigger point.

The examples above are of genuine community inclusion existing without the support or input of vast bureaucratic systems. While I’m not naïve (I know Sam’s level of support needs was lower than some, and not every community is so willing to address its homeless problem so completely), I can’t help wonder sometimes if the system we have created to serve our fellow community members with I/DD makes what should be simple overly complex. I also can’t help wonder sometimes if we have barely evolved at all – if communities have already demonstrated repeatedly that folks with different needs can still be active and productive in their homes and their communities, then why do we continue the struggle of trying to recreate that wheel.

And most importantly, since we have demonstrated that we can make it work, then money should never be an excuse for not making it happen. “We can’t afford it” is unacceptable. This is about taking care of each other. I will not accept that we can’t do this, certainly not using finances as an excuse.

Then again, what do I know?

Thank You, Whitney

At yesterday evening’s Imagine! Board of Directors meeting, we bid a fond farewell to Whitney Blair, who is stepping down from the board after serving for eight years.

Whitney’s commitment to Imagine! is unquestionable. Three years into her tenure, she was elected as board president. A couple of months later, she received a job offer too good to turn down. The job was in Texas, however, which made us think that she probably wouldn’t be able to continue to serve.

Thankfully, Whitney loved Imagine! and wanted to continue her support. So we began having her join our meetings remotely, and were fortunate enough to have her wisdom and input for another five years. Imagine! benefitted greatly from that wisdom and input, and we are so grateful for her service.

Thank you, Whitney, for all you have done to help create a world of opportunity for all abilities.

Technology Tuesday

I am happy to report that the good folks at Imagine!’s Charles Family SmartHome have completed the initial install and setup of their first permanent SmartSupports tech station. The tech station will be used to support individuals with technology based Individualized Support Services Plans and communication device needs. The lab includes a permanent station for Dynovox storage and charging, iPad utilization and skill development, as well as syncing with the SmartHome TV to display and let individuals interact with their house calendars. The SmartHome team have also allocated space for simple switch usage using their PowerLink device and a number of cause and effect tools created by University of Colorado Engineering students over the years.

Good News Friday!

The Imagine! CORE/Labor Source (CLS) Annual Art Show and Performance, held last Friday, was an unqualified success. More than 50 works of art on display were purchased by patrons, and the performance featured music, dance, spoken word, and even an epic light saber show!

Check out some pictures from the event below, and be sure to scroll all the way down to see a video of the light sabers.

 

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Built To Last

I returned to work this Monday after a two week vacation in Europe, the highlight of which was a bicycle trip through Croatia. As my mind anticipates the shift from vacation mode back into work mode, I wanted to share some thoughts about my experience, and (of course) how I connected that experience with the work we do at Imagine!.

I know I’m not covering any new ground by saying one of the most amazing things about Europe is the sense of history one feels there. The history of the United States of America is an exercise in brevity by comparison (I say this recognizing that the history of the North American continent goes back way beyond just the US period, but I’m just focusing on the history of our nation here).

It isn’t just a “sense” of history one experiences in Europe. Throughout my travels, I encountered building after building that were centuries old, tangible and touchable examples of the depth and breadth of the European continent’s long history.

I found myself wondering about the architects and builders who created those buildings. I assume that when they were going about their work, they had in mind that the structures they built would be permanent. They weren’t building something to last years, or decades at best, they were building them to be around for as close to forever as possible. That commitment shows in the fact that so many of these ancient buildings still remain standing today, having endured not only the usual wear and tear of weather and use, but also multiple destructive wars.

I wish the architects and builders of our system of funding and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) had some sense of permanency or at least sustainability in mind where solid structure can be retrofitted with modern day improvements. Sadly, that has never been the case. Change is the only constant in our world. Administrations and administrators come and go and the communities continue to ask for sustainability. This results in providers compelled to ride a roller coaster of changing approaches and funding mechanisms, or floating in a shifting sea of rules and regulations.

To be clear, when I say building something permanent, I don’t mean that nothing can ever change. Even in some of the oldest mediaeval towns I visited, towns built centuries ago surrounded by walls designed to keep invaders at bay, there were obvious modern touches. There were bike lanes, public transportation, and (thank goodness) modern indoor plumbing, electricity and internet. But the historic foundations remained, intact and serving as a testament to the idea that permanence is a noble aspiration.

I would like to see those same aspirations applied to our field. A permanent solid foundation upon which we can truly build a world of opportunity for all abilities. We may need to create it ourselves from scratch, but if it can allow our fellow citizens with I/DD to be fully participating members of our community now and far into the future, then it will be worth it.

Then again, what do I know?

Technology Tuesday

At the 2017 Imagine! CORE/Labor Source Art Show and Performance, held last Friday, August 18, iPads were used so patrons could experience a virtual biography of the artists who had paintings on display.

