to help young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society
News
Bumps Abound When Students Become Their Own Advocates
After a decade of worrying about her son’s attention-deficit disorder, meeting with teachers, calling around to get lost homework assignments and getting advice on SAT test accommodations, Lori Spinelli-Samara is facing this simple truth: Next year, in college, Nick is on his own.The Olney mother knows he’s plenty smart enough. But will her son, a senior at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, get to the assignments due in three weeks without his parents, teachers and cross-country coach keeping tabs on him? Keep his focus during lectures? Lose afternoons playing Guitar Hero instead of studying?
"If you have ADD," she said, only half laughing, "how do you remember to take your medication?"
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New publication promotes full participation of youth with disabilities in society
![Cover of Paths to Inclusion: a resource guide or fully including youth of ALL abilities in community life. Features two girls on a trail examining leaves (one is in a wheelchair).](javascript:pop("photopop.php?pp=http://www.meaf.org/css/news/1885.jpg&alt=Cover of Paths to Inclusion: a resource guide or fully including youth of ALL abilities in community life. Features two girls on a trail examining leaves (one is in a wheelchair).", 550, 550);)
WASHINGTON, DC—A new publication, Paths to Inclusion, published by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF), is a resource guide designed to help youth-serving organizations integrate youth with disabilities into their regular programs.
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About MEAF
The Foundation provides national grants to projects and organizations throughout the United States that are focused on the full inclusion of young people with disabilities in society, giving preference to areas where Mitsubishi Electric facilities are located. View the company locations.
The Foundation also supports charitable giving by Mitsubishi Electric US employees, and encourages them to contribute their time and talent to strengthen their local communities.
A Culture of Philanthropy
The Mitsubishi Electric US companies are committed to being socially responsible corporate citizens. In the spirit of the "Starfish" parable the companies seek to improve society by making a difference in individual lives. The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan extends this culture of giving to its subsidiaries around the world.
Inclusion Champion Award
The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award honors individuals who make significant efforts to ensure youth with disabilities are fully included in society. Is there an Inclusion Champion in your community? Let us know! The nomination deadline is December 1st.
Portraits of Youth
Success Stories
Athlete and Advocate Tatyana McFadden
![Tatyana McFadden is featured in Girl Scout Connections article](javascript:pop("photopop.php?pp=http://www.meaf.org/css/successes/4987.jpg&alt=Tatyana McFadden is featured in Girl Scout Connections article", 550, 550);)
Wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden of Clarksville, MD really showed her stuff at the Paralympic games in Beijing this summer, winning 3 silver medals in the 200m, 400m and 800m, and a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m relay.
But in addition to being a world class athlete, Tatyana is also a world class disability rights advocate. She was recently featured in the Girl Scouts of the USA Leader magazine, along with the MEAF-funded Include ALL Girls initiative. A former Girl Scout, Tatyana recently spoke to 600 Girl Scout leaders gathered at their annual National Meeting stating, “Sport is my passion, paving access for others is my purpose.”
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