National Inclusion Project Options

[laughn]

inclusionproject.org

8/05/2009

Bubel/Aiken becomes National Inclusion Project

We are so proud to launch the National Inclusion Project. As our foundation grows, so does its impact. In order to better reach the ever growing goals we have for this foundation, we felt that a new name would better suit our position as a national leader on inclusion as well as recognize the Foundation's start and the efforts of its faithful supporters.

The National Inclusion Project is poised to continue to make an impact with thousands of children nationwide as well as raise the national consciousness about the need for and benefits of inclusion. We are excited beyond measure to see Clay's original "project" become one that so many people have invested time, energy, and dollars in to see doors opened for children who may have never gotten the opportunity to participate in life the way their peers do. The National Inclusion Project is moving forward hand-in-hand with supporters, families, program providers, and other advocates to see the vision of full inclusion nationwide become a reality. Please join us in our push to make a difference in communities all over the country.


An open letter from co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel:

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation grew out of the relationship between the two of us and Diane’s son, Mike, a 13 year old with autism. The bond between us grew strong as we shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. We had both witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children. We met while Clay was pursuing a degree in special education at UNC-Charlotte. As part of that pursuit, Clay completed an independent study project where he created a foundation that focused on providing the support system for recreational and educational programs around the country to open doors to children with disabilities that had thus far remained closed. We realized that an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This shared goal grew into reality on July 28, 2003 when we officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

In the six years since, the Foundation has established itself as a leading voice for inclusion working with a “Who’s Who” list of youth organizations – YMCAs, Best Buddies International, Boys & Girls Clubs, CampFire USA, 4H, the ARC – as well as many other local parks and recreation departments, community centers, and privately-run programs. The Foundation has formed partnerships with Johns Hopkins University’s National Center for Summer Learning, the University of Massachusetts-Boston’s Center for Social Development and Education, the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center.

In 2008, both of the Foundation’s cutting edge inclusion models – Let’s ALL Play and the K-12 Inclusive Service Learning Program – were closely evaluated with overwhelmingly positive results. Children with and without disabilities in these programs saw growth in motor skills, social skills, and self-esteem, and the impact of the friendships made will last long into the future.

In six years, the Foundation has worked with hundreds of programs, trained numerous staff members and leaders, and provided inclusive opportunities for over 20,000 children. This far-reaching impact would not have been possible without the dedicated support of countless volunteers and supporters. With your help in raising awareness and funds through projects like Wrapping for Inclusion and Change for Change as well as local fundraising efforts like cookbooks, gatherings, and online donation drives, the Foundation has dedicated the vast majority of every dollar into making an impact with our programs. As we realized the impact the Foundation has already made, it became apparent that even bigger accomplishments could be on the horizon. To that end, we along with the rest of the Board decided that a new name for the Foundation would establish long-term credibility and stability. We sought a name that would signify the Foundation’s position as a national leader on inclusion as well as recognize the Foundation’s start and the efforts of its faithful supporters. After much thought and deliberation, we are proud to introduce the organization we co-founded as the National Inclusion Project.

The National Inclusion Project is poised to continue to make an impact with thousands of children nationwide as well as raise the national consciousness about the need for and benefits of inclusion. We are excited beyond measure to see Clay’s original “project” become one that so many people have invested time, energy, and dollars in to see doors opened for children who may have never gotten the opportunity to participate in life the way their peers do. The National Inclusion Project is moving forward hand-in-hand with supporters, families, program providers, and other advocates to see the vision of full inclusion nationwide become a reality. Please join us in our push to make a difference in communities all over the country.

This post has been edited by laughn: Aug 5 2009, 11:08 AM

[laughn]

Board of Directors and Staff

8/05/2009

Board of Directors

Clay Aiken, Chairman, is co-founder of the National Inclusion Project and a graduate of UNC-Charlotte where he earned his Bachelors degree in special education. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, a multi-platinum recording artist and an American Music Award and Billboard Music Award winner. Clay’s passion for music started at a young age and followed him throughout his adolescence. He performed in numerous musicals and was a member of his school choir. When Clay entered college, music took a backseat while he pursued a degree in special education. While earning his degree, he worked with individuals with autism, among them Michael Bubel, son of Diane Bubel. As Diane and Clay’s friendship grew, it became apparent they both shared the same vision – a world where children of all abilities were offered the experiences of full inclusion. Their goal became to create the National Inclusion Project and make this shared vision a reality.

