MAKING THE JOURNEY TOGETHER

CCI AT A GLANCE

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Denise Thompson, Executive Director, (602) 859-0181, Contact Denise.

CREATING COMMUNITY INCLUSION, INC (CCI)

INCLUSION BUILDS STRONG COMMUNITIES

Equality isn't just a concept.

It's an achievable goal.

Together, we can make it happen!

CCI NEWS

CCI's first fund raiser a success: On February 14, 2007, Denise Thompson, CCI's Executive Director, drew the winning ticket for its first fund raiser. The winning ticket, a Hot Air balloon ride for two, went to Michelle H. of Phoenix. The cost of the balloon ride was sponsored by Just Great Food, Bakery and Catering. "I want to thank Just Great Food once again for its support of CCI," said Denise. "If you find yourself anywhere close to 55th St. and E. Bell Rd., please stop in and taste their delicious offerings. Tell Karen we sent you."

Other prises and winners include:

• Susan S.- a lighted picture frame
• Marilyn R. a gift certificate from Dottie's Kitchen
• Bill H.- a small metal sculpture from Kevin Caron Studio
• Colby R. a signed baseball from the AZ Diamond Backs

A total of $995 was raised during the event. CCI received an additional $300 in donations after the event was over as a result of the advertising. "I'm very pleased by the outcome of our first event," said Denise. ""I also want to thank the members of CCI's Board of Directors who helped with ticket sales," she added. "The money will enable CCI to continue its free training program for small businesses and disability organizations," Denise went on to explain.

If you have any questions about the fund raising event or would like more information about CCI please contactDenise.

CCI Collaborates with the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, AZSILC: CCI is working with the AZSILC to provide emergency preparedness training for people with disabilities for First Responders and County Emergency Coordinators. "The training introduces emergency planners and responders to some assistive technology that we think would benefit both responders and people with disabilities in case of an emergency evacuation and shelter experience," explained Denise.

Both Denise thompson, the Executive director of CCI and Tony DiRienzi, Executive Director of the AZSILC have participated in several emergency drills coordinated by various Fire Departments and Emergency Services. They chose the items- a portable induction loop device, a folding portable ramp, an evacuation chair and an LED information screen as a result of their experiences. "We chose these items because they are easily transported to where they're needed and they're fairly inexpensive," said Tony. "Having a portable ramp available could make it possible for someone with a mobility disability to get into an otherwise inaccessible shelter," explained Denise.

for more information or to schedule a training, contactdenise.

New CCI Brochure: Check out our new brochure. Creating Community Inclusion Brochure

CCI participates in Governor's event: CCI was invited to participate in a Volunteer Appreciation event. The purpose was to acknowledge those who assisted the Katrina victims who made Phoenix their home following the hurricane disaster. "It was a great opportunity for us to meet and exchange information," Denise said. CCI provided information on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. "Staff from other disaster relief organizations were very interested in our "tip sheets" which describe how best to assist folks with different disabilities," explained Denise. CCI offers training on being prepared for emergencies for both people with disabilities and employers needing to make plans for evacuating their employees with disabilities should it become necessary. Contact Denise for more information.

Disability Headline News

CCI Can Help

A major component to a successful working or personal relationship is being comfortable with the person with whom you are interacting. For many, there is some awkwardness when interacting with people with disabilities. You're just not sure how to act and what to say. Should you look at people with a mobility or disfiguring disability and risk them thinking you're staring at them, or do you ignore them, avoiding eye contact and risk making them feel ostracized? Should you help someone who seems to be having difficulty getting his/her wheelchair up an incline? What do you do when you can't understand someone with a speech impairment?

As disability awareness and sensitivity increases, many professionals and community leaders are looking for resources to help them improve their interactions with, and understanding of people with disabilities. To help meet this need, CCI will facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life by helping increase the ease with which everyone relates to each other.

• Follow the "Disability News" links to stay up to date on current issues and stories.
• Check back each day to learn another Tip on how to interact more effectively with different disability groups.
• Listen to the voices of people with disabilities through their own Dynamic Quotes.
• Contact us with any questions you may have.

Learning more about disabilities will increase your comfort level. This will in turn, make you more likely to engage in important discussions nesscessary for people with disabilities to become full participants in community life. Remember,

INCLUSION BUILDS STRONG COMMUNITIES!