Last week, ABC aired a segment (What Would You Do?) that showed how people reacted to a customer making very derogatory remarks about a store employee who happened to have a disability. I was appalled. It was also a reminder to me that even in a time where we think we have made so much progress with embracing diversity - there will always be the need to speak up when injustices occur. And that might be uncomfortable -
very uncomfortable.
Our voices and our actions will always be needed -
http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/syndrome-grocery-clerk-scenario/story?id=10648284
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Finding my voice...
While I certainly don't know everything about having a child with a disability, our family has been challenged. Our daughter benefitted from receiving early intervention services in Henry County and one of our sons had cornea transplants as an infant. So, I do know a thing or two from a first-hand experience.
As a social worker and teacher of students with special needs, one might think that my husband and I were better equipped to make it through the maze of medical professionals, clinics, insurance paperwork, and multiplicity of appointments! Well certainly not initially. We were a typical family! Confused, scared, tired, frustrated, disillusioned, angry, protective and deeply in love with our children.
You must know that as a young professional, I was naively confident that I demonstrated compassion and empathy for the families I served. Oh my! There is nothing like experience to give one a healthy dose of humility!
I felt patronized and de-personalized every time that I was called "mom" by people I had barely met. Why couldn't these perfect strangers call me by my name?
I grew impatient with having to tell our story repeatedly to one person after another who entered the exam room. Why couldn't they talk to one another or read the chart? Heaven knows that we filled out a million pieces of paper and wrote down our parental concerns dozens of times!
Why did everyone speak Latin until they realized that we knew what they were talking about even when using their medical jargon? Those were the only times that our professional backgrounds came in handy by the way.
Why did we always have to hurry up and then always have to wait?
Why were my children referred to by their diagnosis? As he was pointing to my four week-old baby boy, one specialist actually said this, "Well, what we have here is a genetic defect." Yes. He actually said that. I cried. And I found my voice.
Even though these were some of my toughest moments as a parent, they provided me with the greatest lessons for me as a professional. Far greater than those learned in the classroom. I learned that I wasn't as compassionate and empathic as I had thought.
Have you learned your greatest lesson? Have you found your voice?
As a social worker and teacher of students with special needs, one might think that my husband and I were better equipped to make it through the maze of medical professionals, clinics, insurance paperwork, and multiplicity of appointments! Well certainly not initially. We were a typical family! Confused, scared, tired, frustrated, disillusioned, angry, protective and deeply in love with our children.
You must know that as a young professional, I was naively confident that I demonstrated compassion and empathy for the families I served. Oh my! There is nothing like experience to give one a healthy dose of humility!
I felt patronized and de-personalized every time that I was called "mom" by people I had barely met. Why couldn't these perfect strangers call me by my name?
I grew impatient with having to tell our story repeatedly to one person after another who entered the exam room. Why couldn't they talk to one another or read the chart? Heaven knows that we filled out a million pieces of paper and wrote down our parental concerns dozens of times!
Why did everyone speak Latin until they realized that we knew what they were talking about even when using their medical jargon? Those were the only times that our professional backgrounds came in handy by the way.
Why did we always have to hurry up and then always have to wait?
Why were my children referred to by their diagnosis? As he was pointing to my four week-old baby boy, one specialist actually said this, "Well, what we have here is a genetic defect." Yes. He actually said that. I cried. And I found my voice.
Even though these were some of my toughest moments as a parent, they provided me with the greatest lessons for me as a professional. Far greater than those learned in the classroom. I learned that I wasn't as compassionate and empathic as I had thought.
Have you learned your greatest lesson? Have you found your voice?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
It's Your Voice
Life would be so simple if we used our voices to tell one another what we need or what we want. But somewhere along the way in this journey of life, we become inhibited. We lose confidence. We come to believe others may know better. The reasons for why we stop using our voice are varied and based upon each of our unique experiences.
At Wood Lane, maybe those individuals we serve and their families don't use their voices as often as needed or to the extent necessary to get our attention. Maybe we're not paying close enough attention. Then again, maybe they aren't sure of the right words to use to communicate effectively. In the worst case, maybe we haven't even asked.
So here is the most important series of questions that Wood Lane can ask of the individuals we serve and their families. These questions are not much different that if you were planning a road trip and getting a map from one of the internet search engines or AAA or using your GPS.
Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How do you want to get there? How long do you think it will take? Do you have everything you will need to get there? Now that you are on your way, is there some place else you'd like to go? Is there a stop you'd like to make? How will you know when you are where you want to be? Are you making any progress? Now that you are where you wanted to be, are you happy? Where do you want to go now?
If we haven't asked questions like those above, who will tell us? If you are a staff person reading this, think about it and wonder to yourself whether or not you are asking the right questions and listening to the voices of those we serve. And if you are a person served or family member, are you using your voice? ~ Melanie
At Wood Lane, maybe those individuals we serve and their families don't use their voices as often as needed or to the extent necessary to get our attention. Maybe we're not paying close enough attention. Then again, maybe they aren't sure of the right words to use to communicate effectively. In the worst case, maybe we haven't even asked.
So here is the most important series of questions that Wood Lane can ask of the individuals we serve and their families. These questions are not much different that if you were planning a road trip and getting a map from one of the internet search engines or AAA or using your GPS.
Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How do you want to get there? How long do you think it will take? Do you have everything you will need to get there? Now that you are on your way, is there some place else you'd like to go? Is there a stop you'd like to make? How will you know when you are where you want to be? Are you making any progress? Now that you are where you wanted to be, are you happy? Where do you want to go now?
If we haven't asked questions like those above, who will tell us? If you are a staff person reading this, think about it and wonder to yourself whether or not you are asking the right questions and listening to the voices of those we serve. And if you are a person served or family member, are you using your voice? ~ Melanie
School's Fun Day
Spring Fun Day Brings Lots of Smiles!
Students were treated to a day of fun at the annual field day. Students through the Wood County Educational Service Center joined us. We thank Mindy Barnhart and the WCESC for their work to sponsor this day! View more photos on our web site at www.woodlane.us
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Kiwanis Donation Supports Early Intervention
The Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green members were thanked on Thursday for their support of Wood Lane School's early intervention program. Thanks to the Club's support, children enrolled will have additional equipment to help them progress with their development. The donation included a sensory table and tactile books. Wood Lane's Early Intervention Coordinator, Joanne Hayward and Early Intervention specialist Rhoda Bennett presented the club with a "thank you" card created by children in early intervention. In addition, they presented information about early intervention services. They emphasized the importance of working with children with developmental concerns at an early age (birth - 2) and also enhancing family's knowledge and abilities to provide developmentally rich experiences in every day activities. Hayward and Bennett also gave members hands on activities during the presentation to give a real life understanding of activities that are utilized with children. The "Floam" was a big hit!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Acting Ability Gets Notice!
Kevin Rathburn was featured on the Sentinel's front page today. His perseverance to secure an acting coach and to connect with media makes him a star! Great job, Kevin! -Liz
http://sent-trib.com/trib/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14218:acting-ability&catid=1:fp&Itemid=115
http://sent-trib.com/trib/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14218:acting-ability&catid=1:fp&Itemid=115
We Appreciate You!
This is the first week of May and so it is always nice to have the occasion to officially recognize and demonstrate our appreciation for Teachers and School Bus Drivers! In fact, all of the staff members of Wood Lane are shining stars! The success of our organization is based largely on the incredible relationships with persons served, family members, board members and staff members as we partner in planning for and providing quality services. Whatever your contribution, know that you are appreciated! ~ Melanie
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