The Arc Convention at Wyndham - Day 2 of 2

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Mornin ... mornin ... We’re back home now! I think we got in about 7 pm last night. We had a chance to IM for a bit with Vince and Anna. It was a nice welcome back! Thanks guys!! We figure we’ll write an email or two as well. Special "pleasures to be getting to know you" go out to Tammy. We want to thank you for your generous spirit! We’re very happy with our life for the most part, and exceptionally pleased with the company we’re keeping. Such a neat community!

We’re still warm and fuzzy about the whole couple of days. I think that Casey, Jamie, and Kate were all out last night with Dr. M. Not so sure Casey appreciated the meetings, but Jamie and Kate seemed happy ... maybe a little tired though.

The day pretty much went as we sketched in yesterday morning. We met a few other ARC members throughout and had a sense of not being by ourselves. The main thing for us though was the meetings and being able to talk to the people who presented them.

The one by Tony, the executive director of the Illinois ARC was pretty cool. He was a very good speaker and terribly enthused with the work in front of the organization. He gave extremely good reports of what was happening at our capitol, plus he was able to give a good presentation of the ARC’s cause and the couple of bills they were helping to support. He was a down to Earth type guy.

We did ask one question out loud. It was in respect to the new "Fee-for-Services" that the ARC supports. We’ve not been able to obtain financial support through this to be paying for the new folks that are just getting out of high school. With 12 new intakes this year ... it is a pretty substantial problem. He allowed that we could talk about it later, and we did.

I think the complication was new to him. I think we’ll talk to Sr. Tess and offer a follow-up email/letter re-addressing the issue. Either it is a issue because the system isn’t working effectively, or it really hasn’t been addressed properly in Springfield. We’re willing to go through official channels with this one though. As it turned out ... after the session was over, we realized that Andrew, the director of the Chicago Networks was in the audience. Hmm, don’t know whatthat’ll mean. Sure we’ll find out though *goofy grin*.

The next meeting wasthe one on inclusion. This was a big meeting and the speaker was a mother of a 12 year old son with developmental disabilities. He is fairly low functioning and has medical problems as well as being blind and deaf. We felt a lot of anger from this mother, but for all the right reasons. She talked of her battle with the system to include her son in the normal classroom and life. She’s won some battles! I thought this person had a whole lot of constructive things to say.

I’m afraid she might have turned some of the audience off though, because she was very real in going to the heart of many outstanding problems. It could have been considered very overwhelming. We made sure to say something affirming to her afterward, especially when we realized a lot of people weren’t going up to respond directly toward her. I’ll always remember the strength and fragility in looking directly in her eyes to be telling her she’d done wonderful work in the field. We meant it with all our heart...

There was another luncheon speaker. It was an 18 year old girl with developmental disabilities who had gone through the school system and was very happy with the outcome. We didn’t question the thought when it was mentioned later she’d been on the debate team too! She had written a very good report and her being able to speak up for herself and "the cause" was very encouraging.

The same goes for our lunchtime companionship. We sat next to a younger lady and "her charge." I would guess John to have had mild mental retardation as did the guest speaker, but he also was wheelchair bound and appeared to be dealing with complications of cerebral palsy. He was of extremely good interest as was she. She talked of living communally so that each could play a part without interfering with the others’ growth. They had been friends for quite a while.

John was interested in becoming a politician. He was at two of the meetings we attended yesterday and was very, very good at presenting himself and following the issues with insight in hand. Just loved it!

The last speaker was the University Professor (young female) who ran us through a quick session called State Legislative 101. As would be the case, Tony showed up and sat in the meeting as well. The professor knew her material, but was young to being involved in the cause. She accepted Tony’s authority as an add on. Hehe, she had a lot to contend with.

In the audience there was another gentleman with MR who was being fairly abstract and thought to ask general questions on life at every opportunity. He was welcomed into the session by the professor even though he was off-topic. I give her a lot of credit for that. Him too! Most of the people at the convention didn’t have MR, but it was encouraging to see represented those who did. They added concretely to the program.

So, that’s pretty much it as far as the meetings go. As far as major points to be remembering ... we haven’t got this all down satisfactorily yet. I really, would like to see the group at the Center involved in these issues. I would be thrilled if any of them were able to know and care as much as John. In his own respect, he was a brilliant young man!