Diane Bubel, President, is co-founder of the National Inclusion Project and mother of Michael (Mike) Bubel. She actively works to spread the message of inclusion through conventions, television appearances and radio interviews. Though dedicated to the Foundation, Diane manages to also focus on the most important priority in her life, her family. Her son Mike was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She has developed a unique and viable methodology that has helped Mike succeed with the challenges he’s faced. Diane focused not on Mike’s limitations but on possibilities. She learned how to restructure the activities of daily living using routine, patient repetition, and images to allow Mike to feel a sense of control and to become more and more independent. Diane treats Mike as any other child and encourages his growth as an individual. She is an enduring, loving mother and role model. Inclusion is not only a message she carries. It is a message she practices.

Dr. Priscilla Brame is one of many specialists who work with the National Inclusion Project. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in special education with an emphasis in the areas of learning disabilities and emotional disorders. Priscilla earned her masters degree in special education and emotional disorders and later earned a Doctorate in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Ohio State University. Priscilla was first introduced to the National Inclusion Project when she taught the teacher education program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She continues to teach future educators at the University of Louisville where she is an adjunct instructor in the Special Education Department. She is also the chair of the Special Education Department at Fort Knox High School in Louisville, Kentucky where she currently resides.

Faye Parker, Secretary, has vast experience as an active volunteer who has worked with numerous goodwill organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Food Bank of Eastern and Central NC, Women’s Missionary Union, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Relay for Life and CROP Walk for World Hunger. Throughout her son Clay’s younger years, Faye volunteered frequently for his elementary and high school events. She served as a role model for her children teaching them the volunteer spirit and the importance of contributing to the community. When not spending her time volunteering, Faye is busy running her own business, Parker Exclusives, which she founded in 1991.

Frances Wilson has been the Chatham County Tax Collector since being promoted in 1989. Frances is Past President of the North Carolina Tax Collectors Association, serves on the Taxation and Finance Steering Committee for the NC County Commissioner’s Association and was named 2005 North Carolina Tax Collector of the Year. Prior to her employment with the Tax Administration, Frances was administrative assistant to the Executive Director of the Chatham County Housing Authority. There she served as the agency’s financial director, a position that allowed her to work with underprivileged families in need of housing assistance. The Raleigh News & Observer honored her as “Tarheel of the Week” in May 2005. Frances has served as a board member of the Chatham County United Way, a volunteer for Relay for Life and officer of the Pittsboro Jaycees.

Staff

Jerry Aiken, Executive Director, serves the National Inclusion Project with 30 years of corporate experience in the telecommunications industry where he held numerous senior level positions in manufacturing, marketing, customer service, and general management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering with graduate work in management and marketing. Jerry has volunteered and supported many charitable causes throughout his career including Junior Achievement, United Way, Lymphoma Society, Samaritan’s Purse, and additional mission work assisting hurricane victims. He served on the Board of Directors for the Durham, NC Chamber of Commerce and was Vice-Chair for international development. He was appointed Executive Director for the Foundation in 2007.

Kristy Barnes, Director Marketing and Operations, directs the administration and business management functions, programs, communications, and fundraising for the National Inclusion Project. She joined the National Inclusion Project as Chief Operating Officer in May 2005, after serving as the Project's Program Director. Before coming to the National Inclusion Project, she worked with YMCAs across North Carolina to build youth and family programs and facilities. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology.

Aron Hall, Director Services, coordinates the “Let’s ALL Play” inclusive recreational initiative, its grant program, and all volunteer fundraising efforts including Wrapping for Inclusion. In addition, he is responsible for website development as well as support for the Foundation’s major fundraising projects. A graduate of N.C. State University, Aron has had multiple experiences in education and recreational programs.

