Friday, April 25, 2014

For Our Friends Friday Night Event!

For Our Friends is hosting a movie night tonight! Hope to see you there!
Friday April 25th

6:30-8:30p.m.

Dr. Doolitte 2 


$3.oo

DCBDD Building
7991 Columbus Pike (U.S. Route 23)
Lewis center, OH

“Enjoy yummy popcorn and snacks”

Bring a friend for some laughs and fun!!!


                                                               

Still have a long way to go

A few days ago I was chatting with someone who like me has been involved in the ID/DD field for more than 20 years. We discussed how much things have changed for the better, reflecting on how naive we and society were years ago, and how now it is a good time to work in this field compared to years ago. A delightful conversation that I left feeling inspired and satisfied by how things have evolved for people with disabilities and how much we have learned as a society.
This morning as I'm doing my early morning routine of coffee and reading news from around the country, I came upon the story of Talia Williams, whose father has been convicted of murdering her and is facing the death penalty. Read the story here http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ex-soldier-convicted-5-year-old-daughter-beating-death-hawaii-base-article-1.1768240
From the first report I read I was horrified for the child because aside from the horrific death she endured, at first glance it seemed she had endured a terrible life in her short 5 years. The story stated she had been removed from her biological mother's custody 7 months prior to her death because it was found her mother contributed to her being malnourished and her stunted development. I found myself equally angry with the mother as the convicted father who murdered her. How could she starve her child?
I had to know more. After reading several articles this morning, a sad fact came to light. Talia Williams was developmentally disabled. She wasn't malnourished or neglected by her mother. She was born premature and had a failure to thrive. Even in her father's care, she attended special education, continued to have delays with continence and did not develop at the same rate as typical 5 year old children.  The very reasons that Talia's father was awarded custody of her are the reasons he murdered her.
I can't help but think what if the judge that awarded custody of Talia to her father had a better understanding of developmental delays and had left Talia in the care and custody of her mother. We have to do better with bringing awareness and education not only to parents of disabled children, but to all around us. While it is true that we have come so far, the story of Talia Williams only shows that we still have a long way to go.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Is it discrimination?

A married couple of New York, each with developmental disabilities is suing their former group home provider for discrimination. Their claim is that the administrators of the group home violated their rights by refusing to allow them to co-habitat after being married in April 2013. Their claim which is currently under appeal, was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Leonard Wexler. Judge Wexler's ruling stated there was no discrimination based on disability; that the decision of the group home was based on the marriage.
Click this link to read the story: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/04/22/group-homes-cohabiting-upheld/19297/

I believe in this particular case, the judge is correct in his ruling. Discrimination is a serious accusation, as is violating someone's rights; neither of which the group home is guilty. The problem with this case is that their rights in two areas of their lives are in conflict with each other; their right to marry and their right to live where they choose.

Perhaps the group home where they wanted to reside isn't licensed to have two people per room. Perhaps the homes are segregated by gender. Perhaps the home of choice is specialized to a particular disability. Perhaps the home is governed by HUD and there are guidelines the group home must follow to remain in compliance. We don't know because the article doesn't state the details of the group home.

What we do know is that for all of us when we make major life choices, there are sacrifices that we have to make. Married couples typically reside in a residence that is exclusive to them and the families they create. Just as it is our responsibility to ensure that those with disabilities are afforded the same rights as everyone else, we must ensure that we are clear on the responsibilities that coincide with the rights individuals choose to exercise.
Please share your thoughts.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Maria's Message and me.

I didn't know Maria. I don't know anyone in the Tiberi family. Like many of us, I feel like I kind of know Dom because of 10tv and he seems like a solid dude. But watching him on the news doesn't equate to knowing him or his family. So why does this make me so sad? Because I am guilty.
I am guilty of distracted driving for years. As a mother of two that watch everything that I do, as someone who has a family member with a Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of an automobile accident, as someone that has worked with individuals with disabilities (including at least 3 that I can recall with TBI from automobile accidents) for over 20 years, I am guilty of this very thing.
One would think someone such as I would know better than to be so careless. While not equal to losing someone that I love to an automobile accident, caring for those that are left permanently intellectually and physically disabled as a result of distracted driving is challenging; you never can get the idea out of your mind that this person being disabled is senseless.
Another reason Maria's Message struck a chord with me is because my son is now a driver; perhaps I related to Dom and his family from a parents perspective. I worried about my son driving distracted because of his inexperience with handling a car, I don't want him to hurt himself or anyone else. My worry based on his inexperience wasn't valid; everyone that I knew disabled in an accident was done so by a so called experienced driver.
 And then it hit me! Or I should say, my 6 year old hit me-with the truth. My phone indicated that I had an email while I was in traffic. I picked it up to read it. With all the innocence and honesty that only a 6 year old can have, she said "Mommy, you always tell Bubbie he can't look at his phone when he is driving. But you do it.You're not supposed to do that. Someone could get hurt. Why do you get to do it but Bubbie can't?"
She waited for an explanation from me as my mind raced trying to find an answer that absolved me of my actions but still prohibited her Bubbie and her future self from doing it; I had nothing and Maria's Message popped in my head. I admitted to her that what I was doing was wrong.
 I was suddenly overwhelmed with the truth that children do as we do, not as we say; that if my son is driving distracted it is more than likely because of years of watching me do it. I was struck by my hypocrisy and my arrogance. Shame on me. I decided in that moment that I would be a better example to her, I would take better care of her, myself, and my fellow drivers on the road. I would share Maria's Message with others.
Now my little girl is in charge of the phone when we are in the car. She is learning to be a safe driver by watching me. For my son, my family and friends, my employees, and everyone that I can touch I want to share Maria's Message with them. I want them to take the message to heart and look at themselves as my daughter forced me to look at myself.
Please don't drive distracted.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

April is National Volunteer Month



Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your local community, to develop relationships with those outside of family and work, to use your abilities, and to care for those around you. Taking care of each other is one of the most important duties we have as fellow human beings.
 Cornerstone Supported Living, LLC has partnered with Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M.) and Volunteers of America (VOA). W.A.R.M and V.O.A. each are wonderful agencies that provide assistance to those in need as well as giving opportunities to those with ID/DD.
Cornerstone Adult Day Service participants complete a variety a jobs at W.A.R.M. and V.O.A. Jobs that utilizes their skills and helps them to develop new skills that are useful in the job market and in their everyday lives. The jobs they are performing help W.A.R.M. and V.O.A.ensure their individual missions of helping those in need.
We are most grateful to the directors and staff at each agency. We have not only been given an opportunity at each place, but have been accepted equally to all volunteers that perform work for them. Our partnership with each  is helpful in meeting our own  goals of assisting those with ID/DD to live their lives to the fullest potential.
I encourage everyone to volunteer some of your time to a program in your community. There is an Ethiopian proverb  that says "When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion.". Every little bit counts. When we all do what we can with what we have, we can accomplish amazing things.
To learn more about the assistance available at W.A.R.M. and V.O.A. or to give to their programs through your time or donations, please visit the links: http://www.warmwesterville.org/  http://www.voago.org/

Monday, April 14, 2014

What is the real lesson here?

I came across an article (link below) of a South Euclid man, Edmond Aviv, that was sentenced for bullying two disabled children. Part of his sentence was to sit on a street corner with a sign that stated "I am a bully. I pick on children that are disabled..."
While I do understand what the judge was trying to achieve with this punishment, I don't agree that it was appropriate or even effective; as the man' s response to the public humiliation was that "the judge destroyed me. This isn't fair at all."
 Human behavior is such that people typically do to others what has been done to them.So what was the real lesson that the judge gave Edmond Aviv? When someone humiliates you, you humiliate them. When you bully, you will be bullied. I don't think that the judge's decision did anything to rehabilitate Edmond Aviv. Edmond Aviv may not bully these particular neighbors again, but he learned nothing of tolerance, human rights, or civil rights; because he learned nothing, his behavior is bound to repeat itself just with different people in a different setting.
It would have been more appropriate to have him charged with a crime that reflected his actions and sentenced according to the guidelines of that crime. Being charged with disorderly conduct is a far cry from what he actually did. In our DD world, we call what he did Verbal Abuse which is the equivalent of Malicious Harassment.
Sitting on a street corner with a sign, Edmond Aviv's only thoughts were about himself; how he is destroyed, how it isn't fair to him. Not that he regretted his treatment of his fellow human beings or that he now understands that his actions were wrong.

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/04/13/sign-holder-calls-sentence-unfair/20868351/?icid=maing-grid7

Thursday, April 10, 2014

How Greg takes care of his community



"Greg got started helping the birds by checking different Bluebird "Trails"
with mom in different Delaware County parks and in his own backyard.
He became involved in the Zeppick Conservation Project, building nest boxes
for Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity nesting birds.  Boxes are
built by volunteers and donated to public Bluebird Trails that have trained
monitors to keep the birds safe.

