Our Blog has Moved!

Please follow our blog at woodlaneworks.wordpress.com.  We feel this will be a positive change in how we link our web site (www.woodlane.us), Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Wood.Lane.Works and blog pages. 

Thanks!

Sacrifices Pay Off for LCE

The slow economy has touched everyone and it’s included a business right here at Wood Lane.
Laser Cartridge Express (LCE), a division of Wood Lane Industries, opened in 1993 as a laser printer remanufacturing business. It was a promising business venture and a unique employment opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities.
But the downturn in the economy and the loss of a large contract almost force LCE’s closing. But, an element of pride and a belief in the business was enough to convince the Wood Lane Industries Board of Trustees to give staff and technicians a chance to beat the odds.
That turnaround was realized on June 7 as LCE sales reached $1 million in sales for the fiscal year.
“The success has not been by chance,” commented Jay Salvage, Wood Lane Director of Adult Services. “It's been achieved through smart, hard work by all LCE employees, and the Wood Lane Industries Board could not be prouder of them.”
LCE staff submitted a proposal to management to keep the business alive. The plan called for technicians (individuals served) to continue their work with no cut in hours/pay rate. LCE staff stated that they would take a $2.00/hr pay cut and reduce hours through this tough period. “Staff believed so strongly in its mission and its potential to become a successful business,” noted Salvage.
A new marketing plan was developed by LCE staff, managers, and Board members. “They did solid research, provided good training and established excellent quality control procedures,” stated Salvage. Employment Services Coordinator Vic Gable added that “with a solid revenue stream from other parts of WLI businesses (CES works crews and enclaves), LCE had the ability to give the plan time to work. It was clearly a "team" effort.”
Staff increased sales efforts to “state-use” customers and soon began remanufacturing cartridges for the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Their work remains solid with individual customers and small and large business.  “They've impressed everyone,” stated Salvage.



Check out http://www.lceonline.com/!

Update from Athens (6/30)

Jeffrey Brewer (Columbus) won the GOLD in the 400 meter run with a time of 61.59. Wood County's Amanda Gump placed 5th in her division of the 400M with a personal best of 1:16.49. She had the fastest time of any of the US females running the 400M. GREAT JOB!

We are still having trouble getting photos - internet has been sporadic and we know the days and filled with activity. In the meantime, check out these links to see an overal view of all that is going on!

www.athens2011.org
www.specialolympicsteamusa.org
www.facebook.com/wood.lane.works

No retirement plans - even after 45 years!

David Schult was honored by the WLI Board of trustees for 45 years of employment. This week he was interviewed by two tv stations. His interview with Dave Horger on 6/17/2011 (WBGU 88.1) can be found http://www.sent-trib.com/dave-horger-report/blog.

YOU are needed on June 7!

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director John Martin will speak at Wood Lane on June 7 on the 2012-2013 state budget.

He will address the state budget and its impact on Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. YOUR voice is needed at this public forum. Please attend to share your ideas! The meeting runs from 6 pm - 8 pm at Wood Lane Industries, 1921 East Gypsy Lane Road in BG.

A flier is available for download off of our web site at www.woodlane.us.

State DD Month Kickoff an Inspiration to Everyone!

Over 500 people traveled to the Ohio Statehouse to participate in this year's DD Awareness Month Kick off event on March 3.

Wow!

www.youtube.com/user/WoodLaneworks?feature=mhum


It was:
*an awesome place to have this event
*filled with speakers who inspired everyone
*a way to reconnect with old friends and make new friends
*a way to visit our elected officials

A WONDERFUL TIME TOGETHER!

Check out the video that includes just some of the highlights!

This year's theme of "Together" was developed by Ohio Public Images. Log on to www.publicimagesnetwork.org to see how you can spread this message!

Facebook We're Here!

We now have a Facebook page.  Please let others know to check it out and to submit posts to the page!


On Facebook you can type in "Wood Lane - Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities"

link to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Wood-Lane-Wood-County-Board-of-Developmental-Disabilities/165928113457623?notif_t=fbpage

Words Hurt -

Just wanted to share this blog entry from the Hyndman family.  To follow their blog, go to:

Cerebralpalsyfamily.blogspot.com.  

You know that saying, "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words (or names) will never hurt me" ? Well, I say that is a bunch of BULL!!!!! (excuse the language-that's the kindest word I could think of to use!)

Not only have I been Nick's Mom, the mother of a child with disabilities, for 17 years now, I've worked with individuals with disabilities and their families off and on in a variety of capacities for 20 years. I've spoken with hundreds of individuals with disabilities and their families. So, I base what I'm saying on not only OUR experience, but the things I've learned from others as well.

