07.19 NEWSLETTER

CONSULTATION | TRAINING | IMPLEMENTATION

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING EXPERT GUIDANCE ON INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES

Hello <<First Name>>,

During a recent discussion with a team of summer camp staff, we were exploring how using inclusion strategies, more specifically "facilitating social interactions", can help to change a camper's life. I couldn't help but think back to a few years ago where a parent had shared with our staff team with pure elation that her son had been invited to a birthday party.

That may not seem like a monumental occasion for some, but if your child was 10 years old and had never been invited to a birthday party by someone who was A) not a family member or B) not in his special ed class - this was certainly something to celebrate. I'll never forget the absolute joy and excitement that we all shared together celebrating friendship, and the importance of looking past the disability or differences and getting to know someone's gifts and talents.

Lisa Drennan

MERGE Founder

MERGE & US LACROSSE CREATE RESOURCES FOR COACHES

The US Lacrosse's Diversity and Inclusion Department has partnered with MERGE to complete a series of resource pages for coaches nationally on the topic of inclusion of athletes with diverse abilities. "Creative Inclusive Coaching" will provide best practices and top tips as an introduction to the philosophies and strategies of creating a team culture of inclusion that support players with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder or other developmental disabilities. To see the full Creative Inclusive Coaching series click here.

SEE THE FULL CREATIVE COACHES SERIES

JOIN THIS IMPRESSIVE LIST

We've been busy making connections with many wonderful organizations who are committed to inclusion.

MERGE provides a variety of services from consultation and trainings to speaking engagements and program implementation. Whether you are from the East Coast, West Coast or somewhere in between, MERGE will come to you. Inclusion Consulting is beneficial to any community organization, including those that provide recreation, sport or camp services to the general population. MERGE also works with human service agencies to provide training to direct support staff on how to advocate for the individuals they support to access community recreation programming.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MERGE SERVICES

HANOVER PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTING TO INCLUSION

Lisa Drennan of MERGE was proud to offer a training for the summer program staff of Hanover Parks & Recreation. The presentation, Preventative Inclusion Strategies to Welcome, Engage and Support Participants with Diverse Abilities was offered to almost 30 staff members who were enthusiastic and engaged in learning the strategies that help promote an inclusive culture so that ALL kids in their programs can successfully participate. Lauren Rodday, Recreation Administrator had seen Lisa present at a local conference and was happy to bring her to share her training with her team, "We were grateful to have Lisa at our staff training, she was incredible! We are looking forward to Summer 2019!", shared Lauren.

QUESTION: What are some tips for communicating directions to yield the best results?

ANSWER: Use these Top Ten Tips when communicating with kids or adults to help them to follow directions:

1) Ask For Their Attention Before Giving Directions
2) Use Visual Cues
3) Speak Quietly
4) Wait 5-8 Seconds Before Repeating Directions
5) Check To Make Sure They Understand
6) Break Down Directions
7) Rephrase Your Directions
8) Be Precise In What You Say
9) Minimize Distractions
10) Number Your Directions

LEARN MORE ABOUT MERGE INCLUSION CONSULTING

READ OTHER TESTIMONIALS ABOUT MERGE!

This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consultant · 3 Sandy Ln · Pembroke, MA 02359-3422 · USA