Madison, Wisconsin (PRWEB) February 13, 2014 -- The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), http://www.wi-bpdd.org, announced today the release of a new public service announcement as part of "Better Together: Sharing stories, Sharing lives," a public awareness effort to share the positive impacts Wisconsin residents have on their neighbors, workplaces, schools, and communities.
The video features real Wisconsin residents with disabilities in their roles as active community members. A college student, an employee, a business owner and a little girl are joined by people whose lives they have touched and who describe themselves "Better Together" for knowing each other. The video, which challenges viewers to "open their hearts and minds," can be viewed on YouTube or the campaign website.
"By showing everyday stories of cooperation, friendship, and success, we hope to encourage the public to find ways each of us can support the full participation of people with developmental disabilities in all sectors of society, understanding that people with disabilities share the same personal and professional goals as everyone else," said Beth Swedeen, BPDD Executive Director.
Better Together celebrates the many ways ordinary people come together to support one another across their personal and professional lives by collecting and sharing personal stories from those whose lives have been touched by disability. Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker has declared February "Better Together" month in recognition of the contributions people with disabilities bring to Wisconsin communities.
To be a part of Better Together month, people across Wisconsin are invited to reach out to people with disabilities in their communities, share a personal story on the Better Together website, http://www.bettertogether.wi-bpdd.org, or contact the BPDD to learn more. Schools, civic, chamber, and other groups are encouraged to use the stories, videos and memes on the website to promote discussions around inclusivity, integration and community connectedness.
Storytellers across Wisconsin may still participate in Better Together. People living with a developmental disability - or who have a family member, friend, coworker or other acquaintance with a developmental disability - can visit the Better Together website, http://www.bettertogether.wi-bpdd.org, or the BPDD’s Facebook page to share their story and learn more. Stories should be short personal accounts of about a page or less relating their experience of a life touched by disability. Storytellers have until March 31st to share their story.
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system. The Board's mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. The Board promotes the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities and is dedicated to improving the independence, productivity and integration of people with developmental disabilities.
Beth Swedeen, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, http://www.wi-bpdd.org, (608) 220-2924, [email protected]
SOURCE Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
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