Founder’s Note – Inclusion Goes Deeper than Accommodation

Posted on February 27, 2026

We hear a lot about inclusion days, but what does that really mean? Sometimes when we hear a term so much, we become insensitive to the meaning behind it. The dictionary defines it as “The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might be excluded or marginalized.”

This is mandated by law already, but it can still be a problem for our people. Accessibility is so very important when you need it. Until you or someone you care for is on that side of accessibility you oftentimes don’t see the value in accommodations.

I am truly mystified and disheartened when I hear people complain about or neglect the modifications necessary to make a building accessible. They clearly don’t understand or, worse yet, don’t care about people who desperately need these provisions. It reveals a lot about their character, in my opinion. Granted, the modifications can be costly and difficult, but it would seem nominal if you needed them.

But ultimately making a building physically accessible is not enough. The hearts and souls of the people within the building need to be accommodating as well. It might not seem significant, but it really is. We have been in public buildings with our participants where the people working there have been very rude and unfriendly, even though the building itself was accessible. A few times we’ve even had to issue a formal complaint, unfortunately.

Sometimes inclusion just looks like tolerance but not acceptance. That is not okay either. A welcoming smile and offering any help are a good place to start. Believe me, we can sense the difference.

A sense of belonging is a far better way to look at the definition of inclusion. Belonging is a sense of acceptance within a community or organization. It encompasses feeling valued, respected and understood for one’s unique identity, background and contributions. Quite a difference when you think about it.

A personal memory in my life when the sense of inclusion and belonging were exemplary was about ten years ago when we were vacationing in Los Angeles at the time of the International Special Olympics. Ironically, we were there at Becca’s request to celebrate her fortieth birthday. We had no idea this would coincide with our trip, but I am so grateful that it did! We ended up visiting the games every day, besides seeing the sites Becca wanted to see on her trip.

I really cannot put into words the mood of that event. Pure joy was evident in everyone’s mood and expressions. It didn’t matter if we spoke their language or not, they welcomed us and hugged us and offered us water and souvenirs! Even though she wasn’t competing, we were guests and we experienced the enthusiasm and excitement of the event.

It felt like a taste of Heaven where everyone mattered, felt valued, and included. True inclusion (belonging) was never more evident to me than on that wonderful weekend.

At Dutton Farm we try our best to make everyone feel a sense of belonging every day. If you are there for any length of time you are bound to hear this phrase, “It’s about the Farmers “, which is our way of saying “Remember the mission “.

This means that you put yourselves aside and focus on giving everyone a wonderful, fulfilling and enjoyable day. For a few hours their struggles become our struggles as we try to help “carry the load” which, hopefully also “lightens the load”. We celebrate with them and we pay attention to the little things that they might not have the words (or any words for that matter) to express.

These are just some of the things that make Dutton Farm a little different. Belonging and inclusion are joined together in a beautiful way.

Please, help us with the mission of Dutton Farm. As we grow, your involvement becomes more important. We cannot keep up with the needs of our participants without support from you. Stay aware of what is going on at Dutton Farm by going to our events, visiting our coffee shop in Pontiac, volunteering, reading all our correspondence, and buying our EveryBody products.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to advocate for genuine inclusion - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Michele Smither

Founder

Dutton Farm