The two issues that are at our capital now involved getting the money promised as matching funds from the federal levels to support directly disabilities. Our legislatures want to throw that money into "the big slush fund." That fund goes to out to everything and everyone, not to people with disabilities, even though that is the intent of the federal government.

The second issue was to get new money into disability services. The dollar amount is 163 million. It is broken down into supporting the enrollment of people waiting for some kind of service; money for supporting centers for independent living; money to increase community living options (there are 30,000 caregivers over the age of 60); a cost of doing business increase of 4%; new housing into the CILA programs (our group housing); transportaton to jobs, schools, training, church or recreation; housing for people with developmental disabilities AND mental illness; increased respite services for the families; employment initiatives; and money to assist the transition in our business from grants to fee for service.

Right now Illinois ranks 47th in spending for people with developmental services. 31rst for spending on people with mental illness (21% of our Center’s population). We are 4th in amount spent on institutionalization (a process that should be stopped altogether) and 50th in the nation in regard to getting folks into regular classrooms. Pretty pitiful all told.

Yep, yep ... time to get our people involved.

There is a meeting coming up (an expo) that will also have meetings involved in legislation. We hope to be at that one too. I think there will be four hour long meetings. Don’t you just love the Internet. Here are the meetings, we will attend on May 18th to supplement the one’s we just had.

Life Span Michael Kaminsky, Director Illinois Life Span

Life Span is the first central resource for information and referrals to link people with advocacy services in Illinois.

Learn about the services available to you!

Creating Positive Public Policy Tony Paulauski, The Arc of Illinois

This session will include tactics that you can utilize with elected officials. You, too, can learn to change public

policy!

Our Children’s Futures: Advocating for a Brighter Tomorrow Charlotte Cronin

The Family Support Network advocates for programs and policies that support children and adults with disabilities

so that they can live with their families and in their communities. Learn what supports for people with

disabilities look like in Illinois and how we can work together to improve those services.

Make Your Vote Count—The Voting Rights of People with Disabilities Stacy Yusim Equip for Equality

If you’ve felt, "I’d do things differently if I were in charge!" then you can make a difference by voting.

I really want to be in a position of training in self-advocacy at a legislative level. *Giggle* At this point, we’re also kicking ourselves for not getting the number of John. Would really, really love to have him come and give a presentation to the our Thinking Group. Shoot, maybe through someone at the ARC? I’m pretty sure he’s fairly well known. I know he’s joined others who’ve gone down to Springfield.

Brings us back to home issues. We just got off the phone talking to our friend. He’s a little uptight, because the CARF people from his other agency are coming back to talk to him about his workshops. Paperwork shtuff. Hehe - he’ll be ok...

But, in the process we initiated a conversation of our Center. We’d stopped by last night to pick up our medicine and was given an earful by Sr. Tess. The individual’s family that had been upset that we couldn’t diaper train their daughter were at a meeting to "get out" the issues with Sr. Tess and the other Q. Guess they were pretty hard on the Center and they brought another agency that helped them support their claims. Sr. Was still very angry, theother Q. in tears, and our friend got angry as well.

I think we’re more angry at the thought of a crease in the Agency’s good reputation. I would guess that a few of the complaints were warranted. One of them that had bothered the family was that they didn’t seemto think our staff seemed happy enough. I’ve looked at our staff including Sr. Tess and thought the same thing before. I also don’t think that the staff in charge of the lower group does much with the individuals and most likely the other Q is coming off as presenting herself as more than should be chewed. We will still support our agency, but would take heed in some of the criticism.

There is so much to be doing for the clients. Maybe not so much with toilet training. We figure in 21 years of school and home if the job wasn’t done, it would have been to much to expect of our agency. Specifically, because its not something we would offer as one of our responsibilities. We assist when necessary and work toward independence, but we claim no miracles.

The family had built up their anger though in management, not the DSPs. What came out was that they had actually asked both the DSP and her substitute to quit our Center and work privately for them and their daughter. I don’t think this is exactly kosher, but respect that offering choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

*Sigh*

At this point, it is more like, what’s next, what’s next. Our mind is much too busy to focus on the general reading we are going to want to do the rest of this long weekend. I want to somehow solidify our position. Maybe this would mean spending some hard work time going back to the Outcome report. I know that we weren’t supposed to be working on it, but that was more in regard to our work time, not our free time.

