Inclusion Starts with the Heart

The catalyst as one simple idea from one of our individuals. The result was anything but.

When we first said yes to participating in the Parade of Hearts, the idea was never about creating a piece of art, but instead about representation. A universal truth. A voice that could speak for all. One commitment to inclusion.

That truth became "Inclusion Starts with the Heart."

Built by Many. Powered by a Movement.

This heart wasn't birthed from the mind of one artist. It was created by 100 people - individuals and staff - uniting with one goal in mind: to show what inclusion really looks like.

Over a couple weeks, they painted, layered, and shaped a design that reflects the world they're building:

• Blue and orange, representing calm and connection
• Symbols of accessibility and independence
• The Disability Pride Flag
• The word "inclusion" written in multiple languages

It was important that all of those details mattered. Everyone that contributed mattered, because every person matters.

As one of our team members shared:

"Our individuals have the ability to be like everyone else - and they want to be included. We're teaching independence through this project."

From Idea to Impact

It all started with a concept within our Kansas City Self-Advocates in Action Council (SAC), then quickly gained steam, becoming one of the largest collaborative projects we've ever taken on*. And certainly one of the most meaningful.

SAC Co-Chair Will Wiley puts it best:

"This is one of the biggest projects that we know of that Easterseals has done."

And it shows. From first sketch to final brushstroke to a six-foot sculpture standing alongside 149 others across the region, this heart represents what's possible when approach something head-on.

Debuting Together: 150 United

For the first time, we saw our heart come to life at the 150 United exhibition at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Surrounded by creativity from across the region, our heart stood as a reflection of something a little deeper: community, belonging, and individual purpose.

For our crew, it was never about being part of the exhibit. It was about freeing themselves up to the idea of being a part of something much bigger.

Now in Lawrence, For Everyone

Today, our heart has found a new home in South Park in Lawrence, Kansas, where it will be on display through the summer. And it's already doing what it was meant to do: bringing people together.

From Kansas City to Lawrence, individuals and staff have made the trip to see it in person, turning it into an all-day experience instead of a mere destination spot.

"It went from paper, to dream, to Lawrence," one team member shared. "And it was worth it. I'd do it all over again."

Inclusion in the Open

From first glance, this heart is only a sculpture. But with a little bit more insight, it's obviously much more. It's a statement, a reminder. An invitation.

Inclusion begins and ends with people. Policy and programs are great initiatives, but would be nothing without the individuals themselves showing up, creating together, and choosing to build a community where everyone belongs.

And that's exactly what we did.

** What is SAC?

The Self-Advocates in Action Council is made up of individuals supported by Easterseals Midwest who amplify the voices of people with disabilities, advocate for inclusion, and work alongside the agency to create meaningful change and a more inclusive future.

We INNOVATE by using creative tools - such as videos, adaptive technology, and specialized equipment - to enhance accessibility, independence, and skill development.

We ADVOCATE by amplifying voices through legislative efforts, influencing policy, protecting rights, and raising awareness about people with disabilities.

We CONNECT by building community relationships through fundraising, creating support groups, and sharing ideas, experiences, and resources to promote Easterseals Midwest.

We EMPOWER by strengthening Easterseals Midwest through staff training, active committee participation, and activities that encourage confident self-advocacy for oneself and others.