The King Pins of WFC

When I learned a group of folks from the Supports for Community Living (SCL) program were going bowling, my curiosity was peaked.  After dropping the groceries off at the SCL house, we headed out to the bowling lanes on the south side of town.

At the bowling alley, we met Carlos, Greta and Gary along with their Direct Support Providers (DSPs).  Now, honestly, I am thinking, how in the world are these guys and gals going to bowl given their physical challenges?  The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.  This bowling alley has a Ball Ramp which allows individuals who are unable to throw a bowling ball in the traditional manner to participate in bowling.  These guys and gals evidently are regular bowlers, and they were ready to go!

Accommodation equipment in place, bumper pads and all, it was “game on!”  I watched from the back as the DSPs set up the player roster and picked out bowling balls for the Campus King Pins.  Everyone was playing but Gary who opted for a nap.  The DSPs would make the assists.  Connie was first up, giving the bowling ball a good “heave-ho” to score.  Lisa wasn’t as alert as before, but with Ashley’s help, she would participate using a unique bowling technique:  the Footin’ Move.  Lisa moves her legs easily, so Ashley would position her foot on the ball and encourage Lisa to push it. Greta, ever the competitor, had solid follow-through in her ball execution down the ramp.  Carlos, the most eager of all players to the point of crowding the others as they took their turns, gave his moves some serious consideration before bowling for a score.  For ten frames, all would watch in anticipation as the ball rolled slowly down the lane with cheers or groans ensuing.  There were plenty of Junk Balls, a few strikes with a Late Ten, some Love Taps, and lots of Makeable Splits.  When it was all said and done, Lisa, with her slick Footin’ Move outscored them all for the win!

I enjoyed watching the group and marveled as the DSPs interacted with the group.  Watching the activity was instrumental in helping me better understand the invaluable role the DSP is for the people we serve.  The DSPs cheered the bowlers on, high fiving and encouraging them as they prepared to bowl.  They involved them as much as possible in that process, expressed the agonies of defeat as pins unjustly wobbled in defiance of the drop, and playfully talked smack with the players and their DSPs.  I hadn’t laughed so hard in a long time.

The DSPs are extremely devoted to those they serve, including each individual in every possible way in a dedicated and caring manner.  I realized what an incredibly special person it takes to provide daily, hands-on direct care to the individuals we serve, everything from their toileting needs to meal assistance to ensuring they are engaged in a social activity.  The DSPs I’ve met are caring, patient, and willing to empower those they support through teaching, redirection, and encouragement.  Ashley has been with WFC for seven years; Roslyn for three.  The DSPs, all the staff at Wendell Foster’s Campus, make a huge difference in the quality of life for those who live here on Campus, and who come here for outpatient services.  I admire the efforts and the heart behind their work.  I express gratitude daily that our Campus is blessed with those that can and do.  And I am grateful to be a small part of it is as well.

In the Next Blog Entry:  To Bag or Not to Bag - “Recently in the news, Mercer County Intermediate School in Kentucky came under fire for an incident in which a teacher’s aide placed a child diagnosed with autism into a “duffle-like” bag . . .”

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“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
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Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!

Upon arriving at Walmart on Highway 54, I felt a bit uncomfortable, even self-conscious, and I’ll admit I had a fleeting thought to myself: Maybe, if I don’t hang too close, people won’t associate me with this group.  After all, I rationalized, I am suppose to observe how this all is done.  Fortunately, I caught myself and shook it off, realizing it as a reflection of antiquated attitudinal behavior.  Any reservation I had instantly faded once inside Walmart’s doors. The Protector within me kicked in, and my “Go ahead, make my day” trigger itched to defend against anyone who had something negative to say to or about these ladies.  My “Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!” alarm also sounded to remind me I represent Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC).  I took a deep breath as we moved through the store. 

