Topics: Ability Awareness, Communication, Equal Expectations, Universal Commonalities:
“Our staff found Jennifer’s in service training on Ability Awareness and Communication to be thought provoking and useful. The interactive approach helped staff better able to identify with the people they support. Her ability to identify subtle ways in which staff could better communicate with, respect, and expect contributions from the people being supported was masterful. There were many”Ah Ha” moments.”
Chris Bonfiglio, Executive Director, Casa Allegra Community Services
San Rafael, CA
Topics: Ability Awareness, Inclusion, Communication:
“My name is Windy and I have been teaching for 9 years. Last year I taught second grade and Jennifer Walsh came to visit. She presented a lesson to the class to help them understand what a disability is. She was able to keep their interest and help them understand how it would feel if you couldn’t communicate. She encouraged them to participate, have fun and feel safe to ask questions. I was in shock at how many myths the children believed were true. I think that it is so very important for children to learn about different disabilities, and with understanding hopefully compassion with grow.”
Windy Twelves
Teacher, Alta Vista Elementary School
Los Gatos, CA
Topics: Ability Awareness, Equal Expectations, Hidden Talents:
“Jennifer Walsh visited our school for students with disabilities in 2007. For our young adult students, it was invaluable to have a role model who could explain the best ways to navigate the challenges of the “real world”, such as finding a job, living independently, and hiring personal care attendants. Jennifer is knowledgeable and approachable. She has a good sense of what is critical for young people with disabilities to know in order to be successsful. Jennifer’s visit was perfect – an education for students as well as staff.”
Stephanie Gulla, Speech-Language Pathologist, Cotting School
Lexington, MA
Topics: Writing and Editing; Conference Planning, Advocacy, Equal Expectations:
“Jennifer took a lead role in writing and editing articles for Golden Gate Regional Center’s recent edition of WE Magazine. Jennifer’s life experience, excellent writing skills, and sense of humor made her an invaluable edition to the team. Jennifer approached her work with dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. Her contributions helped make the magazine a successful publication that received positive feedback from people with developmental disabilities, their families and the broader community.
Jennifer has been a consistent, active member of the Golden Gate Self-Advocacy Conference Planning Committee. Her thoughtful, constructive approach helps make the conference successful year after year. Jennifer is always willing to offer ideas and follow-up to make them happen. She is not afraid of hard work and often takes a leadership role. Jennifer is a strong self-advocate and always willing to advocate for and support others with developmental disabilities.”
Gabriel Rogin, Community Resource Development, Golden Gate Regional Center,
San Francisco, CA
Topic: Leadership:
“Jennifer Walsh is the Area Board 5 representative to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. In this role, Jennifer reports back to the Area Board on issues and actions of the SCDD. Her reports are always well prepared, pertinent and concise. She is always well prepared. In addition, as vice chair of Area Board 5, Jennifer Walsh assumes all the duties of chair, when necessary. Jennifer has chaired several meetings of the Board which she does with grace and aplomb. She is a conscientious and dependable Board member.”
Rocio de Mateo Smith, Executive Director, Area Board 5 on Developmental Disabilities,
Oakland, CA
Topic: Accessible Documents:
“COMAAT understood our need for accessible and user-friendly materials and quickly provided us with new resources and documents that allowed all of our members to fully participate in the discussion. Our training would not have been as successful without COMAAT.”
Jordan Lindsey, Director of Policy & Public Affairs, California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH)
Topics: Strength in Diversity, Learning Styles, Holistic Approach, Inclusion Philosophy, Equal Expectations:
“Jennifer is a paid Community Connector for the Community Living Campaign. Her responsibilities include building a network of friends to prevent isolation and to help a individual enjoy and contribute to their community. As a member of our team, she has helped raise everyone’s awareness of the importance of inclusion and the availability of resources and opportunities for persons with disabilities.”
Marie Jobling, Coordinator, Community Living Campaign
