Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disability Inclusion Community Programming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents press Oakwood council for more inclusive programming at community center
Summary
Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities asked Oakwood officials to expand inclusive offerings at the Oakwood Community Center, proposing buddy programs and partnerships so older children can participate without parents always attending.
Parents of children with disabilities told the Oakwood City Council on Aug. 4 they want more inclusive programming at the Oakwood Community Center so their children can participate in community classes and activities.
"We would like to see our children are very included at school, and we're just not seeing as much in the community as we would like," said Dr. Jessica Minor, who identified herself as the parent of a 13-year-old with Down syndrome. She told the council families want community options that promote independence as children age and suggested partnering with University of Dayton special-education students or high-school ‘buddy’ programs to help children attend dance or swim lessons without a parent having to accompany them.
"I pay taxes. I'm a human being. My daughter's a human being," said Megan Turner, who described repeated attempts to secure a place for her daughter in community classes and said she has been told there is no place for her child in specific classrooms. Turner said she has been driving outside Oakwood for services despite living close to the community center.
Mayor Duncan responded directly to speakers: "We will take your suggestions and work with our city manager and see what we can come up with," he said. City Manager (name not stated) told council the city is reevaluating OCC programming following the recent retirement of the leisure services director and said staff will review offerings and report back.
Speakers proposed concrete ideas — buddy programs, university partnerships and outreach to current instructors — and parents offered to help bridge gaps. Council did not vote on policy or funding at the meeting; officials said the matter will be reviewed by staff and brought back with options.
The comments occurred during the visitors portion of the Aug. 4 meeting. Parents asked for more inclusion so children can access local classes such as ballet and swim lessons without long out-of-town travel.