Debbie Cain, Treasurer, is a teacher at the Magellan Charter School in Raleigh, North Carolina, which provides a fully inclusive learning environment. She serves as chairperson of the mathematics department and works closely with the Special Programs team. Debbie has over 30 years of teaching experience, having previously taught at Leesville Road High School and Enloe High School. At both schools, she was named Teacher of the Year. She received the NCSU Sigma Xi Outstanding High School Mathematics Teacher Award. She has been a member of NCAE, WACT, NCTM and NCCTM. At the same time, she is very active in her church community having served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder and receiving treasurer.

[Clayzorback]

I was asked to pass this information on. So here it is.

As some of you know the Bubel Aiken Foundation recently changed its name to National Inclusion Project

click on www.inclusionproject.org and bookmark it to keep up with our activities. Our mission is to bridge the gap between children with disabilities and those without.

Each year at our annual gala we honor at least 3 people who have made an impact on making a difference for these children. You can see who our honorees are this year on the site.

Last year Dan Habib and son were one of our honorees. go to www.includingsamuel.com to see his story and our connection. We hope to get this story on our local PBS station also. It has been picked up by a number across the country. If you have a connection to any city with a local PBS encourage them to contact Dan Habib or National Inclusion Project to get this documentary shown.

Please watch the short video and stay tuned to a city near you that may show the entire documentary.

Faye

ps. Also please pass this on to your friends. You never know when someone may have or know someone with a disability

[laughn]

ThanksClazorfor reminding me this should go here.

We are proud to partner with the creators of Including Samuel, a nationally acclaimed documentary by photojournalist Dan Habib, 2008 Champions of Change Honoree.


The film comes to public television in September and October (Disability Awareness Month) with support from the National Inclusion Project and CVS Caremark All Kids Can.


BROADCASTS ARE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING STATES:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin...and the list grows every week!


Go to www.includingsamuel.com for a regularly updated list of broadcasts and public screenings.


FILM SYNOPSIS:

Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Including Samuel chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family's hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.


HOST A FILM SCREENING PARTY!

The PBS Release of Including Samuel is a hallmark event for our mission of inclusion. Consider hosting a party for your friends and neighbors at your house or a larger venue that you have access to. This is a great opportunity to invite people who may not have a connection to inclusion in order to introduce them to the concept and benefits.


Go to www.includingsamuel.com to:

-Watch the film trailer.

-Download the “Screening & Outreach Kit” with discussion questions, photos, templates for posters and invitations, and more.

-Download free material from the ‘Resources’ section which features published research, curriculum and articles on inclusion, plus links to dozens of organizations.

-Purchase the DVD. National Inclusion Project supporters and volunteers can receive a 10% discount off the individual DVD, and 20% off purchases of 6 DVDs or more, by using the coupon code IS10IP.


If you choose to host a party, please let us know so that we can send you information that you can hand out about the National Inclusion Project. If you organize a larger party as a community gathering, we will be happy to promote it by including it on our event calendar.


Thank you for your continued support!


Aron Hall

Director Services


National Inclusion Project

www.inclusionproject.org

104 TW Alexander Dr, Bldg 1

PO Box 110104

RTP, NC 27709

919-314-5540

Fax: 919-314-5541

[Clayzorback]

From Faye Parker:

Pass on to your email and facebook list. This may help us win money and also make more people aware of our work Thank you

From the album:
"Wall Photos" by National Inclusion Project
Help Us Win Money For the National Inclusion Project... We Need Your Vote!
Christie Cookie is giving away $25,000 to charities. The charity with the most nominations wins $10,000.
It only takes about two minutes to vote so click on the link below and nominate National Inclusion Project, Raleigh, NC to Win!
http://www.christiecookies.com

[laughn]

From Aron Hall

National Inclusion Project, in partnership with Rockdale Wreaths, is pleased to announce “Deck the Halls for Inclusion,” a national holiday fundraiser which will run from October 16-November 16, 2009. During this one month period, all wreaths and other select items purchased through “Deck the Halls for Inclusion” will benefit the National Inclusion Project exclusively. National Inclusion Project will receive $9 for each wreath ordered; bulk orders, 8 or more wreaths shipped to one address, benefit the Project by $13 per wreath. Please note: prices are all-inclusive, shipping and handling are already included in the purchase price.


