Easterseals Midwest Individual Engagement Committee
The Easterseals Midwest Individual Engagement Committee (IEC) is made up of individuals supported by Easterseals Midwest and employees representing various departments. The committee is chaired by self-advocates and supported by staff who are non-voting members. Members determine the frequency of meeting times and dates.
Purpose:
To educate and involve people with disabilities, so they have power, voice, and authority to influence and promote inclusive and person-centered practices at Easterseals Midwest.
Benefits:
Social interaction and opportunities, connectivity to other advocacy groups, voice and representation of individuals within Easterseals, have a voice in making positive change, learn more about self-advocacy, learn to make positive changes in personal life, be a part of planning and attending Easterseals’ events, meet with legislators about the needs and wants of people with disabilities in Missouri, be involved in trainings offered by Easterseals, and more!
History:
The IEC was developed when the leadership team at Easterseals recognized the importance of engaging with the people we support to help lead the organization toward its mission. Self-advocates and staff met in late 2016 to discuss how best to involve these self-advocates to promote inclusive practices at Easterseals.
The first meeting of the IEC was held on June 29, 2017.
Since then, we have provided self-advocacy and leadership training to all members and others in the community looking to learn more about self-advocacy. More than 40 self-advocates and supporters have been involved in the IEC since its inception, with self-advocates holding various positions, including Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
Easterseals has three IECs, located in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Southwest Missouri.