I've said this before, but when a person had a disability, it not only affects them (primarily) but it impacts everyone in the family. I've also said before, we consider ourselves (Greg, Nick, Bella, and myself) a "team", not just a family. When one of us is hurt, we all hurt. Over the years, we've experience countless things. Nick individually, us with Nick, and Isabella even has experienced people's ignorance, calling Nick names, teasing him, saying insensitive things or excluding him. I could write a post or at least the chapter of a book recounting these incidents and I think people would be shocked at much of it. Nick would say and we'd agree that the physical and medical things he's been through have been tough, but the people's words have been even more difficult to endure. Word stick with you. My personal opinion is that words, things people say, are personally far worse to deal with and forget than anything else a person can endure. And, yes, we take then personally. How can you NOT take it personally when you are human and have human feelings and people are talking about you or someone you love? We can't. Social issues have been a much more difficult problem and challenge for Nick to deal with than the physical/medical stuff consistently, and at every stage.

Words DO hurt, worse than anything else and they stick with you for the rest of your life. You can deal with it, forgive, move on, but you never forget them and they shape you, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse, into the person you currently are. That is something I KNOW to be true for Nick and for all of us in this family, and in my opinion, for everyone.

Words cannot be taken back or changed, or heal like a physical wound. So, for all of these experiences Nick has had and we've had with him over the years, most of them come from people outside of the family. I've spoken to so many families who have told me stories of how their families have not included their child with disabilities and were ignorant and said or did hurtful things. I couldn't believe it and I felt so lucky because we did not have that happen at all for many years. Our families do include Nick and for the most part, they get it and understand. Especially our parents, well, they REALLY get it and have been there consistently.

For Nick, the first experience he had from a person he was close to was with a neighbor boy who was his close friend for years. He lived across the street and would be over our house almost every day when school was not in. This boy declared he Nick would be his "best friend forever". Then, as kids do, he got older and the difference was, he could go and and do things that Nick couldn't do, so over time, he kind of "outgrew" Nick and left Nick here with no explanation and no longer included Nick in what he did. It left Nick hurt, angry, sad. (and us too) In his case, he didn't hurt Nick with words but the social rejection was so hurtful. Nick has two cousins who are close to him in age and who he was really close to, would do things with, and when we had family get togethers, etc., they would be inseparable. Then they also grew up, as they should, and outgrew Nick. They basically started doing things that Nick couldn't do, with their friends, etc., which is normal and understandable, but what also happened is that even at family get togethers, they would not talk to Nick, play with him, etc. They still don't give him the time of day most of time. Nick has shared with us MANY times now much this has hurt him and it was at this time that we started to understand that the things that other families were telling me were now coming true for Nick/us. We get it now. You expect those things (unfortunately) from others to some extent but we didn't expect Nick to be excluded within his own family in that way, that for a teen, is devastating.

Then over Christmas this year, Nick had family member(s) say something that was VERY hurtful about Nick and even though it was said to be "out of concern" for Nick, what was said was hurtful and mean. One of the most hurtful things about it from Nick's perspective is, he said that one of these family members did not even speak to him until it was to say good-bye at the end of the night, not one word, and they usually don't give him the time of day, yet came to me and said these really hurtful things. Like Nick said, if they were so concerned about me, why don't they even look at me or talk to me? I thought he had a great point. Now these words that were said have not only hurt us (Greg, Nick, and myself), but we know now how these people see Nick (in not a favorable way). It really ruined the get together for me. I tried to keep a good face on for the kids but it was so hard. Greg and I decided to just spend the rest of the holidays on our own, just the four of us and the kids agreed to spend New Years just the four of us. It felt good because we didn't have to worry about being hurt by anyone ignoring Nick or saying anything hurtful.

So, words DO hurt and the intentions behind them hurt when people exclude and ignore you yet have an opinion about you. Did I vent a little by writing about this? Sure. Did I write about it to share with other families, YES. Just as so many families have shared these hurts with me over the years and I didn't REALLY understand it until it happened to us. Now I get it. As always, this will not get us, Team Hyndman, down for long. We know as long as we have each other, we'll be OK and we are excited for 2011 and to see what it brings. We expect it to be a year of change and transition for Nick especially with his graduation, starting college we hope, and turning 18 in August. So many changes but we're doing it all together!:)

No Fear Here!

"I have decided to kick my bad habit of using F-words."  

Now there's an eye-catching blog entry!

No, it's not what you think!  The link you'll see is to Susan Panning's blog. I appreciate her friendship.  I am also envy of her talents in graphic design!  Taking risks is what I always assumed was innate in her being as an artist.    I was rather surprised to read her confession of "fear" and "failure".   