In general, I think the way to progress is to make our organization the best that it can be. I would like it someday to be a model that is funded by grants for special projects. This is where the Thinking Group, Leadership Group, and Self-Advocacy Committee come in. But, as well the program as a whole and the next set of goals our clients will be working on after the first of July. Need to really get a handle on that.

I think what we’re going to need to do ... is somehow figure out what their abilities, strengths, needs and preferences are really showing us and how that all gels with the programming being offered. I think we are fighting an uphill battle with Sr. Tess., but we’ll keep pushing our points. Basically, we figure she’s leaving parents in the dark ... or to the impotence of the other Q. I don’t mean to seem so above those of my peers, but there is realities to contend with.

There’s the microcosm of the Center’s day-to-day life, and there is the bigger fish bowl we see when we are out at meetings or reading from books or Internet. This bridge has to be built, or it will eventually demise the business. We say this especially with thoughts in mind that Sister is 76 and chances will be ... she won’t have too many more years with the agency. If we are to survive her retirement personally and professionally, we need to build up an organization that will be too valid for the other sister’s to dismiss into oblivion. At least, that’s our general impression of things.

So, with that, we’ll excuse ourselves for a little bit. We are aware that we have a doctor’s appointment today with the surgeon for the hernia. Might have to do some figuring there. We don’t recall what we did with the paperwork, but am pretty sure the appointment is at 2 pm today. Hmm... Maybe we should go down and check the trunk? Yep, yep ... better be doing something. :)

Hmm, OR, maybe we'll take a nap!

The ARC Convention at Wyndham - Day 1 of 2

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Morning! Just us. We’re not sure when you’ll see this entry. We’re at the hotel and having trouble with the Internet connections and the phone, even though we’ve been down to the desk and had the "engineer" up twice ... I guess we’ll just have to wait. His statement on the situation is only that, "Our phones have been screwy..." Like, ok ... thanks. Hmm, maybe I better go put in my room service request by hand? I understand they don’t start delivering for another 1 ½. What is up with that!?? Are we island people??

Umm, sorry Internet depravation ... getting to me already. Worst service I’ve ever seen at a hotel and this is a 12 story Wyndham. I would have expected better. *Whimpering* Now half my coffee has poured out onto the counter! Ok, breath here, relax...

Hmm, just turned out the light so I could get back to it really is at least a nice view from here. Beautiful view ... Kinda a lagoon thing happening out there.  We’re on the 10th floor. Shoot, even though AOL is closed down ... it keeps wanting to start. Kind of a reminder what isn’t working. There’s no cancel request ability any more? Breathe, breathe ...

It’ll be ok. Least we got our word processor, right? It’ll be ok...

Shoot, just shut down ... it’s sorta like falling asleep. Well it’s actually like that, but a little more. When things get too much for us, our minds just disconnect. Eh, it’s better now, the sun has risen, and our coffee and muffins are on their way! All better ...

Well, have to admit ... yesterday was a pretty good day! We made it to the hotel with time to spare. We weren’t able to check in right away, of course, but the bell person secured our suitcase for us. It was a very, very large atrium so it took a few minutes to find where everything was. There seems to be a lack of signs around here *giggle*.

One of the nice things The ARC did was to give everyone very nice cloth, zippered tote bags. This was appreciated cuz, well ... there is always stuff to be carrying at this kind of thing. It made the process easier.

The first session I had wanted to attend was cancelled, but we made due and picked up information on legal/financial processes of special trusts and stuff. It was a breakout meeting and supplemented having heard another "futures" talk like this within the last 6 months. We had had a speaker come to our Center for one of the parent’s meetings.

The next meeting though was very, very good. They had as a keynote speaker the author of a book called, "Riding the Bus with MySister." She gave a very good presentation of her sister, herself and the families dynamics. After the session was over we bought the book and had it signed. Umm, well sorta. We actually had her sign the book to Sr. Tess. We figured that it was her that deserved credit for sending us here and that she should get something out of it too.

Hmm, just reading a few pages now. The style matches how the woman spoke yesterday. She is a college professor, so had some pretty mixed feelings at first of riding the busses with her sister (who has mental retardation). From what I understand the sister rides like 12 buses a day *Giggle*.