Beginning Friday, October 16, 2009 orders may be placed online at the National Inclusion Project’s Rockdale store (link to be provided prior to opening date), or purchased directly from participating Beta Alphas. The deadline for orders is Monday, November 16, 2009. Rockdale Wreaths creates beautiful, high quality, handmade wreaths and other natural items to decorate homes and businesses. The wreaths also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.


“Deck the Halls for Inclusion” is open to all Beta Alphas and other interested individuals, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Each Beta Alpha will receive credit for all online sales generated by their respective group, as well as credit for all direct, or local, sales. A complete fundraising packet containing all necessary materials will be provided to organizers and team leaders in advance. For more information, or to sign up, please contact:


Pam Gaither, pam@triadvoices.org ,or Aron Hall, aronhall@inclusionproject.org.


Let’s ALL deck the halls for inclusion! Help support the National Inclusion Project’s mission to create communities where children of all abilities can learn, live and play. Purchase a wreath-or two-or even ten, this holiday season. Share the gift of inclusion with thousands of children nationwide. Inclusion works, and it is a gift worth giving

PS. Thanks Pam!

Aron Hall

Director Services

National Inclusion Project

www.inclusionproject.org
104 TW Alexander Dr, Bldg 1

[laughn]

Press Release

Volunteers Wrap to Benefit National Inclusion Project

Clay Aiken's National Inclusion Project recently announced their 6th annual holiday gift-wrapping awareness campaign and fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. The campaign will take place in shopping malls and stores across the country throughout the 2009 Holiday season.

Raleigh, NC, September 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The National Inclusion Project co-founded by Clay Aiken recently announced their 6th annual holiday gift-wrapping awareness campaign and fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. The campaign will take place in shopping malls and stores across the country throughout the 2009 Holiday season.

Volunteers will wrap gifts in exchange for donations to the National Inclusion Project. Individuals of all abilities are encouraged to participate.

“We are looking for volunteer wrappers throughout the holiday season to share their voice about the possibilities of inclusion. Schools and youth groups can make this an inclusive community service project by putting together teams of children with and without disabilities,” said Diane Bubel, co-founder of the National Inclusion Project.

Last year over 1,200 volunteers wrapped for inclusion nationwide. Monies raised help fund the National Inclusion Project’s “Let’s ALL Play” inclusive program model that brings inclusion to recreational programs nationwide.

In 2009, National Inclusion Project partners impacted over 5000 children with inclusive opportunities. Children with and without disabilities participated together in swimming, games, arts and crafts, and team building, but more importantly they developed friendships and experienced benefits that will last a lifetime.

"Wrapping for Inclusion gives volunteers across the country the opportunity to share the vision of the National Inclusion Project. By working together, we are creating a world that celebrates children for their abilities", said Bubel. "We appreciate the time and dedication of all our Wrapping for Inclusion volunteers as well as all those holiday shoppers who will donate to the National Inclusion Project.”

For information on how to volunteer email Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org or download the “Wrapping For Inclusion” manual at www.InclusionProject.org.

About National Inclusion Project

The National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. By providing services and financial assistance, the Project supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.

To learn more about National Inclusion Project or ways to get involved visit their website at www.InclusionProject.org.

###
Contact Information
The National Inclusion Project
Kristy Barnes
919-314-5540
kristybarnes@inclusionproject.org
http://www.inclusionproject.org

[laughn]

Philanthropy Journal

Clay Aiken’s charity aims to expand

Todd Cohen | October 19, 2009

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The charity co-founded by Clay Aiken, the Raleigh native and American Idol runner-up, has changed its name to better reflect its mission of integrating children with disabilities into school, after-school and summer-camp activities.

Formerly known as the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the Research Triangle Park-based National Inclusion Project also is stepping up its efforts to better promote its work and generate more contributions to support its programs.

"Our challenge is building awareness not only about what we do but who we are, and through that awareness getting people who will support us and help others and really make a difference," says Jerry Aiken, who is Clay Aiken's uncle and executive director of the nonprofit.

Based on a senior project Clay Aiken worked on at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he majored in special education, he launched the nonprofit in July 2003 with Diane Bubel, the mother of a young man with disabilities Aiken had worked with as part of his student project.