Watching a baby bird come out of its egg is a fun thing to see.  Counting
the eggs and knowing what kind of bird is using the box by looking at their
nest and eggs is another fun thing to see.  Eastern Bluebirds are laying
eggs right now and are using many of the 110 nest boxes Greg has built over
the past several years."
We thank Greg's mother for submitting this photo and sharing one of Greg's interests with us! And a big thank you to Greg for his contribution to his community! As we are out walking in our local parks and enjoying nature, it probably doesn't occur to us who builds the birdhouses or many of the  details that make our parks pleasurable places. Every bit counts. Everyone has a part. All of our efforts matter. 
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your local community, to use your abilities, to develop relationships with others outside of family and work, and to take care of those around you. I wonder if Greg knows just how big of  an impact his caring for the birds has on the community around him. How many people go for a walk in the park to unwind from all that life can be? You enter the park with loads on your mind and stressed. Your walk through the park gets your heart pumping, relieves the aches in your body. You enjoy the flowers that are in bloom, your stressful thoughts start to melt away. You notice a mother bird taking food to her babies that are nestled safely in a house that Greg built. You smile and realize life's not so bad.~Thank you Greg.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

04/11/2014 SOCK HOP DANCE!! hosted by the Aktion Club of Delaware, OH


Justice Department Urges shift from sheltered workshops


April 8, 2014 The U.S. Justice Department states that Rhode Island has committed to overhaul its system of sheltered workshops and day programs for disabled individuals after finding violations of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) including but not limited to wages below the Federal minimum, segregated environments, etc  with the expectation that 49 states will follow the model. ~I can't help but say at this point while Rhode Island is being credited for this landmark change, the great State of Ohio has already been implementing changes regarding sheltered workshops over the last two years that I'm aware and Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities in particular has been in my experience the most progressive county in Ohio to implement community inclusion, access and assistance for individuals with disabilities in finding community employment, and host of many other things. :)
Read more here http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/us/developmentally-disabled-get-more-workplace-protections.html?hpw&rref=us
We as a society are constantly becoming a "more perfect nation". As we learn better, we absolutely do better. We have learned that while the initial intentions were probably well meaning, sheltered workshops and segregated environments for those with ID/DD have caused members of our society to be marginalized, discriminated against, exploited, and isolated.
It is long overdue that we are admitting our wrongs and assisting individuals with ID/DD to live their lives to the fullest potential as is afforded to any other law abiding citizen. It is understood that not every person with ID/DD is capable of community employment. However there are better alternatives to their being warehoused in sheltered segregated environments. We at Cornerstone Supported Living, LLC believe that we are developing a wonderful alternative for those that community employment is not an option for whatever reason.
November 2013 we began our Adult Day Habilitation Services program. The focus of our program is to provide an environment that allows individuals to meet their needs of continual learning, promote health and wellness through physical activity and nutrition education, socialization and community inclusion, volunteering, and creating useful products to raise funds so that events and day trips can be provided at no cost to the program participants as fixed incomes and the ability to earn wages are common problems with individuals with ID/DD; individuals having limited funds is a large reason why many do not have the opportunity to do things that most of us take for granted.
We look forward to developing our program and welcome ideas!


Panera Bread's Pieces of Hope for Autism



The Pieces of Hope campaign runs from Tuesday, April 22 through Monday, April 28. 100% of the
proceeds from every puzzle piece shortbread cookie sold will be donated to Autism Speak of the
Columbus Community. Pre-orders may be placed any time prior to the launch of the campaign through
our website or in a Panera Bread café. All orders will be picked up during the week of the promotion.
1. Visit your nearest participating Columbus/Central Ohio Panera Bread cafe 
2. Ask a manager or associate for a pre-order form (unless you already have a printed copy) 
3. Fill in the pre-order form completely 
4. Make note of the details of your order, so you don’t forget to pick it up 
5. Your order will be ready for pick up at your selected café on your selected date and time during 
the week of the campaign (April 22-28) 
6. You will pay at the café upon pick up (cash or credit card only) 
Panera Bread is proving itself to be one of those companies that is serious about social responsibility. Aside from this fundraising campaign for Autism, our local Panera Bread donates food to Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M.) and they operate Panera Cares stores. Panera Cares stores allows people to pay what they can for a meal. Please help Panera with their Pieces of Hope for Autism campaign. There is no greater mistake than doing nothing because of only being able to do a little. Every effort towards the greater good matters. 