The next woman was the luncheon speaker. We weren’t sure of her as much and it WAS after lunch, which can make a person sleepy. Her presentation was on, "Thinking Outside the Box." You know ... I tried last night, but for the life of me I couldn’t remember one thing that this lady said. She had a point to be making, I think ... just she was one of those kind of woman who where their heart out on the sleeve.

I think she was like complaining about the state of things for people with MR and she was like pleading and crying the whole time, but the thing was ... that she put herself as if she was the only one who really know the devastations of MR. Hate that when it happens. Everyone in the room had experiences and we didn’t all cry for those "poor things." This is, in fact, a very negative aspect ... I think its called, pity.

Especially, after having come from the previous speaker. I’m sure that Beth the sister who rode buses felt she had the most special and wonderful lives imaginable. She was doing what she wanted. You know, living out her dream.  Actually, from what we learned from the author, Rosie O'Donnel had picked up the bus story and things are all set for her to make it a movie with her in the lead role of Beth.  Pretty Cool!

The next meeting was eh, so-so. The bad part was that the guy was a salesman and I had the feeling the whole time was basically a sales pitch kinda thing. He did have an interesting job. He was into Research and Development. He travels around the country adapting technology stuff for individuals who are severely retarded. It was kinda interesting to see what was happening out there in the field.

The last presentation was another "breakout" session. This is the main one, we’d focused our attention on prior to coming. As it turns out, and what we hadn’t known was that the key author was doing the presentation himself. I was soooo majorly impressed. He was another professor and we’d known of his work. His name is Dr. James Thompson and included on his project were very, very big authors in the field including: Schalock, Wehmeyer, Hughes and Bryant. We’re talking the top of the top!!

Their work, particularly with Dr. Thompson in the lead was to create a very happening, "Supports Intensity Scale, SIS." It is an interview form asked of someone who knows very well the individual with developmental disabilities. It is very highly supported/featured by the AAMR and is brand new with a 2004 publication date. I had already put the SIS on our list of "must have items."

In general, it asks key questions in regard to home living activities, community living activities, lifelong learning activities, employment activities, health/safety activities, social activities and supplemental protection and advocacy activities. It also includes medical and behavioral support needs. After you finish scoring it, (very easy to do), you gain a Support Needs Profile, which might help to prioritize which needs would need to be cared for first.

It’s just that "support" is a very, very big thing and is in the forefront of people’s interest now in the field. It’s kind of a new way to be thinking about services. I think its been a big deal for a couple of years really. One of the authors mentioned above (Schalock) worked with about 10 other doctorate type people to redefine the definition of mental retardation. That book is also on our list, but came out in 2002. Hehe ... this will teach me to better keep up with our reading!

Our friend called up within moments after getting up to our room at the end of the day and he took us out to dinner at an Italian restaurant. It gave us a chance to talk about the going ons of the day and catch up with his schedule. His main job is as a director of another facility I’d originally worked at, so I have a pretty good sense of the place. They are going through a CARF inspection this week. Very good conversation! AND, there were a couple of Bloody Mary’s involved!

So, that’s pretty much it so far. Today, we will go to a couple of sessions that are legislatively based. One is the ARC’s campaign here in Illinois that addresses funding by the executive director of the ARC here in Illinois. There will be a meeting on inclusion and another meeting on self determination. Then the last meeting of the day will be on advocacy and the legislative process by a UIC professor here in Chicago. Looking very forward to the day actually!

There won’t need to be done much here to be checking out. There is registration at 8 am (breakfast type stuff). This is about a half hour from now. We might wait a bit, plus do the check out stuff. Then the first meeting starts at 9 am. There is a nice ½ hour break between most stuff, so gives you time to really have a nice break. Some of the meetings have been going long.

Then we’ll have one more last meeting of the day, this one with Dr. M. Hmm, wonder what we’ll talk about?! :) Thinking we’re feeling all higgely squishely good!

Hehe - We're on Holiday - til Monday ... well, Mostly

Hmm, we’re up cautiously this morning. We’re a little worried about you all’s comments. It seems the general thread is that there’s an argument against all the yelling that she is doing and there is a good possibility that Sr. Tess is feeling threatened by us and that we should lie back some.

We don’t like the yelling either and we think we’re going to try and figure out how to lay low. Going away for a couple of days to the ARC Convention seems to help ... and we weren’t supposed to be at work on Saturday, because it is the first Saturday, which theoretically we don’t work. The meetings end Thursday at 3 pm and we’re hoping to drive in to the city in time for Dr. M’s appointment. Then on Friday at 2 pm, we have the appointment with the surgeon about the hernia. So, the point being ... what would happen if we took off Friday too?

That would be some very serious laying low? The way we figure, we’ve got to take six more days off between now and June 30. The sick days will carry over, but not the vacation and personal days. It seems as if the only problem is that I’m expecting my prescriptions to come through the mail and end up at work. We might have to arrange to pick them up sometime in between all these days off. Eh, just a call and a short ride?

There we did it! So proud of ourselves!! We wrote a note to Sr. asking if it would be ok to take Friday as a personal day. We did say ... it would give us both a break, since lately, we seem to be upsetting her and that we didn’t mean to be so frustrating. I figure for this little bit ... it’s ok to let her know that we are sensitive to all the negative stuff being imposed on us. Hmm, better send our friend a copy too. *Giggle* And, Dr. M. Seems like this wanting a day off is a big deal!

Wow!! Just got an email back from Sr. Tess ... ‘bout 5:52 am now ... She’s ok’d the time off. She didn’t comment on the other stuff, but she didn’t say anything negative either. :)

I’m almost like on vacation! D’ya hear that?!!

Shoot, shoot ... what’ll I do? I know, I know ... maybe I could get a room?? Heheh - meetings go til 5 pm and there’s supposed to be a magic show I think until 7 pm. I’m not interested in magic, but you all know what I think of Marguerites and Bloody Mary’s!! Of course, not until after the meetings are over. Did I mention this is a two day convention?? Hehehe

Hmm, ok ... plans are all made ... AND, friend is coming over to the hotel for dinner! Prettygood, pretty good. I am hopin they are going to be pretty good meetings! Suppose I should get going? Ahh, that’s the deal ... just checked and sure enough Internet access in the guest rooms! So, guess we’ll pack it up ... let’s see shampoo, medicine, pajammas ....

Hiding Back in Our Office

Mornin … Getting a late start today.  We were up early, but then chose to go back to bed.  Hmm … This may be an ongoing all day entry.  It seems like all kind of things are coming up this morning.  We’re already at work. 

 

We first stopped to talk to Sr. Tess.  We only talked for a moment though.  I confirmed that I would be out Wednesday and Thursday for all day meetings presented by The ARC.  The ARC is probably the biggest advocate organizations for rights and issues of the developmental disability population.  This particular meeting will showcase how to get involved more in legislative issues.

 

Then there were a couple of client issues to care for.  One is trying to remain centered in a family where her stepfather seems to be espousing a lot of anger issues of his own.  The other client issue was from one of the gentlemen who has anxiety due to a compulsion to run outdoors and meet the garbage men on Tuesday mornings. 

 

Then, I forgot one of the parents had initiated a foundation (committee) to address funding issues and I had been specifically invited to attend.  Sr. allowed me to go, but after the meeting was over, she caught up with me and was very angry.  She was upset, because the parent was so determined to have me take part, made such a big issue of us being there, where Sr. is adamant in regard to me having too much on our platter.

 

Yeeks, now one of the staff is asking me to help her a little on a Mother’s Day project.  I know I’m goofy when I start the conversation, “Yes, but you won’t tell Sister?”

 

Normally, we don’t write from work, but we need to re-ground here.  Slow down and concentrate.  As far as yesterday …

 

The first hour at Dr. M.’s was real good, and then things went down hill after that.  Jamie was out for the meeting from start to finish. She showed him how well we were doing with our on-line banking, then after a few moments general catch-up, the rest of the meeting was spent on the CARF Outcome Report.  

 

It was very amazing.  As long and complicated as the processes we were going through over the weekend with it, Dr. M. has the most amazing ability to concentrate and focus.  He listened, asked questions, and most importantly, seemed to understand what we were doing. 

 

He was in a position he could also make suggestions (help us cross a few bridges).  I can’t underline enough how important it is to be able to have someone in your life who understands your mind and its abilities to this degree.  Very, totally positive and forward directed.