Ashley and Roslyn, Direct Support Providers (DSP’s) that work one-on-one with many of the individuals we serve at WFC, inspired me as they interacted and involved Connie and Lisa in the grocery shopping.  Ashley pushed Lisa in her wheelchair; Roslyn pushed Connie in hers.  Who’s pushing the grocery cart?  I wondered, and immediately volunteered.  Ashley or Roslyn could’ve, would’ve managed without me.  My original intention for the day was to simply observe but being a hands-on kind of gal, I couldn’t resist jumping in to do my part.
   
Interestingly, I didn’t need to observe anything to understand what Connie, Lisa, and others with developmental disabilities experience when out in the community.  Simply being involved with the group allowed me to experience it firsthand.   Most people were nice, smiled at us and carried on with their business like any of us would.  But a couple of interactions stood out.

One well-put-together woman saw us coming down her aisle, and immediately looked away as if searching for something on a shelf.  Intentional or coincidental?  As much as I like to give people the benefit of doubt, my gut said, intentional.  Ironically, this attractive woman couldn’t avoid us during the shopping excursion for we kept running into her in every grocery aisle.  I can’t be 100% sure, but I sensed disapproval from her.  I have heard people say “they shouldn’t drag those people around like that” or “they don’t know what’s going on; why don’t they leave them at home.”  Sadly, this attitude is not uncommon.  A few older shoppers looked at Connie and Lisa as we passed by; at least they didn’t pretend to not see us.  There was one older lady at whom I smiled and said “hello” as we passed, but she did not respond to me.  My greeting was audible and I looked her in the eye.  She kept on walking.  I certainly felt ignored and dismissed.

Why does WFC take Connie and Lisa, and other members of the SCL program out to Walmart and other places?  Do they really know what’s going on?  These same questions came to my mind too, but with this one trip I realized my ignorance.  Every weekend, Connie makes a dessert for her housemates, and on this shopping trip, she picked the flavor of her next cake, chocolate (a gal after my own heart!).  While I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the goings-on of Walmart, Lisa actually benefits from the sensory stimulation it offers.  Upon meeting her, she seemed “out of it” which is common for those with a sensory deficit.  Walmart offers her a sensorial experience with its bright light, sounds of intercom announcements, the crowd noise, etc.  Lisa became more alert and attentive to her surroundings while we were in the store. 

In hindsight, I’m not sure what I was afraid of going into the store.  The five of us (Greta went with another group) had a good time, and bowling was next on the day’s agenda.  Bowling?  My curiosity was peaked for I had no earthly idea what that would look like, and am I glad I didn’t miss it!

In the Next Blog Entry:  The King Pins of WFC - “For ten frames, all would watch in anticipation as the ball rolled slowly down the lane  . . . .”

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
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Why Won’t You Look at Me?

A trip to Walmart with Connie and Lisa would be an eye-opening experience as I realized not everyone is willing to include, connect with or acknowledge individuals like Connie and Lisa.

If you are unfamiliar with individuals who have developmental disabilities, the sight of their physical abnormalities can be startling.  Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture; it makes it difficult to hold one’s head up and many will slouch or slump in their wheelchair.  Cerebral means having to do with the brain; palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles.  CP is caused by abnormal brain development (during pregnancy) or damage to the developing brain affecting a person’s ability to control his or her muscles, even weakening them.  CP also results from oxygen deprivation during birth, or brain injuries from Shaken Baby Syndrome or a head injury resulting from a car accident or a skateboarding fall.  The damaging results vary from person to person, and may or may not affect one’s intellectual, physical or emotional capacity.

Upon first seeing and meeting the men, women and children we serve at Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC), in what someone called “broken bodies”, I decided to stop bitching about my lower back and neck issues and crackling knees.  Some individuals with CP are non-verbal, and completely dependent on another for basic care, such as toileting, feeding, and other personal hygiene needs.  Others, though physically challenged, are intellectually smart, engage easily in conversation and independently mobile in their electric wheelchairs. Still, others communicate with communication devices, gesturing, or signing.  Some are verbal with the mental capacity of a child, and mobile on their feet, but fall-risks thanks to balance challenges.  We cannot lump all individuals with development disabilities into one category.  Each one is unique in his or her personality, intellectual capacity, physical ability, or communication capability, just as you and I are unique in our personalities, body and physical ability, emotional maturity, and intellectual capacity.

