Development · New official record

Inclusive Healthy Communities — Oct 13

SYLS Livingston is always keeping our residents and their needs as a top priority. We strive to ensure that our programs and services are beneficial to our residents. And because all our residents are important, we are asking for your input on our Inclusive Healthy Communities Initiative. This initiative will help us better to gauge our current gaps in facilities, infrastructure, transportation, programs and services as they relate to inclusiveness and accessibility. Our Inclusive Healthy Community Initiative will aid in making all our environments in the town, both social and physical, welcoming and barrier-free. This initiative will advance our efforts in changing policies, systems and environments to be more inclusive and give people with disabilities the chance to be active participants in decision making that directly affects them and their community. Our Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, Jen Quirk, echoes our initiative, saying, “We have found that one of the biggest underlying issues facing people with disabilities in their communities are about decision-making processes that do not include them, intersectionality with other forms of discrimination, and equity in issues like housing, community development, transportation, outdoor recreation, etc.” A big part of this initiative is to better enable our residents, especially those with disabilities, the ability to participate, to their fullest potential, in events and programs in Livingston. That means the little boy across the street with disabilities will be able to play baseball to his fullest potential. He’ll be able to experience the pure childhood joy that comes with hitting the ball, fielding a grounder or playing catch. Baseball will be a memory that stays with him, grows his self confidence and puts a smile on his face. This also means your teen with disabilities will be included in an art class. She’ll be welcomed and can express herself through her art. Her creativity will flourish and she’ll feel proud of her own accomplishments. Your grandmother with disabilities will be able to access buildings in town so she can engage in programs and services that she enjoys. Where she can enjoy a cup of coffee, laugh with friends or simply listen to some music. It sparks a sense of belonging and helps to increase self worth. Our Inclusive Healthy Communities Initiative will help our residents to thrive in Livingston. And every resident wants a thriving community! SYLS Livingston knows that we are a unique town filled with diversity and we want to make sure that our residents feel safe, included and heard. So now, we are asking for your help! Through our Inclusive Healthy Communities Initiative we are launching a survey to all residents to provide your perspective and observations about the community. Your participation is crucial to the success of this initiative. We will use the information provided by you, our residents, as a baseline for developing an action plan. We know we all share in the common goal of eliminating the barriers that people with disabilities face. That we want Livingston residents to feel welcomed, to feel heard and to feel safe. We all want an inclusive community that celebrates our differences. And by launching the Inclusive Healthy Communities Initiative, SYLS Livingston has become more intentional about that. Please take a few minutes and fill out the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/Q9S5LL9.

Location

Livingston Township

Updated

Oct 13

Jurisdiction

Livingston Township