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Fouse Student Inspires Classmates to Raise Awareness for Cerebral Palsy

Adriana Lyons is surrounded by dozens of supporters at Fouse Elementary School who wore green on March 21 for National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
 Fourth grade student Adriana Lyons gets by with a little help from her friends. Lots of friends, in fact, as evidenced by the support she received on March 21, National Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Day. Classmates and staff purchased HOPE shirts and wore green to honor Lyons, with proceeds going to Reaching for the Stars, a Foundation of HOPE. The organization is dedicated to preventing, treating, and ultimately curing the disease. Each year, one out of every 323 babies is born with CP. It is the most common motor disability in children.

Friday, April 4, 2014

DCBDD changes to transportation

http://www.dcbdd.org/calpdf/Transportation%20Notice.pdf

Delaware County Board of DD is making important changes to its transportation policy. Please click on the link above to read a recent memo from Superintendent, Robert Morgan.
Delaware County Board of DD is truly "Leading the Way" in our industry! As a provider, I have found their progressive approach to services and supports both refreshing and inspiring. The approach, attitudes, and commitment to the individuals serviced by their county reminded me of a time when I was very idealistic about the world and what it should be. Sadly, like many, life being what it is, I started to accept that those ideals I held were "never" going to happen. I can now say that what I was coming to accept is wrong. All things are possible, you just have to believe and connect with people who share your vision. The possibilities are truly endless when we work together.
 Most of us agree that it takes a village to raise just one. I've come to know that the best way to raise that one is to mind your village. Delaware County is doing just that; not only providing services and supports to those that need it, but minding us all that are in this village together by leading the way to those ideals that most have had in our youth. There isn't a need or reason to repeat the mistakes of those before us. We don't have to accept how life can be as the simply reality of it all. We can strive for those ideals. We can make these things happen now. We all belong. We all are important. We all have a part to play.
Some may be worried about this change that is being made with transportation because they have become accustomed to have things have been for so long. This is a wonderful move forward. Contact your SSA at Delaware County Board of DD. They will be happy to assist you with planning for this change and connecting you with providers that can assist you with your transportation needs.

For Our Friends: Bowling party 04/12/2014

First Ever For friends

            Bowling Party


 




 
Saturday April 12, 2014
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Colony Lanes:
451 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, Oh 43015

$3.25/game
(Includes shoes)
You pay for food

Bring your family and friends!!!

R.S.V.P.

please let us know a.s.a.p.

space may be limited


 

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Randy Lewis, Vice-President of Walgreen's-"Making the decision to go forward"

I recently attended an annual training. We were shown a video clip about what Walgreen's is doing in employing individuals with disabilities under the direction of Randy Lewis. Please watch this clip that I found on Randy Lewis discussing the same topic. He references the invisible barriers that we have as a society have put in place against people with disabilities and why it is important that we break those barriers.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Preston's story

My son, Preston, is four years old and is on the Autism Spectrum.  He keeps continuing to blossom everyday – it is truly amazing!!!  I cannot express how important early intervention is.  Preston receives Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pre-School/IEP, DCBDD & the P.L.A.Y. Project (to name a handful).  I feel so blessed & thankful for everyone!  Just 1 year ago Preston was not talking or using gestures. 

I try to focus on the positive and what Preston can do.  One night at dinner the excitement that my family and I shared, because Preston pointed at something for the first time, was so special.  Birthdays and holidays were a challenge until Preston was around 3.  His nonverbal and his extreme melt downs were exhausting.  Many times my husband would stay with him, when I would take our older children out.  It is so fun and exhilarating now when birthdays and holidays arrive.  Preston even opened one of my Christmas presents this year and said enthusiastically, “Oh nice pumps!” 

Recently Preston has been showing a lot of interest in preschool and initiating conversations with me.  This is so awesome, as he has not shown this very much in the past.  Also, he did a lot of imitating words.  Now he has a pretty large vocabulary that keeps expanding.

The other day I was letting Preston know that it was Monday and he yelled, “No it’s Tuesday!”  I let him know again that it was Monday and he actually told me, “To stop all my ridiculousness.”  He says the funniest things!


I was overwhelmed a week ago, because my husband was out of town and the kids and I were sick.  Preston was playing with my hair and randomly whispers in my ear, “Just don’t worry babe!”   How ridiculously sweet is he?!