I guess we are all human . . .   As I read Susan's blog, her message was not just for her clients or her profession. It's something that we all can relate to.

"Have you ever really listened to yourself? 

I catch myself saying things like “I’m afraid if we try this, 

it may not work and we will have wasted our time,” or 

“Let’s make sure it’s the perfect time to launch this, 

that way our risk is low.” 

Regardless of whether we are a person who happens to have a disability, family member/care provider, teacher, direct service provider, volunteer, staff, or even a graphic artist, we can relate to statements like "it might not work", "it's not the right time" or "it's just too risky."  As advocates, we know it's scary to do the things we need to do to be heard.  And sometimes we just feel that no one will listen.  

Now more than ever is the right time to to let go of those words fear and failure.  Budgets continue to be cut.  Services for children, youth and adults with disabilities are at risk everyday.  Each one of us has a responsibility to take a risk. Will this be your year to call your legislators to encourage lessening the cuts in departments/programs who support individuals who have disabilities?  Don't let the fear of failure stop you!

"It’s not easy wrapping your brain around the idea of 

embracing failure. It actually sounds ridiculous. 

Yet, if you think about anything of significance that has been 

introduced into the world, it didn’t happen overnight. 

It wasn’t a one-time shot, launched at the perfect time when the 

risks were moderately low. It happened because someone

believed that it could; their failures had transcended 

into their greatest teachers. 

 
The right time is now, so let’s get busy."

To read Susan's complete entry, go to:
http://www.lime-creative.com/limelight/files/463f17e9cf9cb7576ef24dbf91e645ae-20.html

Wood Lane - Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities: A local family's willingness to share their "Exper...

Wood Lane - Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities: A local family's willingness to share their "Exper...: "One of the blogs we follow is Cerebralpalsyfamily.blogspot.com. The Hyndman family posts information, resources/links, and personal reflect..."

A local family's willingness to share their "Experiences, feelings - good AND bad"

One of the blogs we follow is Cerebralpalsyfamily.blogspot.com.  The Hyndman family posts information, resources/links, and personal reflections about the day to day "happenings" of their family.

Amy (mom and author of the blog) gave us permission to post this entry.  

The family's blog is awesome (and the Hyndman family is awesome too!).  We encourage you to add the family's blog to your list of blogs you follow.

Here is Amy's entry that we want to share with you-
*****************************************
After my blog post on October 30th, October 2010 Update, where I talked about our feelings lately re: Nick's disability and how these hit us out of the blue after all this time, I received some wonderful, supportive e-mails. Thank you!

I started this blog for several reasons. One reason was to write about our family, our experiences, and hopefully find some people out there who can relate and also maybe we could help someone else to feel they are not alone if they are experiencing similar feelings and things. So, of course, part of that is my writing about our feelings, good and bad, which is not something I am good at talking about with others, "venting" when needed, basically, whatever I feel I want to write about and share.

I find it interesting that some family and friends stop coming around when you share or show this kind of feeling, emotion, venting, instead of being supportive. It happened to us when Nick was little. We had several friends that just stopped coming around and as I've blogged about, we've made some great new friends in our journey. I was also told that I made some family members uncomfortable (exact words) because of the emotions I showed or things I said, in my grief. That was a big lesson for me and I learned back then to put on a smile and just say, "everything is great" to certain people because most people either don't want to hear the truth or don't care, but it clearly makes people uncomfortable. So, we have always been and are careful about who we share ourselves with. When you make yourself vulnerable to others, they can use it to hurt you, and they often do. There are a rare few we've learned we can talk to honestly about how we're feeling, etc. And, luckily for Greg and I, we talk to each other!:) SO, it was difficult for me to decide to "vent" and share my anger, envy, grief, sadness, all of those feelings that are a normal part of the grief process for someone with a child with a disability or health care issue. I have become ashamed to share these things over the years because I have learned, it MAKES PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE. But, I decided to do it because I just know we are not the only ones who have these feelings and I thought if we could help one other person/family, it would be worth it. It's not like we feel this way 24/7, and the truth is, we are too busy living life to even feel anything about Nick's disability hardly ever! We also DO try to be optimistic, we ARE in fact, and are positive most of the time. So, it's interesting to me that people have the reactions they do when you occasionally share or are going through a tough time. Some people stop calling or contacting you. Some tell you that you shouldn't be putting your own situation on everyone else. I could go on and on about the reactions we've gotten in the past and from this post in October. I've said before, our feelings are NOT about anyone we know, they are about US. But, we do have a right to our feelings and they are normal. I'm sorry if our grief makes people uncomfortable, but at the same time, why should I be sorry? Maybe people need to be aware of and more sensitive to others experiences and feelings, and be ok with it.

