“Enabled Upper Valley” collaborates with businesses and organizations to create inclusive practices that support everyone in the community, regardless of disability. They provide expert training, recommend simple accommodations, and offer consulting services to ensure all individuals can fully participate in their community.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of social engagement for people with disabilities, as it enhances both mental and physical health. By encouraging local organizations to broaden their services, Enabled Upper Valley fosters inclusion, involvement, and community engagement.
Equity is about access—both physical and social. Enabled Upper Valley ensures physical access by recommending solutions like noise-canceling headphones at venues or picture menus at restaurants. They also promote social accessibility by training staff to understand and support individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone is welcomed and treated with respect.
Embarking on the journey to obtain a Disability-Friendly Certification is an empowering experience! It starts with a self-assessment followed by a comprehensive evaluation from the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC), aimed at uncovering any accessibility barriers. SNSC then offers thoughtful recommendations to enhance both infrastructure and communication. Organizations are encouraged to implement these improvements with dedicated support, alongside customized training. Once certified, SNSC proudly showcases the organization as a champion of inclusivity, beginning this meaningful path with a heartfelt pledge to uplift the disability community. Let’s make a difference together!
To begin the process, you should first complete a simple self-assessment. Following this, SNSC will conduct a thorough evaluation of your physical spaces, digital platforms, and communication channels. This evaluation involves experts, stakeholders, and staff touring the area and answering relevant questions. The goal is to identify any barriers and areas for improvement to enhance overall effectiveness.
During the implementation phase, the business decides which recommendations to pursue and collaborates with relevant teams such as facilities, IT, and HR as needed. Resources are allocated, and timelines are established to ensure the successful execution of the chosen actions. Regular progress tracking is conducted to monitor and ensure the project stays on course.
The training component includes a two-hour session titled “Creating a Space where Everyone Can Belong.” This training can be tailored to focus on working with staff, customers, or both. It is conducted live, either in person or remotely, by a disability expert to ensure participants gain valuable insights and skills.
Once you have finished your Disability-Friendly Certificate, the Special Needs Support Center will promote your organization through an array of marketing and communication channels including, digital, print, and press.
Become a leader in our community for inclusivity and belonging—partner with us today!
Take the first step in becoming Certified Disability-Friendly by signing our Pledge! Join us in creating an Upper Valley built around belonging and inclusion for the disability community. By signing, you’re declaring your support and beginning your Disability-Friendly journey.
Make the leap towards a more inclusive future today!
We believe that as a society, we cannot thrive until each and every one of our citizens have the support and accommodations needed to fulfill their potential.
We recognize that ableism—the systemic stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities—is a core barrier to equity and inclusion.
We commit to embark on a disability inclusion learning journey, and to pursue the following preliminary disability inclusion actions, which will take us beyond the minimum legal requirements.
