Building Disability Awareness - Learning Community Teleconference Training

This Connect for Health teleconference training was hosted by HSRI and Palm Beach Habilitation Center (PBHC) to share experiences and best practice, and foster an open dialogue among the Learning Community – consisting of project participants, contributors, service providers, local businesses and other stakeholders. The teleconference included a description of the Connect for Health Program and a discussion of experiences including challenges and strategies. A key component of the program was providing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to engage in health and wellness activities in the community. Kevis Jones, Wellness Coordinator for Connect for Health, and project contributor Claire Hall offered valuable perspectives and insight regarding barriers they encountered, and shared some of the positive experiences they had in the community. Program participants also learned how to post online reviews of the businesses they visited using JJ’s List at www.jjslist.com, a web-based tool designed to build positive and productive interactions between businesses and people with disabilities. The reviews provide constructive feedback to businesses about what they are doing well and how they can increase their disability awareness, making their products and services more accessible.

Guest presenter, JJ Hanley, founder and director of JJ’s List, provided an overview of the features available on JJ’s List, including the review process, the directory of disability aware businesses, and the Bridge Builder program. She also provided helpful tips for members of the business community such as using person first language, speaking directly to the person with a disability, creating a welcoming environment, and treating individuals with disabilities with respect.

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