"It's just something I do."

Amanda Gump and Dianna

I just finished talking with Dianna Lust.  She's from Bucyrus/Crawford County.  "Ever since I can remember I helped at dances, went to events, and helped out," she explained.  "I never thought (of being involved) as being really anything - it was just something I did."  She added that when she started school at BGSU, she found that there was something missing . . . Dianna realized that the "something she just did" was a part of who she is.

Dianna's sister happens to have a disability.  Ever since she can remember, Dianna recalls being involved in Jackie's activities at Fairway-Waycraft in Crawford County, Ohio.  The program is a county board of developmental disabilities like Wood Lane.  There were dances, and benefits, and community activities.  Friendships were made.

After coming to BGSU, she knew she needed to get involved in a program like Fairway-Waycraft.  As fate would have it, she met athletes and coaches from our Special Olympics program one day as she was working out at the University track.  One of her professors gave her our Coordinator's name and well. . . the rest is history.  Since then, Dianna has almost completed a two year stint as an AmeriCorps member at Wood Lane.  Her knowledge, passion, and creativity touches the lives of many who receive services from Wood Lane.  "I enjoy going on trips.  I like bowling.  And, I love going to the State Summer Games," she commented.

Dianna is a very talented photographer.  She completed her undergraduate degree in two-dimensional studies with a concentration in photography.  Individuals served have had the opportunity to "learn from a pro" and participate in very unique projects.  One of the classes was entitled "Energy and Photography."  Great photos were taken.  The class also produced a "quotable quote" which I just have to share!


Dianna said that the group was given a tour of the (Wood County) landfill.  They had the opportunity to climb up one of the hills at the landfill.  When they got to the top, the guide stated that they were standing on top of a huge pile of garbage.  One of the class members, Shane commented, "This must be Michigan because it stinks up here."  (sorry you Wolverine fans!)

Dianna is now a sports technician for our Special Olympics program. When I asked her what touched her most about her work with individuals with disabilities, Dianna said, "it's seeing everyone doing their best, outdoing their expectations and knowing that they can do more than they think they can."

Wow-here's a young woman whose true gift is what she just "does."  And her comment about "it's just something I (do)"?  We know that she's doing so much more than she knows!  Thanks, Dianna!

Crayons, SillyBandz, and bags - the perfect conversation starters!

It's fair time and Wood Lane has an exhibit.  We have new four-color banners and the photos of individuals who receive services are eye catchers as people pass by.

But, crayons, SillyBandz and bags?  We always rack our brains to find ways to get people to stop at our display.   If I know someone, it's easy to strike up a conversation.   It's not that I don't know many people (well maybe I don't) but there sure are allot of unfamiliar faces at fair time.

Yesterday, I worked our booth and had a great time with Dave who is a fellow staff member.  In two hours, I can't tell you how many people stopped by.  Kids picked up crayons and coloring sheets that showed kids with and without disabilities playing.  (We used the "Just Like You" theme).  And then there were those kids and teenagers who were just ecstatic about searching through a pile SillyBandz. It was amazing to see how excited they were about collecting what I see as pretty rubber bands (there are some pretty cool shapes though).  And then there were the adults - they smiled as they left our booth with a packet of seeds for next spring (they were "Forget Me Nots" and had the Wood Lane and Arc logo on the packet.)  Rounding out our conversation starters collective were cloth tote bags compliments of the Family and Children First Council in Wood County.

The results were refreshing.  People stayed for a minute or two.   Some shared that they had a neighbor, relative, or co-worker with a disability.  One mom talked to her son about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the importance of expectant moms not drinking.  Some wanted volunteer information.  And some. . .well they just wanted the giveaways.  That's OK too.

It was a joy to have the opportunity to talk about the program I love, the individuals we serve and their families.

And to think that crayons were only for colorings, SillyBandz were just for collecting and a bag's only purpose was to carry "stuff."  -------Yesterday, they were key to creating community connections at the fair.