Now, imagine yourself in Lisa and Connie’s wheelchairs.  You can’t hold your 8-12 pound head up, so it drops and tilts to the right.  Your lower jaw hangs open because CP causes dysphagia leaving your jaw, throat and neck muscles weakened; but your saliva glands work well, and saliva pools in your mouth.  You can’t swallow, thanks again to dysphagia, so it spills over your bottom lip, leaving you drooling.  Your arms are constricted inward towards your body, at the elbows which are bent but stiff.  Your hands are stiff, even curled into fists so tightly that extending your fingers is not an option.  Your arms look as if they are in a permanent state of a charley horse. You are confined to a wheelchair, and sit in the same position for hours, unable to shift or move until someone does so for you.  Got the picture?

Now, imagine yourself in this unique physically contorted body moving in your wheelchair down Aisle 9 of Walmart. You are pushed by someone who supports you with all that you can’t do for yourself.  Another Walmart shopper approaches as you come down the aisle.  She sees you.  You see her see you.  Then you see her quickly look away, pretending to search for something on a shelf or look for something in her purse.  She says nothing in response to your effort to vocalize a “hello” or “hey” (which many use to say hello), once again pretending she doesn’t hear you despite your loud effort to greet her as she passes you by.

Feeling ignored?  Overlooked and dismissed?

I have a simple request of you:   I invite you to render a simple gesture of kindness to the next individual with any kind of disability you encounter.  Directly look him or her in the face, in the eyes, simply smile and say “hi.”  You may feel awkward, and it may even be hard to do, but I know you can do it if you are willing to do so.  I also assure you, even promise you this:  Your simple gesture of kindness will make that person’s day.  I’m pretty sure you’ll feel pretty good about it too.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Danger Will Robinson - “One well-put-together woman saw us coming down her aisle, and immediately looked away as if searching for something . . . “

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley

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Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors).  Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus.  Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

Walmart or Bust!

Loaded with the gear shift in “D”, Connie happily sat front row and center in the back of the Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC) van as we headed to Walmart.  Prior to leaving, she vocalized her impatience with the delay of heading out for the day.  Once in the van, the expression on Connie’s face, forever etched in my memory, showed contentment, satisfaction, and pleasure.  She looked relaxed; anyone sensitive to one’s demeanor would have noticed the difference.

I’d seen the WFC van out and about in Owensboro since I’d moved back to town.   I noticed the white long van, and the people in wheelchairs in the back of it, and I wondered about their safety, “Don’t they seat belt those guys?”  Today, from my insider’s vantage point, I realized just how well our passengers are secured in the back of these vans.  Hooks on the wheels of the wheelchairs, ratchet straps and seat belts secured those gals and their chairs during this drive; oh, that in addition to the good ole wheelchair brakes!!

During the loading of the van, I met Roslyn and Ashley, the Direct Service Providers (DSPs) on duty for this trip.  Watching them do their “DSP thang” left me awe struck. They had the load-in procedure down to a science, and made it look easy.  Meanwhile, I’m standing there feeling inept, watching and thinking “Thank goodness I don’t have to do anything that mechanical in my position!”  I felt silly just standing there, but I didn’t know what else to do, and really, I didn’t need to do anything.  Roslyn and Ashley had it under control.

