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9/26/2014  |   10:00 AM - 10:30 AM   |  Wyoming

A Universal Model of Inclusion: Improving Outcomes for Persons with Complex Disabilities

In 1992, Ben was born with congenital cytomegalovirus causing a profound bi-lateral hearing loss, spastic quadriplegia, epilepsy, and severe gastroesophogeal reflux. Nearly every expert predicted that Ben would likely never walk, talk, or go to school, would have low cognitive ability, and little potential for learning (so don’t even try). They went out of their way to tell us (Ben’s parents) to be realistic, to abandon our hopes and dreams – they didn’t believe Ben had any of his own – and felt they should be in charge of what he learned to do. In 1997, Ben entered a public school system unable to deal with his disabilities. The public health nurse for the region heightened the paranoia concerning Ben’s condition by distributing information about CMV to the staff at his elementary school. Sixteen years later, Ben has graduated from high school and earned a passing grade in his first semester in the University of New Brunswick’s Certificate of General Studies Programme. Along the way, he has ignored all who told him that there was nothing anyone could do to help him. Ben’s success is a direct result of the Universal Model of Inclusion (UMI) which is based on these axioms: (i) Every life is of equal value, (ii) Everyone can learn given the right environment and support, (iii) Always assume and expect greatness, (iv) No matter the disability, each person must be in charge of all decisions that affect his/her life. This presentation will illustrate how the UMI dramatically shifts perspectives, breaks down barriers, and emphasizes a person’s strengths in terms of indisputable needs, innermost desires, and natural talents. This model will increase the effectiveness of healthcare professionals across all disciplines and lead to better clinical outcomes.

Michael George (Primary Presenter), mikeg@nbnet.nb.ca;
Michael is an Inclusion Advocate and the author of Third Time Lucky: How Ben shows us the way which is a very personal story of his young adult son, Ben, who has complex physical and communication disabilities, and describes the enormous weight and stress parents carry with them everyday. Michael has been an IT consultant for nearly 30 years and holds a graduate degree in Computing Science from the University of Alberta. He has been advocating for Ben all his life to ensure he receives the best possible care and education.

ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.

Presentation:
304MichaelGeorge.pdf

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