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In our watch word society most people agree, at least in concept, with the phrase Every Child Belongs. We embrace the ideals of inclusion as an abstract that we all support, and yet putting that conviction into deeds of action and tangible measures seems to consistently fall all too short.
The voices of individuals with disabilities are so often drowned out by much louder ones - calling for disaster relief, disease abatement or political dissent. The most fragile segment of our society, children in need of constant care, are sidelined for the more flashy, attractive, and in the words of Minister Lisa Raitt, "sexy" public issues.
That’s why it is critical that social policy practice and the framework of integration remains a topic that engages ongoing discussion and change. If we don’t include everyone in the fabric of society, we lose valuable and integral parts of ourselves. The different perspectives, the resilience of spirit, the power of overcoming intense struggles – the beauty of who we are as a united humanity, and the principles we hold so tightly wrapped in our Canadian identity. We are known as a nation that embraces all, regardless of emigration or faith, culture or economic disparity, and yet the concern for equality of opportunity for children with disabilities is woefully inadequate.
Reach for the Rainbow began as a means to generate a change in attitudes and the traditional methods of "dealing with" individuals with disabilities. We started small, and in addition to the usual pitfalls of newly formed non-profit organizations we were also confronted with different perceptions of what integration meant and an overarching reluctance for infrastructural change. We began with 1 camp partner and 5 campers, and at our most successful we boasted 64 camps as partners in integration and over 1000 campers.
We launched the Every Child Belongs campaign last year in an effort to regain the numbers we had just last summer, to aid the campers and families and camps we lost due to the current economic climate. We need help to continue to provide the vital integration programs, the 1:1 support workers, the adaptive equipment and accessible means for these children that we have for the last 25 years.
Embarking on this campaign has been so rewarding because we at Reach for the Rainbow are able to share the power of belonging on a national level. Now we invite all of you to share your views on the state of inclusion, and hopefully your support in our fight to include our campers. Please post your thoughts and engage others in the circle and gift of belonging – let your voices be heard and help us give the power of opportunity to children with disabilities. |
