The Idaho Falls Festival of Trees (FOT) Board recently presented a generous and record-breaking check of $83,000 to DWI. FOT President Mike O'Bleness and the Board members handed over the check to an appreciative DWI CEO, McKayla Matlack. This significant contribution was made possible through the steadfast support of the Greater Idaho Falls community.
Five local non-profits that align with DWI's mission to serve individuals with disabilities were awarded grants for their meaningful services. Representatives from Champ's Heart, Camp Hayden, Field of Angels Baseball, Bike for Kids, and Explorer Post 559, a Special Needs Troop for Adults, were present to accept their grants.
The Festival of Trees has been a staple community fundraiser for 58 years in Idaho Falls. Starting in the 1960s as a fundraiser for non-profit hospitals, it has evolved over the years.
The Festival of Trees has become a cherished tradition for families across generations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community and the devoted volunteers who consistently make the Festival of Trees a delightful holiday celebration.
Let's Play Ball!
A new season for Field of Angels kicked off June 6,2024. DWI CEO McKayla Matlack and past Chair of Idaho Falls Festival Of Trees Mike O'Bleness were on hand to present a community organization support check to FOA's Becky Wegener. We love the opportunities that Field of Angels provides youngsters with special needs in the area and allows families to enjoy getting outdoors in the beautiful Idaho Falls Summer (less the wind) and having fun playing America's pastime.
Mike Graduates From Voc Rehab
Congratulations are in order for Mike Peck on "graduating" from our Vocational Rehabilitation job coaching program through our Salmon Idaho office. Janelle Huston, Assistant Developmental Specialist in our Salmon office, presented Mike with his certificate and a gift card. Mike has worked at Lamb's Market in Challis for almost 30 Years.
Bison Ranch Field Trip
A DWI group made a trip out to Timber Creek Bison to see a working bison ranch. They learned about the ranch and the differences between wild bison and ranch raised bison. Exciting day for all. Thank you, Timber Creek Bison for your hospitality.
https://www.ada.gov/
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to guarantee full participation in civic life for individuals with disabilities. According to Title II, all state and local governments are required to comply with the ADA, irrespective of their size.
"The 34th anniversary of the ADA is on the horizon, and celebrations are set for July 26th, 2024. To learn how you can participate in the National Network's festivities, visit our anniversary website. Additionally, follow #ADA34 on social media to stay updated with the latest posts about the anniversary."
All U.S. citizens are entitled to a federally guaranteed right to vote. However, those under guardianship or conservatorship may be deprived of this right. While there is a gradual shift in perspective, some states continue to revoke the voting rights of citizens deemed mentally incompetent—a status that automatically extends to individuals under guardianship, irrespective of their actual mental capacity to vote.
Many individuals with special needs, who are fully capable of making voting decisions, have guardians appointed—often their parents—to ensure continued care into adulthood. Yet, in certain states, being under guardianship equates to a legal lack of mental capacity, thereby stripping away the right to vote.
What is a DWI Champion?
As a DWI Champion, you have invested in the DWI Mission of assisting individuals who have a disability or who are disadvantaged to recognize and to achieve their chosen level of economic and social independence.
Your investment supports the DWI Vision of living within a society that values the ability and potential of all people to live, work and play. DWI Champion | Development Workshop, Inc (dwinc.org)
Development Workshop, Inc. is currently going through a rebrand to eventually be known as DWI. This rebrand hopefully will remove some of the stigmas that come with being known as a "Developmental" and a "Workshop" agency.
The new DWI will focus on the words
Develop (verb) which is to grow or have cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate, to have Worth (preposition) which is to be treated equal in value to others, and to gain Independence (noun) providing freedom from outside control or support: the state of being independent.
As a non-profit corporation in the state of Idaho, we will need to take steps to ensure that we are covering all our bases legally. It will take some time to make all the changes necessary, but we now have a new logo that represents the equal value of the D the W, and the I. You may start to see it slowly begin to show up in some areas that we can quickly make those changes (letterhead, business cards, webpage), but in some cases, it will be some time for changes (car decals, company building signs,) We wanted to keep the core look the same and not get so far away from the branding that most people are familiar with.
ADVOCACY
Organize efforts to support individuals with diverse abilities and their rights.
• Educate government officials
• Action Alerts
• Petition drives
AWARENESS
Promote the accomplishments and everyday obstacles overcome by persons with diverse abilities and their family members to ensure their authentic stories are shared throughout the community.
• Social Media
• Video testimonials
• Radio/ TV promotion
ADVISEMENT
Provide both peer support and organizational feedback to meet the current and future needs of persons with diverse abilities.
• Network, Grassroots Advocacy Website
• Learn and share knowledge
• Forums and team meetings
Ask DWI about joining TODAY!