Supports Community Living (SCL) provides accessible housing to individuals who need a supported home environment.  SCL serves as an alternative to institutional care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  DSPs, such as Roslyn and Ashley, provide support with a focus on promoting the independence of each individual, so residents like Connie, Greta, and Lisa enjoy opportunities to live everyday life like you and I do:  grocery shopping, social outings, and household management.  SCL involves those they support whenever possible, from a person-centered focus.  The DSP’s empower the SCL residents with choices, an opportunity to connect with and be active participants of our Owensboro community.  I admit I initially questioned to myself, “Why drag these guys out to Walmart?”  I realized that not doing so would be the equivalent of “hiding them away” from the rest of society.  Connie and Lisa have a right to be involved in the shopping of the food they eat; hell, they have a right to go to Walmart! 

What happened is I fell into the generational (old way of thinking) trap of “Why bother with them” and “Why trouble them.”  The “Why bother with them” attitude stems from a historical perspective of “out of sight, out of mind” is better.  Ever been confined to quarters because of being sick or a health issue?  Did you go stir crazy, so bad you wanted to just get out, have a change of scenery, to reconnect with the “outside world?"  So do Connie and Lisa!  Who wants to stay stuck in the house all the time?  The latter attitude of “Why trouble them” isn’t really about them, but about us, and our sense of inconvenience.  Why bother with going to the trouble it takes to get them ready for the day, pack their lunches, load them in and out of the van, maneuver them around a public place where people will stare and who don’t really want to see them anyway?  It’s a rationalization for “Why bother with them,” an excuse to not deal with them.  Each posed question really boils down to this one fact:  it’s all about us and what we feel and think upon seeing individuals with developmental disabilities, and our attitudes.  Most are not concerned or considering what Connie, Lisa and others’ right to be a functioning member of their community.

Yes, my outing with Connie and Lisa to Walmart would be an eye-opening experience.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Why Won't You Look at Me? - “. . . . I realized not everyone is willing to include, connect with or acknowledge individuals like Connie and Lisa.”

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley

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Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors).  Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus.  Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

Why Won’t You Talk to Me?

The time came to learn about Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC), inside and out, and the individuals we serve by becoming more involved with Campus activities.  The first step:  accompany three individuals in Supports for Community Living program (SCL) on a trip to Walmart for grocery shopping, then bowling.  I had no idea what to expect.  The purpose was to observe, which offered my apprehension some comfort; I actually believed I needn’t interact too much with these individuals.  HA!  Any attempt to distance myself would fail for three reasons:  One, you can’t be a lone observer in a small group; two, it’s not in my nature to be antisocial, and; three, Greta would have none of it!

Upon arriving at one of the eight SCL homes on campus, I met Greta, Lisa and Connie, and their on-duty Direct Support Provider (DSP), Rose.  Greta came to WFC at age three, and despite her physical challenges, her personality is bigger than life!  She was thrilled to see me, giving me a huge hug before telling me about breakfast using sign language.  Greta can verbally communicate through muffled speech, but she, and a few others use signing and gestures to communicate.  With Greta, I managed to understand what she was telling me!  Maybe I can relate better than I’ve given myself credit for, I thought.  Connie sat in her wheelchair with a seemingly laid-back demeanor.  She had a slight smile bordering a smirk on her face, and appeared to simply be taking in the scene.  Upon offering my hand at introduction, she grasped it firmly then just as quickly let it go.  Connie is mostly nonverbal, but as we waited for the van, she released a vocalized cry many might perceive as a disruptive outburst. Rose explained Connie was communicating her impatience.  Connie likes to be on-the-go, and she made it clear we weren’t moving fast enough!  Last but not least was Lisa, who sat in her wheelchair, one leg bent and tucked underneath her and the other crossed over top.  My first thought upon meeting Lisa: Wow, I wish my legs were that limber!  Rose explained Lisa is sensory-oriented, and still “waking up”; to look at her, one would think she’s out of it.  I bent down and said hello.  She took my hand and held it in her infamous firm grip.  I held hands with her for a minute before coaxing my hand free.