We've also found that finding a place to share with other parents and families is helpful, whether that be in person, online. We like Exceptional Family TV on Facebook and their actual website as one resource.

I got a post from a Dad who said he could relate to what I posted about on October 30th and gave me some good advice. He said to acknowledge it, feel it, go through it, and move on. That is what we do and it is good advice. It was nice knowing we reached this person who lives across the US and has the same experiences. That was one of our goals.

I will continue to blog about our family, experiences, feelings, good AND bad, in an honest and truthful way. I'm doing this for us and hopefully for others too. No regrets at all. I just think people should ask themselves WHY someone else's grief, feelings, tragedies, make them uncomfortable.
Blessings:)
Amy






THANK YOU AMY!

"Great Parents Are On the Floor"

     I want to share something I received from my son's school district.   Each week, the school publishes a weekly e-newsletter.   It arrives each Friday with updates on various events, special recognitions, reminders, etc.
      The newsletter also includes a message from our Superintendent, Dr. Miller.    At first, I was puzzled. I didn't quite "get it."  Why  was he talking about an expedition to Africa to capture cheetahs and deliver to a zoo in the U.S?
    I read the entire "imaginary" story and "got it."  It's a reminder of what we can do to be strive to be great parents.  Our job is to play!

Thank you, Dr. Miller!

Click on this link to read Dr. Miller's message:

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1ySyT0YCaAx3vxTuFacgG_lUSo_FwMDIDqJK5qcHWmI8&hl=en&authkey=CMS5hEk

New Home to offer families unique respite care

In 2004, Wood Lane opened its first respite home.  If you are a parent or care provider, you know the importance of having some time away from the awesome responsibility of caring for a loved one.  And, unfortunately, families sometimes face crises and need help.  The respite home has been a valued service for hundreds of families.

The existing home, while nice, is not fully accessible to some individuals who have mobility difficulties.  Thanks to the support of our Board, a fully accessible home is no longer a dream.  We are grateful to Board members commitment to families to provide this much utilized service!

Meet Rosa - The 7 year-old Self Advocate Making Big Changes!

A seven year old girl and her mother will be creating allot of paperwork for our federal government soon.  But this paper work is really important!

Rosa Marcellino and her mother Nina changed the way the federal government will use its words to address a person with an intellectual disability.  That change will help over 2.5 million (yes million!) people in the United States!  According to the White House press release on October 5, President Obama passed "S. 27981, the Rosa's Law, which changes reference in many Federal statutes that currently refer to 'mental retardation' to refer, instead to intellectual disability.'"  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/05/statement-press-secretary-10510

Wow!  The Power of One!  Rosa's brother, Nick is quoted in the news story below stating that "some say we shouldn't worry about the words, just the way we treat people, but when you think about it, what you call people is how you treat them."

Powerful words - and it was the power of one, and another, and another to make the change!

Here's the original story about Rosa's efforts -

*****************************************

Saturday, January 31, 2009

'Rosa's Law' Legislation Receives First Hearing

Youngster with Down Syndrome prompts new bill and new terminology

By MITCHELLE STEPHENSON For the Capital
Published January 29, 2009

The first step in getting a bill turned into law in the Maryland General Assembly is to have it heard in committee.

On Tuesday, with a gentle snow falling outside the House Health and Government Operations Committee meeting room, HB-20, also known as "Rosa's Law," got its first hearing. The law would mandate that the current terminology, "mentally retarded," be changed to "intellectually disabled" on state health and education paperwork.

Rosa Marcellino, 7, of Edgewater is the Rosa of Rosa's Law. She was born with Down syndrome. When her mother Nina Marcellino went to Central Elementary School to enroll Rosa in kindergarten in 2007, she was shocked to learn that the state attached the label mentally retarded to the paperwork for the incoming student. "I considered this term an insult," Mrs. Marcellino said.

In fact, many in the disability community consider the term "retarded" to be an outmoded label for people with a variety of intellectual disabilities - not just those affected with Down Syndrome.

Christine Marchand, executive director of the Maryland Arc, explained that the change in terminology has been ongoing in the disability community over the course of several decades.

"In the 1980s, families and people with developmental disabilities marched forward at The Arc's national convention to have the name changed," Ms. Marchand said. The Arc was previously known as the Association for Retarded Citizens. "Even the A-R-C as an acronym was dismissed because of the 'R'," she added.

