Mitsubishi Electric: Changes for the Better

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

MEAFnet

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Inclusion & Community Service

posted May 01, 2008
Too often youth with disabilities are viewed as the recipients of service rather than as service-givers in their own right. The message below, from the National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) listserve, eloquently speaks to the ways in which inclusive service projects can bring out the best in everyone.

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Subject: [disabilitylist] Inclusion Weekly-Creating Opportunities to Share Talents

A recent television episode of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover aired a story about making accessible home renovations for Patrick Hughes, a talented young musician who attends the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Innovative designs and technologies included automated light switches and window shades, and accessible kitchen appliances that will help Patrick, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, to live a more independent life.

However, these recent renovations are not the biggest impact on Patrick’s quality of life. Patrick’s family and fellow community members created an inclusive environment for him that was an essential component in developing his musical talents and sharing them within his community. Patrick was introduced to playing musical instruments with his father at a very young age. He then performed publicly throughout his youth. Upon entering college, Patrick joined the marching band and used a unique accommodation. (Patrick’s father assisted him by pushing him in his wheelchair as he performed in marching formations.)

These opportunities helped Patrick to not only develop his personal talent but also to enrich his surrounding community by sharing it. Patrick often speaks about how important it is to him to be actively engaged in his community. Similarly, national service programs provide opportunities for everyone to be a part of their community.

By creating welcoming, inclusive programs we can ensure that people with disabilities are able to fully and meaningfully give back to their communities. Here are some examples of people who serve in national service programs...

• Mary, a woman who has multiple sclerosis, serves in the Senior Companion program and provides company to elderly people who feel isolated.

• William, a man who has Down syndrome, is a full-time service member in a local AmeriCorps program where he assists teachers in a pre-school by helping children in play groups and serving snacks.

• Lee, an eight- year-old girl with significant learning disabilities, participates in service learning activities in her elementary school, such as planting trees for a community improvement day at a neighborhood park.

What steps do you think are most important in order to create an inclusive service environment? What are the biggest challenges you overcame to make your program inclusive and accessible for everyone?

Share your expertise, stories and ideas with NSIP. We will post all the comments in an upcoming Inclusion Weekly. Contact NSIP by email: NSIP@umb.edu or toll-free phone at: 888-491-0326 (V/TTY).

Saluting Volunteers

posted May 01, 2008
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, 2008, Mitsubishi Electric locations around the U.S. are honoring company volunteers with prizes and awards of appreciation, as well as free popcorn, candy bars and ice cream, to thank them for their volunteer service throughout the year.

This spring, volunteer committees at each location organized projects and fundraising events to give back to their communities. During National Volunteer Month of April, MEAF matches up to $15 to local charities for each hour of volunteer time contributed by company employees, friends and family members.

Examples of recent projects include:

Cypress, CA
ACTiVE Committee: MEUS employees volunteered at the Speech and Language Development Center’s 3rd Annual Coaster Run. Employees handed out snacks and drinks to participants in the 10k/5k/1k run/walk activities at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Vernon Hills, IL
VISION Committee: MEAU volunteers, led by company President and CEO Kimitoshi Minami, participated in their annual Global Youth Service Day project at Sunrise Lake, a camp for kids with disabilities.

Maysville, KY
MASH Committee: MEAA volunteers raised a remarkable $7000 by auctioning off Easter Baskets to grant a wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Warrendale, PA
HOPE Committee: MEPPI held a volunteer day at the Woodlands Foundation, a camp for young people with disabilities.

Braselton, GA
PEACH Committee: MDEA employees partnered with another local company to participate in a car show, raising money for their annual Relay for Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society.

By volunteering, Mitsubishi Electric employees are truly making Changes for the Better in their communities and in the lives of young people with disabilities. A big round of applause for our volunteers!

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation
1560 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 1150
Arlington, VA 22209