About Us

Overview

The IDC is comprised of parents, advocates, self-advocates, educators, employers, and community members who share a vision of an island community that includes and supports people with disabilities. The IDC conducted an island wide needs assessment study winter 2018, and was awarded a Rural Scholars study October 2019. The results reflect the challenges and barriers faced by families and individuals with disabilities in all life domains, including recreation and leisure pursuits, employment, community engagement, housing and overall accessibility. To achieve true community inclusion on Martha’s Vineyard, the IDC will serve as a partner, supporter, collaborator, resource and advocate. It is our belief that the responsibility for inclusion falls not on one organization or agency, rather through shared responsibility amongst the community as a whole.

Areas of Focus

The IDC is committed to the full and equal participation for those with disabilities across their lifespan.  The current areas of focus include:

Provide current, accurate, and accessible information to assist families and individuals to access services and supports.

  • The IDC website serves as the “hub” for disability related information highlighting essential resources on the local, regional and state level
  • IDC Newsletters, social media and the website are tools used to ensure community members are connected to necessary information

Build the capacity of community partners, and the community in general, to offer inclusive opportunities and experiences.

  • Organizational Membership creates a partnership between the IDC and leading community organizations, demonstrating a community wide initiative to become an inclusive Martha’s Vineyard
  • IDC Leadership is comprised of professionals, advocates, self-advocates, employers and other leaders within the community, ensuring representation and clear channels for communication and sharing of ideas

Provide training and education opportunities relevant to identified needs of individuals with disabilities to access inclusive opportunities and experiences.

  • IDC sponsored the Inclusive Youth Leadership Cohort with Kids Included Together to build capacity of local organizations in providing inclusive opportunities
  • Trainings will highlight leading organizations, advocacy groups, and community partners both on and off-Island

Provide an environment that offers opportunities for connection, networking, collaboration, and natural supports for community members working towards inclusion.

  • The IDC prioritizes creating spaces for members of the community to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. Meetings and events are essential for the IDC to learn directly from the community.

Meet Our Staff

Beth Wike

IDC Coordinator, MVCS Disability Services Program Director

Beth has a strong personal commitment to inclusion, which has influenced professional experiences in various sectors of the community working to ensure individuals of all abilities have access to a full and engaged life.

Beth has a strong personal commitment to inclusion, which has influenced professional experiences in various sectors of the community working to ensure individuals of all abilities have access to a full and engaged life. In addition to her role as IDC Coordinator, Beth also serves as the Director of Disability Services with MV Community Services. Beth and her family moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2014 and enjoy exploring all things natural.

Julie Lively

IDC Resource Specialist

Julie has lived on MV since 2003, and has first hand experience understanding the unique challenges and opportunities involved with raising a child with a disability on the Vineyard.

Julie has lived on MV since 2003, and has first hand experience understanding the unique challenges and opportunities involved with raising a child with a disability on the Vineyard.

Meet Our Steering Committee

Cecilia Brennan

NAMI CCI Board Member

A seasonal resident for 10 years, Cecilia moved to the Vineyard permanently in 2016. She quickly became involved in the community as a Board Member representing the island and support group facilitator for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

A seasonal resident for 10 years, Cecilia moved to the Vineyard permanently in 2016. She quickly became involved in the community as a Board Member representing the island and support group facilitator for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

She has always been passionate about inclusion and is energized by IDC’s Mission of including and supporting people with disabilities to afford them an opportunity for fulfilled lives.

JP Hitesman

Community Member/VIP Board

JP Hitesman has enjoyed a lifelong connection to the Vineyard and full-time residency on the island since 2017. He has experience with social and recreational disability services elsewhere in Massachusetts.

JP Hitesman has enjoyed a lifelong connection to the Vineyard and full-time residency on the island since 2017. He has experience with social and recreational disability services elsewhere in Massachusetts. For the last couple of years JP has focused on advocacy and inclusion for Vineyard independence Partnership and values the opportunity to assist this segment of the island community.

Hope Macleod

Director of Student Support Services (8-12) MVPS

I grew up and went to school in Chilmark, MA. on Martha’s Vineyard. I attended Wheaton College in Norton MA for my undergraduate and Simmons College for my Masters in Education.

I grew up and went to school in Chilmark, MA. on Martha’s Vineyard. I attended Wheaton College in Norton MA for my undergraduate and Simmons College for my Masters in Education. I worked at The New England Center for Children with Special Needs for 5 years and was fortunate to work in many of the different programs that they run such as home based preschool, residential services, inclusion into area schools, even in the overseas program in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. I moved back to the Island in 2001 as the Autism Specialist. Since then I received my BCBA and my Administrator’s license. Most recently I have been the Director of Student Support Services starting in 2016 first as the Interim and then as the Co Director with Nancy Dugan.

Catherine Flynn

Contracts Specialist MVCS

Catherine has been with MV Community Services since 1988 and serves as an integral role. Catherine was at the table when stakeholders and community members expressed the need for greater attention to individuals with disabilities on MV.

Catherine has been with MV Community Services since 1988 and serves an integral role of Contracts Coordinator. Catherine was at the table when stakeholders and community members expressed the need for greater attention to individuals with disabilities on Martha’s Vineyard. Since it’s inception, Catherine has played an essential role in the creation of the IDC, and whose fiscal expertise will help secure a sustainable future for the Coalition.

Rachel BenDavid

IDC Steering Committee

Rachel grew up on the Vineyard and is now raising her family here.  She is a Vice President and Commercial Lender with Rockland Trust and looks forward to using her personal and professional experiences to help support the endeavors of IDC.

Ellie Leone

IDC Steering Committee 

Ellie provides vast lived experience to the IDC as a parent and caregiver of a daughter with Autism.  “I’m a PCA currently for my daughter. I also worked for CORD, as a job coach; Community Connections as an Employment Specialist.  All of which were driven by my passion to help people enrich their lives.”  Ellie has testified at the state house advocating for her daughter, and continues to advocate to have her needs met.

Suzanne Cioffi

IDC Steering Committee

Suzanne’s family has been on the island for 90+ years and 20 years ago came to the island for one summer. She works for Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) and has many roles and responsibilities.

James Hagerty

IDC Steering Committee 

James is an Island Native and currently the Town Administrator of Edgartown. James returned to MV with his wife and two children after a 13-year hiatus living off-Island. “I feel that setting conditions for equal involvement across a broad spectrum, not only helps individuals, but also the Island as a whole.  Hopefully, I will be able to utilize my municipal experience in the process to add value to both the organization as well as the participants.”

Interested in Getting Invoved? 

Become a member of the Island Disability Coalition today, and start making a difference for those who need it most in our community.

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