TABS Chat: The All-Access Inclusion Network: A Focus on True Inclusion for the Community
January 11, 2022, 5:00-6:30 p.m. CT
Many family members of people with disabilities have voiced their hesitancy to visit community organizations due to lack of accessibility, concerns about staff knowledge or awareness, and fear of discrimination. Led by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), the All-Access Inclusion Network (AAIN) strives for true inclusion across a multitude of community organizations. Through staff trainings, support development, ongoing coaching, and collaborative opportunities, the AAIN has created a network of sports, educational, entertainment, and cultural organizations working to create a culture shift of inclusion and accessibility. Siblings and other family members of people with disabilities can visit organizations involved with the AAIN and know that they are welcome, represented, and encouraged to be part of that community.
Speaker Blaire Donnelly-Mason is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Program Manager for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned a B.A. degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, and an M.S. degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Texas State University. Blaire previously worked with Austin’s Parks and Recreation department where she guided the 20+ recreation centers in their efforts to be more inclusive for individuals with disabilities and all members of the community. Blaire currently helps lead TRIAD’s Community Engagement Program which includes the All-Access Inclusion Network, an innovative community network of arts, education, athletic, and entertainment organizations that works to promote full inclusion of autistic children and adults and other developmental disabilities.
TABS is supported by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Note: Siblings and sibling supporters (parents, self-advocates, professionals) are welcome to join this chat, including those outside of TN. However, the discussion will be focused on the needs and perspectives of brothers and sisters of people with disabilities.