Spokane’s DASH Project undertook to improve the quality of life for people with disability in their community. The project brought together a unique collaboration of government, higher education, public health and local non-profit organizations. Utilizing input from individuals and families living with disability, service providers, advocacy groups and public commentary, DASH built a picture of disability in Spokane as viewed through the eyes of those with disability. Growing awareness of barriers to full participation in community life fueled the search for ways in which the community could intervene and improve accessibility. Intervention priorities were improved access to employment, increased public awareness and understanding of disability, and better networking of and access to qualified caregivers. The presentation will focus on the process of creating and sustaining the partnerships that have increased this community’s capacity to meet the access needs of its citizens with disability. Building on the partnerships, DASH has been funded by the Social Security Administration to run a call center to help Social Security Disability Insurance recipients evaluate the financial implications of securing employment and then access training and employment services if appropriate. The key lessons of the project’s growth reside in the ownership assumed by stakeholders, policymakers, agencies, and advocates as well as an increased public inclusiveness. All these factors have led to tangible changes to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Spokane, and provide a model for community development for disability more generally. See www.hipspokane.org
Learning Objectives: 1. List five ways to build community buy-in/ownership. 2. Describe five steps in building positive public awareness. 3. Discuss three ways to use intervention strategies to guide resource development.
Keywords: Disability, Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Disability Awareness, Surveillance and Health Promotion (DASH)
Project of Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) Spokane, Washington
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment