The Katywompus Journal Observing Life's Little Quirks by Diane Moody |
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Entry #45: A Special Hero
"Imagine - getting paid for doing something you love!" Ever hear someone say that? You might expect as much from celebrities like Tiger Woods, Tom Hanks, or Julia Roberts. It wouldn't surprise you coming from those who get to have the "fun" jobs in life or those gifted with exceptional talent. Ironically, the last time I heard those words, they came from one of my best friends. Kathy Ward works with TMH kids in a middle school in Naples, Florida. That means her students are "Trainable Mentally Handicapped." More than half of them have Down's syndrome. Others battle diseases like Cerebral Palsy, autism, and Williams Syndrome (a rare disorder somewhat similar to Down's syndrome.) She assists her students in occupational therapy, helping them learn daily living skills - things you and I take for granted, like how to cross the street at the light (looking both ways first). How to ride the city bus and how to pay the fare. How to cook. How to clean up after themselves. The classroom is set up like a work environment. Each morning, the kids punch a time clock then find their folder for the day's job assignment. By law, each student is given what's called an IEP - Individual Education Plan. These are specific goals for that particular student, and the teachers are responsible for helping them reach those goals. For some, it may be as simple as delivering an oral message to the office then returning to the classroom. For others, the task may be chopping up an apple (without chopping any fingers!) Their performance on these tasks, day after day, is documented as they work toward a 70%, 85%, or even 95% achievement rating. Each Friday, the class works together to prepare a hot breakfast. They invite the administrative faculty to join them when it's time to eat. When the principal raves about their culinary efforts or a school secretary compliments their hand-made place mats, the students beam with pride at a job well done. Once a week, the class takes a field trip. They go to the grocery store to buy ingredients for Friday's breakfast, learning how to shop wisely by price comparison. They participate in workshops at Home Depot. They enjoy a day at the bowling alley. One of their favorite stops is the Olive Garden Restaurant. They tour the kitchen (hairnets required) and see how the breadsticks are made. Then the restaurant staff treats them like royalty serving them lunch. One of the students enjoyed it so much, he decided to play host. They found him (hairnet still in place) going from table to table: "Are you enjoying your meal? Does everything taste good? May I serve you more salad?" The staff loved it and wanted to hire him on the spot! Kathy tells me these outings can be fascinating adventures. They create opportunities for the kids to interact with a world that doesn't always understand them. But the real icing on the cake happens when the "world" learns how to respond to these special kids in return - the other people riding on the bus, the employees at the stores they visit, the waiters at Olive Garden. All overcoming their own fears or reservations about these unique individuals, and learning to respond in kindness and acceptance. Kathy would be the first to tell you it isn't always fun. Often, when loading their charges on the city bus, she muses, "Two menopausal women taking twelve mentally handicapped kids out on public transportation - WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!" Occasionally she'll send me a much-too descriptive email about the diarrhea that so often sweeps through the class - and yes, it sometimes strikes while on those field trips. Then there's the student who innocently takes off his clothes at the drop of a hat (and yes, even on those field trips!) Or the one who always likes to put his shoe down the toilet. Some of the students require tube-feeding. Others may require anti-seizure medication - by suppository. Harder still comes the grief when a student loses the battle with those unique illnesses that beset these kids. How do you explain that to the challenged minds of the classmates he left behind? Those who teach know the joys and heartaches that come with the territory. And for those who work with special needs kids, it all ratchets up to a whole different level. Kathy loves her job. Less than two weeks into summer, she told me she was already missing her kids. She's already dreaming about the new kitchen going into their classroom. The way I see it, God must bless people like Kathy with an extra portion of compassion the rest of us can only imagine. It truly is a gift. Kathy is my hero. Not so much for what she does but how she does it - with patience, love, laughter, and an extraordinary appreciation for those who just need a little more help along this journey called life. Click HERE to send Diane an email. She welcomes your comments and suggestions. She's Flying the Coop Blessed are the poor... Back to School It All Started With Eve It's Almost Here! Forget About Weapons of Mass Destruction - let’s Talk Hormones The Other "W" "If only I could..." "Put Down That Remote and Step Away From the TV!" Take This Job and Love It! As the Stomach turns! Pet Peeves Cue the Balloons! A Picture Perfect Thanksgiving 'Twas Two Months Before Christmas . . . Egg Nog & Popcorn The Importance of Making Christmas Memories Step Away from the Mistletoe! O Crystal Ball . . . 2003 Unplugged Geek is Chic! Mind Your Manners! Go "Figure" You’ve Gotta Laugh Reality Check A Parent’s Worst Nightmare Notice Me! It's Not About the Stuff Too Many Buns! What's Your Legacy? Music to My Ears Why, Thank You! Ah, Spring! Mel vs. the Easter Bunny He Did It! He Finally Did It! Unexpected Joys HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUCK McFARLAND! Bring on the Barbecue! 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