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Serving People With Intellectual Disabilities Since 1995 |
ON OUR OWN TOGETHER II
Interdependence - Independence - Self-Advocacy
The Innovative LiveWorkPlay Approach To Long-Term
Housing For People With Intellectual Disabilities
June 7: Day 31
The morning got off to a challenging start. There's still some work to do with peer communication, but everyone is learning so much this year, even if it is difficult at times. The whole group is going to be working hard to follow the steps for helping a peer!
Step one: ASK. If you see someone who looks like they need help, the first step is to ask them.
For example:
- Can I carry those groceries for you?
- I think you missed a spot when you shaved, would you like me to show you?
- I noticed you are going shopping alone, would you like some company?
If the person responds with an answer like this:
- No thank you, I am fine
- I'm OK, thanks anyway
- I'm going to stick with my plan, maybe another time
- I'm happy managing it on my own right now
Then your response needs to be like this:
- OK, have a nice day
- No problem, maybe another time
- I understand, have fun
- Sure thing, see you later
Step two: It is very important that you ask only ONCE, listen carefully to the answer, and respect what the person says.
Step three: If the person resonds with a YES then it is time to give them the help that you are offering. Make sure that the person understands the help you are going to give. For example, if you offer to carry their groceries, that doesn't mean they have given you permission to put the groceries into their refrigerator. If you are interested in helping them in that way, you need to ask them another question, like this:
I enjoyed helping you with your groceries, would you like me to help put them away now?
Then you need to wait for the response. It might be:
- Sure, that's very nice of you!
If that's the answer, then you can go ahead and help.
If instead you get an answer like:
- Actually, if you can just leave them on the table that would be perfect. Thank you so much for your help.
Then you need to say "you're welcome" and then put the groceries on the table and leave.
Last but not least, usually one person offering help is enough. For example, three people trying to help someone use the microwave all at the same time is probably going to be more trouble than help. One at a time is usually the best way to go.
Now, on with the day!
The project is more than half over, so all the staff were on hand to conduct individual interviews and see how everyone is doing. There was only time to talk with the male participants so far. Some truly fascinating and exciting information came out of this process. Some of the really amazing statements and sentiments included "There's a new me" and "I learned I can handle the tough times." To find out more you'll have to attend the open house and the banquet!
While the staff were doing the interviews there was lots of people around to talk with. Raymond and four of the research students were on hand, and they joined right in with different activities, like making a puzzle or watching hockey.
Spaghettie and meatballs and the ever-popular grilled potatoes were the highlights of dinner. The sun was shining in through the cafeteria windows and this seemed to encourage everyone to laze about and chat quietly for some time.
After a little break it was bocce time. The game of course wrapped up by 8:00 since the last game of the Stanley Cup final was on. Calgary lost, but Cooper wasn't too disappointed because Dave Andreychuk finally got a Cup after more than 20 years in the NHL.
Warren was in a bit of a giddy mood and decided he wanted to pose for a photo. "Make me look tall" could be the title of the rather lovely picture.
Caroline and Moira got into a big puzzle and were still at it late into the night.
PICTURES!
Mmm Spaghetti
Triumphant Bocce Ballers
A Puzzling Situation
It's a giant!
Watching Stanley
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