Here’s an example video of the biography of our good friend Gerald.

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Good News Friday!

This summer, Imagine! sponsored two employee softball teams. For the first time in Imagine! history, both teams took home the gold and placed 1st in their respective leagues. The players would like to thank all of the fans who came out and cheered them on throughout the summer, especially during the rainy championship games!

Congratulations to both teams!

The Potentials

Team Imagine!

And here’s the cool championship T-shirt the players can proudly wear.

Last Chance to Donate! Crowdfunding For Adaptive Equipment for Out & About

Yes, for one last time I’d like to encourage you to support Imagine!’s Out & About department’s “$20 for 20 Years” crowdfunding campaign, designed to help them provide more adaptive equipment and more opportunities for individuals to participate in structured programs designed to support their needs.

The campaign ends this weekend, so if you haven't already, please consider donating today. As of this posting, Out & About is already 72% of the way to their goal of $2,000, and every little bit will count as they work to get to the finish line!

   

Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Click here to donate, and learn more below.

Imagine!’s Out & About department offers community-based therapeutic recreation services for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our program provides opportunities for people to participate in activities designed to improve social skills, community involvement, and skills that enhance overall quality of life.

Why We Need Your Help

Our intention is to continue to enrich the quality of service by providing adaptive equipment and opportunities to participate in structured programs designed to support people’s needs. These items will make a huge difference:

• Purchasing adaptive equipment so participants can swim, create art, play sports, and communicate their needs 
• Ticket/admission fees for adaptive programs and events 
• Partnerships with local organizations that provide therapeutic programs such as the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), Adaptive Adventures, and Medicine Horse Adaptive Riding Program 

Some specific examples of what your donation will fund

$20

• An afternoon of rock climbing with NSCD for one child 
• An afternoon of paddling with NSCD for one adult 
• one life jacket for swimming activities 
• one adaptive paint brush 

$200

• A day at Water World for five adults 
• An adaptive horseback riding session for ten participants 
• one adult wheelchair 
• A day of adaptive skiing for one participant 
• A day of snowshoeing for ten participants 

$2000

• five adaptive kayak stabilizers 
• one adaptive tricycle 
• five adaptive communication devices 
• A day of snow tubing for up to 50 people 

All donations will go directly to the Out & About’s children and adult programs.

Click here to donate.

Technology Tuesday

Goally is a local startup developing a "smart clock" to enhance a child with autism’s ability to perform routine activities of daily living independently. Goally is a stress-reducer for busy parents and a way of helping children develop a sense of mastery and control.

They are currently seeking beta testers to test a prototype Goally for two weeks (zero cost) and provide feedback.

Beta volunteers should:

• Have a child with autism between the ages of 5 and 18 
• Be willing to provide feedback by phone and via the app during the test period 

Go to www.goally.co/jfk to sign up and learn more.

Good News Friday!

Today, I’d like to thank Microsoft for their incredibly generous donation of $661,565.00 in Microsoft software to Imagine! in support of increasing our capacity for enterprise improvements. By not having to purchase these software items, Imagine! is able to deliver more services to the 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Microsoft believes technology can do amazing things. That's why they partner with thousands of organizations like Imagine! around the world to help each one achieve its mission. Through Microsoft Philanthropies, they provide technology tools, training and resources that can help create opportunities and transform communities. We are honored to be part of their global community!

Thank you, Microsoft, for your demonstrated commitment to creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.

Reminder - Support Out & About's $20 for 20 Years Campaign!

Today I’d like to offer one more reminder about Imagine!’s Out & About department’s “$20 for 20 Years” crowdfunding campaign, designed to help provide more adaptive equipment and more opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in structured programs designed to support their needs.

   

Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Click here to donate, and learn more below.

Imagine!’s Out & About department offers community-based therapeutic recreation services for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program provides opportunities for people to participate in activities designed to improve social skills, community involvement, and skills that enhance overall quality of life.

Why We Need Your Help

Out & About’s intention is to continue to enrich the quality of service by providing adaptive equipment and opportunities to participate in structured programs designed to support people’s needs. These items will make a huge difference:

• Purchasing adaptive equipment so participants can swim, create art, play sports, and communicate their needs 
• Ticket/admission fees for adaptive programs and events 
• Partnerships with local organizations that provide therapeutic programs such as the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), Adaptive Adventures, and Medicine Horse Adaptive Riding Program 

Some specific examples of what your donation will fund

$20

• An afternoon of rock climbing with NSCD for one child 
• An afternoon of paddling with NSCD for one adult 
• one life jacket for swimming activities 
• one adaptive paint brush 

$200

• A day at Water World for five adults 
• An adaptive horseback riding session for ten participants 
• one adult wheelchair 
• A day of adaptive skiing for one participant 
• A day of snowshoeing for ten participants 

$2000

• five adaptive kayak stabilizers 
• one adaptive tricycle 
• five adaptive communication devices 
• A day of snow tubing for up to 50 people 

All donations will go directly to the Out & About’s children and adult programs. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

Click here to donate.