Greta amazed me with her social and flirty teasing nature.  Why does this amaze you?  I’d later ask myself.  My initial reaction was another example of how we tend to underestimate the abilities of those with developmental disabilities.   Greta commandeered my attention, so I made sure Connie and Lisa were not ignored.  The interaction was a striking contrast, and I realized something about myself.  Because Lisa and Connie offered little response to my efforts to talk to them, a small part of me took it personally.  My thought process, which I believe stems from the basic human need to be accepted and belong, went something like this: I’m talking to them; they are ignoring me.  They don’t like me.  I’m feeling a little stupid, even unwanted here.  Am I doing this right?  What am I doing wrong?  I felt insecure and took their non-responsiveness as a form of rejection when the fact is they simply are unable to communicate with me the same way!

That brought more questions:   Is this why people are uncomfortable being around individuals like Lisa and Connie?  Do we need their acknowledgement, and when we don’t get it from those who can’t provide it, are we taking it personally, feeling rejected, and thus, deciding we don’t want to fool with them? Does their non-responsiveness leave us feeling insufficient, even inadequate in our own ability to connect with people with developmental disabilities?

In asking myself these honest questions, I quickly came to this conclusion:  It doesn’t matter whether I get a response back.  My interaction with Connie and Lisa, with any of those we serve is not about me, it’s about them, and their feeling included, connected, acknowledged.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Walmart or Bust! - “I admit I initially questioned to myself, “Why drag these guys out to Walmart?” 

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley

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Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors).  Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus.  Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

They Ruint my Breakfast!

The reactions I received when people heard I worked at Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC) were interesting.  When paying a breakfast bill with a restaurant clerk, she asked me where I worked, and before I could finish saying “Wendell Foster’s Campus,” she drew a sharp breath in and quickly said, “Oh.”  I started explaining where it was and she interrupted, “I know where it is.”  I smiled and left, baffled by the exchange.  I have no idea what the restaurant clerk’s reaction was about but I’d experience other similar types of responses.  I finally decided the next time it happened, I’d seize the opportunity to learn more by politely saying “that’s an interesting reaction.”  Some will explain themselves and others won’t.  Either way, I’d bring it to their attention, because ignoring it wasn’t addressing it.

In employee training, we are told people may speak or act rudely towards us when out in public with our WFC peeps, and we mustn’t react or respond in an adverse manner.  We represent WFC and negatively reacting to such disrespectful behavior reflects on the Campus and its excellent reputation.  So, when talking to an acquaintance about what I do, he proceeded to tell me “some of those people ruint his breakfast” one morning while dining at a local restaurant called The Eight Ball.  I took a deep breath and silently listened to him explain how he was enjoying breakfast and a group of “them” were eating there.  He said in watching them, he could barely “stomach” his meal.  While I admired the man’s honesty in expressing how he felt, an inner alarm sounded “Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!” as the dictate from training registered in my brain!

I took another deep breath to anchor in “The Three C’s”:  Cool, Calm and Collected.  I acknowledged his reaction, then explained how sometimes people who aren’t around babies a lot (a.k.a. unfamiliar) will feel uncomfortable when one is in their company.  I explained his reaction was no different, and his unfamiliarity with the physical characteristics of those with developmental disabilities made him feel uncomfortable, not the people themselves.  I continued, gently reminding him these folks have a right to enjoy a meal wherever they want, and the Eight Ball was a favorite spot of theirs.  My acquaintance quickly agreed, admitting “You’re right, you’re absolutely right, and I know it’s my problem.  It’s my problem for feeling that way” to which I said, perhaps a little too exuberantly, “Thank you! I appreciate you saying that because it is.”  The conversation quickly shifted and the matter was dropped.