 

Unfortunately, Sr. had been waiting for me.  And, I was yelled at again.  She was mad that I had wanted more peoples’ input on the weighting of program hours to be spent on the Outcome Report.  She felt the DSPs weren’t qualified to develop their own time considerations in balancing areas. 

 

The last thing Sr. probably wanted to here from me was … that’s the point, they’ve been balancing it on their own without assistance for at least the five years I’ve been here. 

 

Yesterday, I walked around saying to anyone who would listen, I think she hates me.

 

I don’t know who is worse between Sr. and me.  I think I’ve learned from her that I want to be involved in everything and I want the power to be making decisions and contribute valuable input.  *Sigh*

 

Sr. took me off the Outcome project until the Administration Team next meets sometime next week, so for now we are back to concentrating on writing Qnotes.  There is always something that needs to be addressed next.  J  Suppose this is a good thing!  Press on girls, press on!

Individuals Served Abilities, Strengths, Needs, and Preferences

Abilities

Sensing

to focus/concentrate - 2

to be sensitive - 3

to be more aware - 4

to show curiosity and wonder - 1

to contribute to dynamics - 1

Total - 11

Feeling

to show great pleasure - 1

to communicate needs well - 5

to get enthusiastic - 2

to show humor - 3

Total - 11

Thinking

to comprehend well - 3

to use intelligence well - 1

to be conscientious - 3

to learn/utilize skills - 5

to make choices - 2

to resolve problems - 1

to understand languages - 1

Total - 16

Initiate

to be more independent - 8

to be more responsible - 2

to be reliable - 2

to initiate relationships - 5

Total - 17

Responding

to show interests - 2

to be observant - 2

to be a good listener - 5

to follow directions - 5

to maintain order - 1

to be patient/considerate - 2

to care and help others - 6

to enjoy others - 2

Total - 25

Behaving

to be active - 1

to be a good leader - 3

to be a good team player - 5

to be a hard worker - 3

to be good friends - 2

Total - 14

Grand Total - 94

Strengths

Personal skill

personal living skill - 14

motor skill - 6

good dexterity - 1

receptive skill - 6

good listener - 1

quick to learn - 1

resourceful - 1

efficient - 1

able to self care - 3

healthy - 3

Total - 37

Community skill

supportive family values - 5

community living skill - 9

interest in others - 4

respectful of others - 2

well respected - 1

bi-lingual - 1

Total - 22

Disposition

amiable - 2

sense of humor - 2

good learning attitude - 1

self assured - 1

assertiveness - 2

dependable - 1

reliable - 1

sense of wonder/curiosity - 2

Total - 12

Effort

attendance - 1

motivated - 1

willingness to try - 12

strong will power - 1

determination - 2

desire to be on top - 1

effort to communicate - 1

good work ethic - 1

enjoy working - 1

burgeoning trust - 2

Total - 23

Grand Total - 94

Needs

health/safey/science

develop explorative skills - 2

learn to order (categorize) - 1

develop responsibilities for self care - 2

become interested in physical self - 2

develop an interest in nutrition - 1

develop applied learning skills - 2

Total - 10

personal responsibility

become more aware - 1

develop trust - 1

develop responsibility/consequential - 5

learn self identification - 1

learn to develop boundaries

develop independence - 3

build confidence - 4

learn how to problem solve - 2

develop self esteem - 7

Total - 24

social responsibility

develop proactive relationships- 12

learn to respect self/others - 1

develop ability to listen - 1

improve money/trading skills - 3

accept gifts/share - 1

Total - 18

adult life skills

adult life skills - 8

learn effective adult communication - 10

explore options/choice making - 3

self expression - 2

learn to be a contributor - 1

learn technology skills - 1

Total - 25

work readiness

job readiness/work skills - 12

develop concentration skills - 2

develop self control - 1

improve adaptive behaviors - 1

improve work production - 1

Total - 17

Grand Total - 94

Preferences

Living Arrangements

continue living with family - 17

living at a group home - 1

Total - 18

Working on Personal Goals

not fighting - 2

anger management - 1

perform more meaningfully - 1

be more productive - 1

be more efficient - 1

work more - 2

work less - 1

provide for family - 1

move to higher social circle - 1

more tolerant of others - 1

try new things - 1

get a pet - 1

go to chapel more often - 1

pray more often - 1

Total - 16

Working on Social Skills Goals

more friends - 4

know peers better - 2

have a girlfriend/boyfriend - 4

better accepted - 1

get married - 1

more with friends - 1

develop relationships - 2