Out & About 20 Stories Update - 8/09/17

Imagine!’s Out & About department is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year! 

To honor this milestone, we are collecting and sharing stories and memories from our employees, from the families and individuals we serve, and from the many businesses that support our work. In fact, we’re collecting and sharing 20 stories from each of those three categories!

In this story, Kim Robins, who teaches Yoga Classes through Core Wisdom Yoga, discusses the positive impact that comes from helping parents of Out & About participants relax and take care of themselves.

I’ll be sharing other stories and memories on this blog throughout the year. You can also click here to see all the stories we have so far.

I encourage you to visit the page often – there’s a lot more coming!

Technology Tuesday

It may be hard to believe, but it is almost time for school to start! For us at Imagine!, that means another opportunity to collaborate with University of Colorado Engineering students in a class taught by Associate Professor Melinda Piket-May.

For the past eight years, students in these classes have worked on projects to design adaptive technologies to aid increased independence for some of the individuals Imagine! serves. Check out the video below to see some examples of previous assistive tech projects created by CU students. We look forward to sharing more at the end of the semester!

 Can’t see the video? Click here.

Good News Friday!

A reminder about a couple of Imagine! events coming up next week that you won’t want to miss (along with some video sneak peeks).

Imagine!’s CORE/Labor Source (CLS) department is hosting its annual Art Show and Performance on August 18 at the Dairy Arts Center. The fun begins at 5:00, when you can peruse the Dairy’s gallery, viewing some amazing art created by students in CLS art classes while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres. And of course, the art will be available for purchase. At 7:00, the entertainment moves to the Dairy Center’s main stage, where CLS participants will present a variety of music, dance, and spoken word performances.

Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Then, on the following day, August 19, Imagine!’s Out & About department will be hosting its annual Bike Block Party at Erie Community Park from 11:30 to 2:30. This is an amazing event where attendees can test drive a variety of adaptive bikes designed to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy the freedom and excitement that comes from biking. There will be games, food, and since this is the 20th Anniversary of Out & About, a few other surprises as well. Thank you First National Bank for your sponsorship of this amazing event.

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Out & About 20 Stories Update - 8/03/17

Imagine!’s Out & About department is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year! 

To honor this milestone, we are collecting and sharing stories and memories from our employees, from the families and individuals we serve, and from the many businesses that support our work. In fact, we’re collecting and sharing 20 stories from each of those three categories!

Here’s a fun story from a former employee, Jamie, whose Out & About experience taught her that while life doesn’t always go as planned, sometimes when it doesn’t the best you can do is laugh.

I’ll be sharing other stories and memories on this blog throughout the year. You can also click here to see all the stories we have so far.

I encourage you to visit the page often – there’s a lot more coming!

AI Guy

An interesting coincidence to share today.

Last week, as I was thinking about writing a blog post on how those of us the world of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are loosely using the term “technology” as it relates to our work, I came across this Harvard Business Review podcast on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already changing business. In the podcast, Erik Brynjolfsson, MIT Sloan School professor, explains how rapid advances in machine learning are presenting new opportunities for businesses.

Here are some of my takeaways from the podcast in light of Imagine!’s mission of creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.

• What is holding us back is the imagination of providers to use these new tools in their service delivery. 
• If we want to move forward (and I think we do), we must understand that we have a responsibility to do what we can to influence and deliver on the economic implications of these new technologies. 
• If we handle this well, this can, and should, be the best thing that ever happened to humanity. 
• I/DD providers need to take personal responsibility for learning the new skills that are going to be needed going forward. 
• We need to focus on the big picture, and think about how we can use technology to create shared prosperity for the many, not just the few. 

Don’t be put off by science fiction movies such as the Terminator, or by Elon Musk’s scare mongering. That’s not what’s going on. AI is not an existential risk. It’s a bunch of very specific practical applications that are completely feasible in 2017. The I/DD provider world needs to get on board now to help direct its use to improve the lives of those we serve.

I’m an AI guy. Are you with me?

Then again, what do I know?

Technology Tuesday

Today, we’d like to thank Microsoft for their incredibly generous donation of $661,565.00 in Microsoft software to Imagine! in support of increasing our capacity for enterprise improvements.
This in-kind donation offers  a tremendous cost-savings to Imagine!. By not having to purchase these software items, Imagine! is able to deliver more services to the 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Microsoft believes technology can do amazing things. That's why they partner with thousands of organizations like Imagine! around the world to help each one achieve its mission. Through Microsoft Philanthropies, they provide technology tools, training and resources that can help create opportunities and transform communities. We are honored to be part of their global community!

Thank you, Microsoft, for your demonstrated commitment to creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.