Some might say they don’t waste their time dealing with insensitive people who “diss” individuals with disabilities. I challenge this choice because when a teaching moment presents itself, why wouldn’t you, wouldn’t anyone with compassion for those with disabilities take advantage of the opportunity to educate someone and raise their awareness in how they perpetuate discrimination and a stereotype?  Depending on the appropriateness of the situation, anyone can calmly and politely address these shows of disrespect to facilitate an understanding of the challenges and needs of those with developmental disabilities.  Diplomacy and respect is a must; you get more flies with honey than with vinegar, and it’s not always easy if your blood is boiling in response to another’s insensitive remark.  We must be willing to raise awareness when golden opportunities are presented, such as the one with my acquaintance.  Doing so is instrumental in changing how people treat and view individuals with developmental disabilities.

I choose knowledge, not ignorance; I want to understand, so I ask questions and engage dialogue.  Judging something of which you have no firsthand knowledge perpetuates misunderstanding, false beliefs, and discrimination. Yes, it is easier to ignore other people’s ignorance, callous words and behaviors; however, to ignore it, to pretend it doesn’t exist in fact perpetuates its continuation.

Imagine if Martin Luther King, Jr. had chosen the EASY button.  Or Abraham Lincoln.  Or Susan B. Anthony.  Or Harvey Milk.  Or Jesus Christ and his apostles.  Thankfully, they didn’t.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Why Won't You Talk to Me? - “I actually believed I needn’t interact too much with these individuals.  HA!  Any attempt to distance myself would fail for three reasons . . . .”

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley

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Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors).  Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus.  Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

Fear Not Fear

Ignorance.  According to the Merriam-Webster (M-W) dictionary, this means: “lack of knowledge, education, or awareness.”

Lack of knowledge.  Knowledge is defined as “the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association.”  Many people’s ignorance around individuals with developmental disabilities usually has to do with their lack of familiarity through previous experience or association.  M-W further defines knowledge as “the range of one's information or understanding” which implies one has the facts, not presumed information. Presumed “knowledge” is based in cultural and social mindsets carried from generation to generation, often created out of ignorance.

Lack of Education.  Education is “the action or process of educating or of being educated.”  Most people take not the time or make not the effort to educate themselves on the facts, circumstances, or conditions of a situation, a thing or a person.  Blindly trusting what is taught from “socially acceptable” authorities such as parents, grandparents, the media, teachers, and socially defined “norms” holds a person hostage within one’s ignorance.

Lack of Awareness.  The definition of the word “aware” is as follows:  “having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge.”  Awareness is the state of realization, perception or knowledge.  Without knowledge, awareness cannot exist.  Without awareness, one cannot realize, know or perceive there is another way of looking at things, missing information, or ignorance.

Here is some basic knowledge with which we all can unconditionally co-exist in acceptance, greater awareness and understanding:

Individuals with developmental disabilities are like you and me – creations of God, created by God. They are unique individuals like you and me.  Just as some of us humans are fat some of us are thin; tall and short; pale-skinned or dark-skinned; male or female.  Physically, we all have a body, a physical vessel in which to travel, to function within this God-given life, that’s unique to each of us.  Mentally, we are equipped with a brain wired for learning: some of us learn things easier than others, in different ways, and some of us are dealt with circumstances at the start of life that limits our educational opportunities, our mental capacity to learn.  Emotionally, we all are wired to experience feelings, and different ways in which to express those feelings verbally or physically; repressing them or wearing them on our sleeves; denying them or over-expressing them.  Spiritually, we are children of God, created with a soul that connects us to our Creator.

Ignorance is the cause of discrimination.  Ignorance is reflected in our thoughts and prejudiced beliefs; rooted in our own fears and insecurities; sustained in our choice to remain uneducated, unfamiliar and unaware.  No matter whom it is we discriminate against, we demonstrate our ignorance.  We subject upon them the influence of our own inner weakness of fear to gather more information, ask more questions, and exert more effort in understanding.  We function in ignorance based on a generational history of what our family, culture and society has taught us through actions, words and beliefs.

Knowledge empowers. Familiarity lessens fear.  Awareness opens us to countless viewpoints to facilitate compassion, sensitivity, even respectfulness.  Fear holds us hostage in our ignorance.

