CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES
Access! Inclusion! Community!
As examples of what is possible when barriers are demolished, we share our experience as professionals, parents and active community members. Through storytelling, education, and meaningful dialogue, we encourage people to view disability not as a limitation but as a valuable and integral part of the human experience.
Jim and Pat 4 Inclusion
Expertise
Avoiding Ableism and Including Everyone
Much like other forms of oppression, such as racism and sexism, the concept of ableism may seem straightforward, but its reality is complex. Truly inclusive organizations identify ableist assumptions and value the contributions of all individuals.
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We help audiences:
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Define ableism.
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Understand overt and covert ableism.
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Recognize internalized ableism and its impact on the individual and their community.
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Explore practical strategies to counteract ableism.
Disability Culture
Recognizing disability as a culture rather than simply individual limitation means we value the disabled experience instead of pitying our disabled neighbors.
Defining culture as shared history, norms, art and institutions, we share with the audience:
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The history of the Disabilities Rights Movement in America
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Disability Etiquette and other norms from the disability community
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Artists with disabilities and how their experience influenced their work
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The institutions people with disabilities have forged for support and community
Disability in Media
“Inspiration Porn” is a term coined by disability activist Stella Young. She used it to describe depictions of disabled people clearly designed only to inspire the non-disabled. It objectifies people and strips them of their humanity.
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As we call for more inclusion of disabled experience in media, how do we ensure representation is authentic and not inspiration porn?
Based on the Bechdel Test for female representation in movies, Pat shares the test she developed for analyzing disability representation in all media, and leads the audience as they apply it to several examples.
Engaging Communities
We effectively engage diverse communities by bringing the disability perspective into a wide range of conversations. By sharing lived experiences, advocating for accessibility, and highlighting the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, we foster understanding and inclusivity. Our voices help break down misconceptions and empower audiences to embrace a more equitable and diverse society. We encourage change, promote collaboration, and create environments where all individuals are respected and heard.
Empowering Advocates
We give people with disabilities and their allies the tools they need to effectively advocate for themselves and the disability community. We motivate them to share their own experiences to drive change.
MEET JIM AND PAT
Patricia Vincent-Piet is an influential author, public speaker, and content creator with a deep-rooted passion for disability justice and the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Her work illuminates the history of the disability rights movement and champions a future where accessibility is a fundamental right for all.
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As the creator of the popular YouTube channel "Jim and Pat for Inclusion," Patricia shares insightful content that educates viewers about disability advocacy. Her compelling presentations at events such as the Advocate NH Conference and the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities' Winter Awards Ceremony have solidified her reputation as a leading voice in the field.
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​Based in Concord, New Hampshire, Patricia enjoys exploring the accessible outdoor recreation opportunities that the state offers with her husband, Jim. She's also a big supporter of NH community theater thanks to her talented daughter, Katelin. Her dedication to creating an inclusive world continues to empower individuals and communities alike.
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Over the past 50 years Jim Piet has been a witness to disability history. From the dawn of the Independent Living movement to the signing of the Americans Disabilities Act, Jim has been part of groundbreaking changes that shaped the world we know today. Working with business and community leaders he used his personal experience and professional skills to influence state and federal policy. Over his years of service, he has held leadership positions at:
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Crotched Mountain Foundation·
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NH Brain Injury Association
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NH Council on Developmental Disabilities
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National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
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Just to name a few.
Since retiring from NH Vocational Rehabilitation, Jim has continued to influence the narrative around disability through speaking engagements and his work with his wife, Pat on their YouTube channel.
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"I call for solidarity among all who love justice, all who love life, to create a revolution that will empower every single human being to govern his or her life, to govern the society and to be fully productive .... for self and for all."
― Justin Dart