When Aiken mentioned his student project during an American Idol broadcast in the spring of 2003, fans contributed roughly $50,000, even though he had not yet formed the nonprofit.

The National Inclusion Project receives support through revenue generated by Aiken's fans wrapping gifts in their local communities, and through an annual gala in Raleigh and annual golf tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The group mainly develops a curriculum, and provides training and funding, to "help open doors" and provide an "inclusive offering" for kids who attend summer camps and after-school programs.

With assets just over $1 million, Jerry Aiken says, the nonprofit in the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, provided over $825,000 in funding for 31 different programs throughout the United States.

And with a $500,000 federal grant, the group over three years developed an evidence-based inclusive service-learning curriculum that teachers in elementary, middle and high schools can use to talk to their students about disabilities and help them select a community-service project.

Now, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and Mitsubishi Electric Corp., the National Inclusion Project aims to integrate that curriculum with Let's All Play, the inclusive program it developed for after-school and recreational summer-camp programs.

Tested at YMCAs in Raleigh and in Concord, N.C., and Kansas City, Kan., the program has served over 70 groups.

Overall, the National Inclusion Project has invested $4.5 million in its work, supported over 110 programs and served over 20,000 children through its inclusive camp program, says Jerry Aiken, who spent 30 years working in the telecommunications industry for companies like Nortel and Fujitsu, where he served as vice president for global customer services.

Expanding those programs will require raising more money, Jerry Aiken says.

The group's "Wrapping for Inclusion" program, for example, generated $60,000 during the holiday season last year, down because of the recession from $100,000 it generated a year earlier, he says.

On Oct. 17, the National Inclusion Project will host its sixth annual Champions Gala at the Marriott City Center in downtown Raleigh.

The event will honor Mitsubishi Electric; Patrick Henry Hughes, a student with substantial disabilities who plays multiple instruments in the marching band at the University of Louisville; and the Sparkle Effect, a high-school cheerleading squad in Iowa that includes girls with disabilities.

And in February, the National Inclusion Project will host its annual golf tournament at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

"We are a small foundation," Jerry Aiken says. "We've got some really good things going, and we're really trying to make a difference."

[laughn]

inclusionproject.org

The National Inclusion Project Gala Honoring 2009 Champions Raises of $465,000 to Benefit the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities

Supporters of The National Inclusion Project helped to raise over $465,000 at its recent gala honoring 2009 Champions. The inspirational evening was held October 17, 2009 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in North Carolina. The funds raised will be used to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life along side their typical peers.

The gala benefit celebration featured Champions presentations and addresses by Project co-founders Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in both a silent and a live auction in support of the Project’s programs. The Project received funding support from the Million Dollar Round Table and Christies Cookies and the night concluded with a special performance by Clay Aiken.

The National Inclusion Project’s Champions are selected for their substantive efforts to give children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.

This year’s honorees were:

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., Corporate Champion: Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. continually demonstrates its outstanding commitment to help young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society. The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has had a sizeable impact since it was established in 1991: more than $9 million invested, affecting the lives of many thousands of young people with disabilities, their families, friends and communities. Added to that total are thousands of employee volunteer hours and the transformation of individuals, one life at a time.

Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, and Patrick John Hughes: Patrick Henry Hughes was born in 1988 with significant disabilities. His father, Patrick John Hughes, introduced him to the piano at the age of nine months. Patrick has studied piano in the years since and later began the study of trumpet. At the suggestion of Louisville's marching band director, Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry joined the marching band, playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair through the marching routines, which attracted increasing crowd and media attention throughout the fall football season. The Hughes family has used this platform to speak on the importance of recognizing the abilities of ALL and the importance of inclusion for a person’s social, mental and physical well-being.

The Sparkle Effect: Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School are being honored as Champions for founding The Sparkle Effect - a nonprofit organization that encourages high school students across the United States to include children with special needs on cheerleading squads. By providing guidance, peer mentoring, and online tools to enable high school students to fully integrate cheerleading squads, they have changed life experiences for teenagers across the country and the awareness they have created will continue to impact generations to come.

Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken also awarded the first Bubel Aiken Founder’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to Marti Ford for her efforts to place the National Inclusion Project’s children’s book, Our Friend Mikayla, in hundreds of schools and libraries in the Las Vegas area. It was through grassroots volunteer efforts that the National Inclusion Project was started and has been able to make huge strides for inclusion nationwide. Marti Ford is just one example of many working together to continue to fulfill the Project’s mission of supporting communities with inclusive programs and creating awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.

About Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation: Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) was established in 1991 by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its US subsidiaries, with the mission of helping young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. Based in the Washington DC area, MEAF has invested more than $3.2 million since 2003 in its Inclusion Initiative to help organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and the YMCAs serve more youth with disabilities. www.meaf.org

[laughn]

National Inclusion Project Announces Over $700,000 Of Support For “let's All Play”

The National Inclusion Project (NIP), co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, announces over $700,000 of support to programs nationwide as part of its Let’s ALL Play initiative.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Mar 24, 2010 – Raleigh, N.C. – The National Inclusion Project (NIP), co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, announces over $700,000 of support to programs nationwide as part of its Let’s ALL Play initiative.

In just three years, the Project has invested over $1.7 million to expand Let’s ALL Play across the country. Let’s ALL Play brings an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without disabilities. Children with disabilities and their peers without disabilities come together to participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more. The Project will support over 45 recreational programs in 23 states in 2010.

In 2004, the Project instituted the inclusive recreational experience for children with and without disabilities. Since its inception, the Project has impacted over 20,000 children nationwide. "My son does not have Down syndrome, wear hearing aids, or have difficulty with his speech,” said the mother of a camper. “He is simply a camper."

In 2008, the NIP asked the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston to assess the implementation of Let’s ALL Play. Overwhelming evidence shows that campers with disabilities see improvement in self-esteem, social skills, relationships with campers without disabilities, general engagement in camp activities and sport/motor skills.

The NIP looks to create communities where all children can learn, live and play together.

“Because of the continued support of our volunteers and supporters, the National Inclusion Project gives children the opportunity to experience inclusion for the first time,” said Aiken. “The children's experience will impact generations to come as they increase awareness of the importance of inclusion.”

About the National Inclusion Project

The National Inclusion Project (NIP), formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Project strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about the NIP or ways to get involved, visit their Web site at http://www.inclusionproject.org.


For additional information, please contact:
Kristy Barnes
kristybarnes@inclusionproject.org
919-314-5540

[laughn]

Twitter & Facebook

National Inclusion Project

includingkids Check it Out! One of a Kind VIP Package with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard–The Timeless Tour: http://www.inclusionproject.org/news.php?id=106

~~~~~

National Inclusion Project

One of a Kind VIP Package with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard – The Timeless Tour

The "Timeless" tour, in which Clay and American Idol alum Ruben Studdard will perform renditions of classic hits from the past five decades, kicks off on July 23rd in Asheville, NC, and takes in 17 venues across the U.S. through mid-August. This is the first time the two artists will tour together.

In 2003, on the second season of American Idol, Clay and Ruben became instant friends and have shared the joys and pressures of their success over the past seven years. Since Idol, both artists have released albums, performed around the country and made multiple appearances on TV.

VIP PACKAGE INCLUDES:

2 premium tickets to the show
Meet & greet with Clay & Ruben
1 free merchandise item
1 autographed item of fan’s choice
Backstage tour
Photo with Clay and Ruben
Special thank you to the donor on Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard’s websites
Gift bag from National Inclusion Project

[laughn]

from claygalsal on CV:

NEW MINI FUNDRAISER FOR THE NATIONAL INCLUSION PROJECT!!

For those of you who have not been able to visit The Mecca Restaurant (the location of Clay's T&T cover picture in downtown Raleigh), here is your chance to purchase one of their 80th Birthday Celebration Tee Shirts and help the foundation as well.
At the present time we have only the following colors/sizes:

*GREY (2 LRG)

*RED (4 MED, l LRG)

*WHITE (2 XL, 2 LRG, 1 MED, 1 SM)

The cost of the shirt is $20. I have a white one with burgundy letters, and I love it....very good quality.

Please use the following email address if you would like to purchase a shirt.

Upcopper2@aol.com

Picture of the tees:

Mecca Tees