13 Solutions Identified by Youth:

By Brian Smith

► Develop a language of belonging to inform the emerging dialogue on belonging
► Celebrate diversity in meaningful ways to foster a culture of intentional understanding
► Nurture leadership capacity among youth with disabilities who are eager to be ‘Ambassadors of Belonging’
► Create opportunities for belonging at the local level through community networks
► Cultivate strong, resilient and diverse relationships at all stages of life
► Organize team games and group activities to foster relationships based on a common goal
► Develop inclusive and accessible online technologies that reinforce face-to-face interaction without replacing it
► Encourage story telling as an effective way to develop understanding, acceptance and trust
► Focus on schools as a primary site for promoting a culture of inclusion and understanding
► Emphasize a spirit of commonality and integration rather than difference and segregation among community centres and Independent Living Resource Centres
► Invite family members to contribute and share in initiatives that celebrate youths’ abilities
► Commit to a dialogue on belonging that is proactive, intentional and long-term
► Recognize youth with disabilities as vital companions and guides on the road to understanding belonging