Inclusion Seekers: Building Community, One Connection at a Time

At the recent “Inclusion Seekers” 2-day event hosted by Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council something compelling emerged, not from a keynote speech or a formal presentation, but from the voices of people gathered in conversation.

The meeting brought together individuals with disabilities, their families, and the agencies that support them. Guided by facilitators Ken Renaud from IN2U, and Starfire’s Tim Vogt, participants rotated through small-group discussions every 20 minutes, exploring topics that shape everyday life: employment, housing, relationships, and life after high school.

What surfaced at every table, literally written on white paper on every table, wasn’t a single solution, but a shared realization.

It All Comes Back to Community

If there was one word that echoed throughout the evening, it was simple: community. Coincidentally, or not, Kevin Nerney, executive director, named it at the roundup portion of the Wednesday evening session.

Participants returned to it again and again, whether discussing job opportunities, friendships, safety, or independence. Community is how people find work. It’s how they keep working. It’s how they navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and build meaningful lives.

As one attendee summed it up: everything – from employment supports to housing to personal growth – comes back to people supporting people.

Technology may evolve, systems may improve, but relationships remain at the center. Community, as many noted, still “trumps everything.”

Discovering Gifts and Finding Where They Belong

A key theme of the discussion focused on helping individuals better understand themselves – their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

Participants explored the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer, described beautifully as “treasures of the community.” These “treasures” are the unique gifts, talents, and lived experiences each person brings. The challenge – and opportunity – is finding where those gifts are recognized and valued.

As one participant reflected: it’s not just about knowing your gift, but asking, “Where is my gift considered a gift?”

That distinction matters. It shifts the focus from trying to fit into spaces that may not be inclusive, to seeking out environments that are welcoming and ready to embrace diverse contributions.

Mentorship, Storytelling, and Shared Experience

The session also highlighted the importance of mentorship and storytelling.

Through a speaker-style approach, individuals shared their journeys – what they’ve tried, what’s worked, and what hasn’t. These stories become guideposts for others. They create organic, peer-to-peer connections that feel more relatable and empowering than traditional systems of support.

Instead of looking solely to agencies for answers, participants emphasized turning to one another, building networks rooted in shared experience and mutual understanding.

Because sometimes, the most impactful guidance comes from someone who has simply “been there.”

Navigating Transitions and the Reality of “Adulting”

The transition out of high school was another focal point, with honest reflections about how difficult that stage can be.

“Adulting is hard,” one participant shared – a sentiment that resonated widely.

Within that challenge lies an opportunity: to lean on community, build strong relationships, and create a foundation that lasts over time. As one powerful metaphor emerged, “You can’t build a foundation on a mountain made of sand.”

Strong, lasting connections, such as friends, mentors, neighbor, are essential to navigating life’s transitions successfully.

The Power of Connection

One participant introduced the idea of a “red string theory” – a reminder that we are all connected, even in ways we don’t always see. Our moods, our environments, our relationships – they intertwine and influence one another.

It reinforced a central truth of the evening (and in the following day’s session): no one succeeds in isolation.

Whether it’s finding a job, securing housing, or simply feeling a sense of belonging, connection is the thread that ties it all together.

From Conversation to Action: Becoming an Inclusion Seeker

The session concluded with a call to action.

Organizers are seeking 10 “Inclusion Seekers” – individuals ready to take what they’ve learned and bring it into their communities. With small grants of up to $500, participants can create their own initiatives: