We R Able (a St. Croix River Education District program)

We’R’Able is for persons fourteen (14) or older, who are differently abled. The target population for the Program (We’R’Able) involves persons with physical and/or mental impairments. These impairments could significantly inhibit the individual’s ability to do one or more of life’s activities or the person is regarded as having a disability. Some examples of disabilities include chronic illness, injury from accidents, developmental delays, learning deficits, physical, hearing or vision impairments and mental health issues. Focusing on ability is accomplished through personal support, development of problem solving skills, positive feedback, enabling advocacy, etc. We’R’Able encourages individuals to use their abilities to the fullest. Involvement in the “mainstream of life” is stressed. There are four major focus components to the services provided:

1. Lifelong learning, health/wellness, recreational activities, trips, develop social skills and other appropriate involvements. The WE ‘R’ ABLE events are designed to enable persons with disabilities to participate in offerings specifically planned to meet their needs. In addition to the components mentioned above we help with access to other area general Community Education offerings, community activities, volunteer opportunities, support group and other opportunities for socialization.

2. Ability versus Disability We’R’Able encourages individuals to focus on using abilities to the fullest. “Attitude is Everything” is the program motto. Involvement in the “mainstream” of life is stressed. Some ways this is accomplished are through personal support to develop skills related to problem solving and advocacy.

3. Community Awareness We’R’Able promotes disability awareness and acceptance of “people first, ability second and lastly disability”. This is accomplished through disability awareness programs, input from a variety of sources, involvement and collaboration with other community organizations/businesses, inclusion of able bodied persons as volunteers or participants, use of Community Education mailing, newspapers, radio, and other advertising means.. Promoting awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

4. Community Involvement Community members are welcomed as volunteers with programming, assistance with ideas, teaching, volunteers, financial support, participating in events and outreach in the media, Positive feedback by participants to community members is an excellent source of advertising. Community Education catalogs or brochures list WE ‘R’ ABLE offerings in their area.

For further information please call: Valorie Arrowsmith, program coordinator, at St. Croix River Education District 320-358-1210 or 651-674-1260 or e-mail varrowsmith@scred.k12.mn.us