By improving awareness of inclusive practices and focusing on people’s abilities, attitudes will change and barriers will be broken so all youth are empowered. MEAF supports this strategy with grants and volunteer activities focused on promoting inclusion, providing accesss for all, and raising awareness about the abilities of young people with disabilities.
Inclusion is the act of creating a welcoming, accessible and accommodating environment where everyone can fully participate to his/her potential. When youth with disabilities can fully participate alongside peers without disabilities, they have an opportunity to gain skills and experiences, demonstrate their capabilities and change attitudes. Inclusion is not a program, it’s an attitude. Inclusion is belonging.
Over the past decade, MEAF has invested $3.6 million in 60 community organizations which leveraged an additional $7.4 million to develop models and best practices for inclusion. This investment directly served 120,000 youth, trained 12,000 adult leaders, and has the potential to impact 12 million young people, so that all can belong.
Everyone should have an opportunity to fully participate in society, be it in schools, community organizations, recreational opportunities or jobs. By providing accommodation and support, creating universally designed infrastructure and programs, and adopting inclusive practices and attitudes, myths can be dispelled and barriers can be reduced to allow the full participation of all.
Mitsubishi Electric employee volunteers invest hundreds of hours and Matching Grant dollars each year to support inclusive education and recreation programs in their communities. Over its history, MEAF has provided millions of dollars in grants to support the development of accessible technology and universally designed curriculum to help empower youth.
Making Changes for the Better in society begins by raising awareness of the need for change. For too long, people with disabilities have been marginalized and not been given full access to opportunity. By working to create an inclusive society, where people are judged on their ability rather than their disability, progress will be made in ensuring that all really means all.
Mitsubishi Electric Organized Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) supports employee volunteers engaged in organizations in their communities. MEAF’s National Grants promote innovative practices encourage other philanthropic organizations to support disability issues, as we work to raise awareness and make Changes for the Better.