In the Next Blog Entry:  They Ruint my Breakfast - “. . . when talking to an acquaintance about what I do, he proceeded to tell me “some of those people ruint his breakfast” one morning while dining at a local restaurant . . . “

We want to hear from you!  Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.
 

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley

Please share our blog with others via Facebook, Twitter, or email!  Follow our blog!  Click on “Join our Site” below.

Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors).  Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus.  Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

A Snakepit for Children

The week-long orientation continued: CPR/First Aid training; Universal Precautions; managing epileptic seizures; disaster preparedness; body mechanics; understanding, identifying and reporting maltreatment, etc.  I actually participated in only three and a half days of this training; my training mates had a full week plus of comprehensive training.

One segment covering discrimination and maltreatment struck me, and how we as a country abused, mistreated and discriminated against individuals with developmental disabilities.  We watched a video, “Willowbrook: The Last Disgrace” about a state-ran facility in New York where families, encouraged by their physicians as a solution, took their children when developmental abnormalities became evident.  Some families left their children at Willowbrook believing they would receive better care than at home; other parents left them, hidden from view, as if something shameful and atrocious in society.  Geraldo Rivera, then a rookie news reporter, broke into one of the wards with the help of a physician recently fired for objecting to facility conditions.  He reveals the horrible living conditions of the facility.  From 1956-1971, patients were used as medical scientific projects, infected with live hepatitis in order to develop a vaccine.  In 1965, Robert Kennedy called Willowbrook a “snake pit.” “The Last Disgrace” also shared family perspectives, and revealing footage of Rivera’s report.  The patients existed in an unhealthy living environment, received no education, no socialization, little personal hygiene care, and little to no medical care or support.  Rivera’s 1972 exposé facilitated change, leading to an investigation, public outrage, and the shut down of this facility and others like it.

Maltreatment and discrimination towards people with developmental disabilities continues still today.  Did you know the earliest advocacy on record for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities began as early as the late 1800’s?  Many laws have been passed over the decades, but the most stringent addressing equal rights and protection against abuse for this vulnerable population were passed and implemented within the last twenty-one years.  And, state laws still remain inconsistent and social programs overwhelmed and neglectful.  And despite these rigorous efforts, unbelievable stories of maltreatment are heard every day: state-run facilities using leg irons and handcuffs as behavioral modification tools; home-care programs locking their charges in basements or starving to death; a state lawmaker publicly beating and kicking his nineteen-year-old son with autism for “acting out,” and; a child with autism stuffed into a large cloth gym bag at a Kentucky school for punishment.

More disappointing, I learned during my job interview discrimination still exists in Owensboro.  Two ladies from our Campus went to have professional manicures after saving their money to enjoy this treat.  Their excitement turned into rejection when a local Owensboro nail salon refused them service!  Another group of Campus residents went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, and their Direct Support Providers’ request for use of an electric outlet to grind their meal with a mini-food grinder was met with resistance.  Some developmental issues make swallowing food a life-threatening challenge, thus, meals must be processed into more palatable bites.  The waiter initially refused the accommodation, but eventually relented to accommodating their need for electricity so the residents could enjoy their Mexican meals.

We have come a long way with respect to ending discrimination against those with disabilities; unfortunately, Owensboro and its citizens have some strides to make in becoming an accepting and inclusive community.  Education and understanding are keys to ending discrimination.  One visit, one thirty-minute tour of our Campus provides this education, leaving anyone, as it did me, marveling in awe in understanding the challenges and victories of those with developmental disabilities.  Ignorance of the unfamiliar and a lack of awareness of one’s own attitudinal behavior is no excuse for such unaccommodating practices.  Thankfully, for every negative experience in Owensboro, the ratio favors the positive to restore faith in our small town’s ability to waking up to greater awareness and sensitivity towards those who have special needs.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Fear Not Fear - “Ignorance is reflected in our thoughts and prejudiced beliefs; rooted in our own fears and insecurities . . . “

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