Dayle McIntosh Center offers services and education for the community which aim to encourage the acceptance and inclusion of older adults and people with disabilities.
Promoting Representation, Inclusion and Compliance:
Representation matters. Our goal at DMC is to promote a culture of disability acceptance and ensure that people with disabilities and older adults are better represented in the community. Many of the team members at DMC actively participate in advisory committees, task forces, and governing boards. Team members also offer guidance and advocacy on laws, regulations, and accessibility standards, making recommendations to ensure compliance.
Additionally, DMC offers demonstrations for law enforcement officers on how to interact appropriately with individuals with specific disabilities. The intention is to establish a platform where individuals with disabilities, policymakers, service providers, and the general public can come together to share their personal experiences, raise concerns, and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and older adults.
Collaboration and Networking:
DMC actively engages with a wide range of entities to gain knowledge about various resources in the community. Through networking efforts, DMC strives to establish strong partnerships with organizations, fostering collaborations to expand the scope of assistance available to people with disabilities including accessibility, inclusive policies, equal and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults.
Community Outreach:
DMC actively participates in a wide range of community events across various sectors, including agencies and health fairs, special events, and community forums. The primary objective is to foster inclusivity and cultivate a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities. During these gatherings, DMC strives to educate the community about resources, services, and support networks that exist to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults. In addition to providing information, DMC also works to facilitate meaningful connections within the community.
Educating the Community:
DMC provides educational presentations and workshops to the community. Some topics include Disability Acceptance and Etiquette Training, Deaf Sensitivity Training, the Intersection of Being LGBTQIA+ and Disabled, as well as, the history and philosophy of Independent Living. We can provide customized presentations based on community requests.
DMC also provides educational opportunities for members of the disability community. Participants can learn about important topics such as voter access, health care screenings, work incentives, renter’s rights, and other matters relevant to independent living. Team members can either conduct the training or invite experts from the community to lead these presentations.