What is the Welcoming Inclusion Network?
Members of the Welcoming Inclusion Network (WIN) work together to advance employment and day services for individuals with developmental (and intellectual) disabilities.
As the disability population in Fairfax County has grown, both in size and differing interests and support needs, the county recognizes the challenges in building equity and efficiency within available resources. The CSB recognizes the need, and the community’s desire, for more dialogue and participation from stakeholders and the broader community.
In a search for solutions that will help meet the needs for inclusion, accessibility and community support, the WIN was launched on February 26, 2018.
What are the goals of the WIN?
The goals of the WIN include:
- NETWORK: Build opportunities for increased information and resource sharing.
- DESIGN: Ensure service equity and efficiency through community-designed services.
- EMPLOYMENT: Boost employment opportunities through existing and new service models.
- INCLUSION: Identify and address other challenges to full community inclusion.
WIN attendees select which issues they would like to address and work on these committees. Projects are intended to identify gaps in current service areas, training needed to help further inclusion efforts, identification of barriers for people with developmental/intellectual disabilities to social opportunities, as well as job, career and volunteer opportunities, and to develop long-term strategies and solutions.
Examples include: ramping up successful existing programs such as Best Buddies that integrate people with differing abilities into everyday activities at the elementary, middle and high school levels; creating an ongoing resource list of social opportunities; how-to’s on building peer support; increasing real-world ideas to help prepare individuals to live independent lives; and many more.
Who is organizing WIN initiatives?
There is a steering committee that facilitates WIN activities. Steering committee members include:
- The Honorable Jane Woods, CSB Board member, former Virginia Secretary of Health & Human Services, former Virginia State Senator and State Delegate
- Patti Stevens, Executive Director, Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships (OP3)
- Dr. Patrice Winter, Human Services Council member, Assistant Professor in George Mason University’s Department of Global & Community Health
- Dr. Jodi Duke, Assistant Professor in George Mason University’s Division of Special Education and disAbility Research
- Teresa L. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Department of Special Services, Fairfax County Public Schools
- Irene Meier, Ph.D., Director, Special Education Instruction, Department of Special Services, Fairfax County Public Schools
- Chad Clayton, Principal, Davis Career Special Education Center, Fairfax County Public Schools
WIN Leadership also includes Braddock District Supervisor John Cook, former CSB Board member Lori Stillman, and CSB staff.
When does the WIN meet?
The WIN meets monthly. See the schedule here:
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/win.
What happens at the WIN meetings?
Stakeholders convene to network, hear about important updates that impact their families, and collaborate on ideas and initiatives for the future.
How can I find out more about the WIN?
Additional information is on the WIN webpage: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/win.
Send an email to Sabine.Chinyavong@fairfaxcounty.gov to receive updates and meeting information.
For more information on WIN, contact the CSB Office of Communications at 703-324-7006, TTY 711.