Creating Inclusive Work Environments for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Creating Inclusive Work Environments for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Dominique Dehaene advocates for sports as a means to foster inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting personal growth, societal perceptions, and the need for empathy and equal opportunities.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood engages in a compelling conversation with Dominique Dehaene as they explore the profound impact of sports on social inclusion, particularly for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The episode delves into various facets of inclusion within corporate settings and society, examining how sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for change. Joanne and Dominique discuss the role of positive mindsets in overcoming perceived employment challenges and highlight how inclusive sports initiatives can transform lives by fostering confidence, social skills, and professional development.

Dominique Dehaene, the national director of Special Olympics Belgium, brings a wealth of experience and personal insight to the discussion. As a father of a son with autism, Dominique's journey has been deeply intertwined with advocating for and fostering inclusive environments. His work with the Special Olympics underscores his commitment to highlighting the abilities of individuals with IDD rather than their limitations. He shares touching personal stories, including his son's experiences with social anxiety and professional aspirations, providing a heartfelt perspective on the broader conversation about inclusion and societal norms. His unique blend of professional expertise and personal dedication makes him a compelling advocate for the inclusion revolution.

Throughout the episode, Joanne and Dominique touch on pivotal themes such as the integration of individuals with IDD into the workforce, the importance of celebrating present accomplishments, and the transformative effect of sports on mental and physical well-being. They explore the concept of "play unified" and how mixed-ability sports can help reshape perceptions and create more accepting communities. The episode also addresses the broader implications of setting realistic expectations and celebrating achievements without succumbing to the pressures of relentless ambition.

Dominique and Joanne conclude with an emphasis on the need for practical solutions and a supportive network to ensure individuals with IDD can thrive in all aspects of life. They call for a collective effort to foster empathy, authenticity, and inclusive mindsets from an early age.

A key takeaway from this episode is the transformative power of sports in championing inclusion and empowering individuals with IDD. Listeners will find inspiration in the personal stories shared and gain practical insights into the role of inclusive activities in fostering a sense of belonging and equality. Tune in to explore how embracing diversity through sports can create profound societal change, and join the conversation about building a more inclusive world.

 

Published: 06.02.2025 Recorded: 17.12.2024 Duration: 0:55:38

 

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Clips and Timestamps

Embracing Inclusion Through Sports: “We strive indeed for an inclusive society where people with intellectual disabilities, anyone else can, can play a full role in, regarding their talents and, disregarding, I would say their disabilities.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:04:03 → 00:04:19]

Parenting with Perspective: “You look at the world differently through the eyes of a person with autism, especially when you’re so close to him, so it opens your mind, it opens your perspective on some ideas you have, so it opens your perspective on the world.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:06:58 → 00:07:14]

Embracing Openness about Autism: “Me and my wife always did, we were always very open about our son’s disability, autism, you know, it’s not something you have to hide or put away.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:08:52 → 00:09:03]

Overcoming Challenges: “We would all get sick if we just stayed home for the rest of our lives without saying it can happen, of course, but you gotta have a purpose as you say.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:19:54 → 00:20:03]

The Transformative Power of Sports: “So we truly believe that sports is, is an entry to, to, to much more fulfilling life, I think, I can say.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:23:09 → 00:23:19]

Changing Perspectives on Disabilities: “But the way these young children look at those athletes and these people with IDD, they don’t see the difference or they, you know, it just, they’re very open minded about it and they say just, yeah, maybe he or she was a bit different, but I didn’t really notice anything.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:25:48 → 00:26:05]

The Surprising Truth About Air Traffic Control: “Engineers would not always and mostly not make good air traffic controllers just because they think too much, you know, they overthink and, you know, air traffic controls, and it might not sound very reassuring, but trust me, it is, you know, they have plan A for the traffic they’re guiding, but they also have in the back of their minds, a plan B and a plan C and it’s not call it gut feeling, but you know, it’s intuition, it’s instinct, it’s knowledge, it’s experience, etcetera. It’s a skill.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:27:47 → 00:28:21]

Support for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: “For some people it is because they don’t get the help that they could use. And this is of course, even more the case for people with IDD. They need more help than others. And if there’s no help they can rely on, it makes it even more difficult.”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:32:22 → 00:32:37]

The Future of Care for IDD Individuals: “At a certain time you have to start thinking, yeah, what will happen if life takes its normal course and we live this life earlier than our son, who will take care of him then?”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:33:19 → 00:33:31]

Inclusive Healthcare for IDD Communities: “You need doctors and nurses, etcetera, who can approach people with IDD differently because, you know, you cannot just ask, you know, are you hurting somewhere?”
— Dominique Dehaene [00:38:58 → 00:39:08]

Definition of Terms Used

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

• Definition: IDD encompasses intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders such as autism and Down syndrome, involving significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour.
• Relevance: Understanding IDD is crucial for creating inclusive environments both in the workplace and society, ensuring individuals with these disabilities are provided with equal opportunities and support.
• Examples: Intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome.
• Related Terms: Neurodiversity, Special Needs, Cognitive Disabilities.
• Common Misconceptions: Many believe individuals with IDD cannot be productive members of society, but with appropriate support, they can thrive and contribute significantly.

Social Enterprise

• Definition: A social enterprise is a business that prioritises social objectives alongside financial goals, reinvesting profits to address social, environmental, or community challenges.
• Relevance: Social enterprises demonstrate how businesses can be both profitable and purposeful, providing models for employing individuals with disabilities and contributing to community welfare.
• Examples: Cafes employing individuals with IDD, cooperative businesses, fair trade organisations.
• Related Terms: Non-Profit Organisation, Cooperative, Impact Investment.
• Common Misconceptions: Some think social enterprises are purely charitable entities, but they operate as businesses with revenue-generating models.

“Play Unified” Initiatives

• Definition: “Play Unified” initiatives encourage people with and without intellectual disabilities to engage in shared physical activities and sports, promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers.
• Relevance: These initiatives are pivotal in changing societal perceptions and demonstrating that individuals with disabilities possess unique talents and abilities, fostering a sense of equality.
• Examples: Unified sports events, inclusive physical education programmes in schools.
• Related Terms: Inclusive Sports, Unified Sports, Abilities Focus.
• Common Misconceptions: Some assume people with IDD cannot participate effectively in sports, while “Play Unified” initiatives prove the opposite.

Divisioning in Special Olympics

• Definition: Divisioning is the process in the Special Olympics where athletes are grouped into competition divisions based on their abilities to ensure fair and equitable competition.
• Relevance: Divisioning allows athletes with varying abilities to compete on a level playing field, promoting confidence and personal growth.
• Examples: Grouping athletes by skill level in running events, swimming, or team sports.
• Related Terms: Skill Grouping, Adaptive Competition, Fair Play.
• Common Misconceptions: It’s often thought that competition in the Special Olympics isn’t genuine, but divisioning ensures it remains challenging and rewarding for all participants.

Social Anxiety

• Definition: Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition characterised by intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one may be judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected.
• Relevance: Recognising social anxiety is important for understanding the challenges faced by individuals, including those with IDD, and creating supportive environments that mitigate stress and encourage comfort in social interactions.
• Examples: Fear of public speaking, anxiety in social gatherings, apprehension about job interviews.
• Related Terms: Social Phobia, Anxiety Disorders, Mental Health.
• Common Misconceptions: Social anxiety is often trivialised as mere shyness, but it can severely impact everyday functioning and quality of life if not addressed appropriately.

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Joanne Lockwood SEE Change Happen

A huge thank you to our wonderful guest

Dominique Dehaene Special Olympics Belgium