W01 Reflections by Jenni Walker
This week we discussed what Social Innovation means. As a summary, Social Innovation is finding a life's work that helps solve social issues. When you find innovations it benefits economics, productivity, and individual learning. Social Innovations that have appeared recently are Charter Schools, Emission Trading, Conservation Plans, Labor Standards and Supported Employment.
One topic that peaked my interest is Supported Employment. Early in my career I was a job coach. My job was to help disabled adult's learn work skills and help them perform their jobs to the best of their ability. After discussing what was expected I would drive them to their jobs in the community where I would shadow them to make sure they stayed on task. Supported Employment is important to the disabled adult as it gives someone in our society a sense of importance and belonging.
I believe social innovation is more prevalent today because people have discovered we can embark on business that can support ourselves and at the same time help solve social problems for others around the world.