Mrs. Marcellino's encounter with the school system not only upset her but also motivated her to take action. She started making phone calls to anyone who would listen. She called the PTA; The Arc of Anne Arundel County; Maryland Arc.

Eventually, she contacted Del. Ted Sophocleus, D-Linthicum, who drafted a bill to have that designation changed in state health and education paperwork. That bill, HB-20, was pre-filed in November 2008, and got its first committee hearing in the new session of the General Assembly on Tuesday.

Mrs. Marcellino helped to identify witnesses to testify. One of the first on the panel was Nick Marcellino, Rosa's 13-year-old brother. He came representing not only himself, but also his sisters Gigi and Maddie.

He gave moving testimony from a sibling's perspective. "On any given day at school, at the mall, on a sports field or in the movies, me and my sisters hear, 'that's so retarded,' or 'you're such a retard,' " Nick said. Throughout his testimony, he talked about how it felt to have kids say those words. "We're not allowed to use that word, so when my mom told me that my sister's school was using the words 'Mentally Retarded' to describe Rosa, I couldn't understand that," he said.

He wrapped up by saying, "some say we shouldn't worry about the words, just the way we treat people, but when you think about it, what you call people is how you treat them."

Nick's testimony was followed by some VIPs in the disability and education communities, among them: the executive director of Maryland Arc, a representative from school principals, a representative from the school psychologists' association. In all over 20 people spoke to the importance of changing this law, and even more delivered written testimony supporting the change.

But not one person testified that the label should remain.

"The bill will pass, there is no opposition. The bill will pass and become law," said Del. Bob Costa, R-Deale, who represents Mrs. Marcellino's district, adding that he wanted to make a motion during the hearing to pass it in committee, but that the staff attorney wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be any conflicts with federal law.

"It's a great bill and Rosa's brother was a deciding factor. He presented himself well and his leadership convinced everybody that this was a great bill," Mr. Costa said yesterday.

The next step for the bill will be to move from committee to the floor of the House, then for the Senate to adopt similar legislation. Hopefully at the end of the 90-day session, a conference bill will be approved, reconciling any differences between the two chambers. Then it will be up to the governor to sign it into law. As the bill is written, it would take effect Oct. 1 of this year.

"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.

There's No Place Like Home

"There's no place like home."  A man by the name of Dr. Larry Klein used the well-known quote from the Wizard of Oz in an essay that was published on NPR's "This I Believe."  Being home was extremely important from a very personal perspective.  I never met Dr. Klein but yesterday, I met his daughters, his sisters, and his fiance' .  They returned to Bowling Green to celebrate his home being named "The Larry Klein Home."

Confusing? Let me try to explain. After reading  Dr. Klein's essay and talking with his daughters, I knew that he was determined to live a rich and full life despite the fact that he had a disability.  Indeed, he was a remarkable man. 

He passed away last year.  After his death, his daughters contacted Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc.* about their father's wish that his home become a home for others who happen to have a disability. 

Yesterday, residents living in his home formally thanked Dr. Klein and his family by dedicating and naming  their new home "The Larry Klein Home."

The link to his essay on "This I Believe" is http://thisibelieve.org/essay/11159.

After reading his essay and seeing the photos, I think you'll  gain a glimpse of his courage and vision that will ensure that others will also realize that "There's No Place Like Home."  Thank you, Dr. Klein. . .


*Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc. provides community-living options and supports for individuals with a developmental disability.

What's Really Important?

Last week I attended two graduation/recognition celebrations.  One was for my son and the other for our students graduating from Wood Lane School.

 

Success!  Smiles!  Pride!

I felt proud for my teenage son who is moving on to high school.  I was honored to witness the graduation celebration for our students at Wood Lane School.  I think that when we participate in such a milestone, we reflect on what was really important in the venture.  As parents, teachers, family, and friends, we were partners that helped mentor and guide these individuals to new opportunities.

Today, more thoughts crossed my mind.  I haven't always embraced what it important.  I sometimes felt too busy.  I didn't have time for what I thought was nonsense.  I couldn't understand what was so hard about getting the homework done (although I admit that there were moments when I couldn't figure it out either!)  

But it's important that I am a good teacher, mentor, and "cheerleader."  I may be the person who makes the difference in someone else's life.

 

Congratulations to all graduates!  And, thanks to everyone who took the time to make the world a better place - one kid at a time.

 

One Hundred Years From Now

Author: (excerpt from "Within My Power" by Forest Witcraft)

One hundred years from now
It won't matter
What kind of car I drove
What kind of house I lived in
How much money I had in the bank
Nor what my cloths looked like
BUT
The world may be a little better
Because, I was important
In the life of a child.

What Would You Do?

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

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?