be close to someone - 1

know someone more dependable/than last -1

Total - 17

Working on being "better" or developing

learning to play piano - 1

diet/exercise - 3

regular routines - 1

basketball - 2

have a sleepover 1

be smarter - 2

become more active - 1

understand goals better - 1

work on safety - 1

develop pride - 1

know DSP better - 2

watch others clean - 1

direct others - 1

Total - 18

Working on Independence

have more independence - 3

get around better on own - 3

communicate more effectively - 3

in the community more self reliantly - 2

more about rights - 1

more about responsibility - 1

Total - 13

Working in the Community

take any job offered - 8

work at a specific job - 4

Total - 12

 

Abilities

Sensing (12%)

Feeling (12%)

Thinking (17%)

Initiate (18%)

Responding (27%)

Behaving (15%)

Strengths

Personal Skill (39%)

Community Skill (23%)

Disposition (13%)

Effort (25%)

Needs

Health/Safety/Science (11%)

Personal Responsibility (26%)

Social Responsibility (19%)

Adult Life Skills (27%)

Work Readiness (18%)

Preferences

Living Arrangements (19%)

Working on Personal Goals (17%)

Working on Social Goals (18%)

Working on being "better" or developing (19%)

Working on Independence (13%)

Working in Community (13%)

Ideal Group Schedules for Center

Group 1

Monday

.50 Social Skills

1.5 Community (Library/Shopping)

1.0 Food Preparation

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.5 Enrichment

.50 End Day

Tuesday

1.0 Work Skills

1.0 Health/Safety/Science

1.0 Reading/Writing

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.0 Math/Money

.50 Social Skills

.50 End Day

Wednesday

1.0 Work Skills

1.0 Reading/Writing

1.0 Speech/Language

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.0 Math/Money

.50 Social Skill

.50 End Day

Thursday

1.0 Work Skills

1.0 Life Skills

.50 Speech/Language

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.0 Life Skills

.50 Personal Skills

.50 End Day

Friday

1.0 Work Skills

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Skills

1.5 Life Skills

.50 End Day

 

Group 2

Monday

1.0 Math/Money

1.0 Work Skills

.50 Life Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Motor Skills

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Social/Personal Skills - One every other week

.50 End Day

Tuesday

.50 Reading/Writing

1.0 Community (Library/Shopping)

1.0 Food Prep

.50 Life Skills

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Work Skills

.50 Motor Skills

.50 Speech/Language

.50 End Day

Wednesday

1.0 Math/Money

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Life Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Motor Skills

.50 Speech/Language

.50 Social Skills

.50 End Day

Thursday

2.0 Enrichment

.50 Life Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.5 Community

.50 End Day

Friday

1.0 Math/Money

1.0 Social Skills

.50 Life Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 Self Help (Lunch

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Speech/Language

.50 Personal Skill

.50 End Day

 

Group 3

Monday

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Health/Safety/Science

1.0 Enrichment

1.0 Speech/Language

.50 Self/Lunch

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Work Skills

.50 Motor Skills

.50 Life Skills

.50 End Day

Tuesday

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Math/Money

1.0 Health/Safety/Science

1.0 Speech/Language

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Life Skills

.50 Motor Skills

.50 Social Skills

.50 End Day

Wednesday

.50 Personal Skills

1.0 Enrichment

1.0 Food Prep

.50 Work Skills

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.5 Community

.50 End Day

Thursday

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Math/Money

1.0 Reading/Writing

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Life Skills

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Social Skills

.50 End Day

Friday

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 Health/Safety/Science

1.5 Community

.50 Life Skill

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

1.0 Enrichment

.50 Social Skills

.50 End Day

 

Group 4

Monday

1.0 Speech/Language

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Social Skills

.50 Enrichment

.50 Self Help (Eating)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Community

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 End Day

Tuesday

1.0 Speech/Language

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Food Prep

.50 Enrichment

.50 Self Help (Eating)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Work Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 End Day

Wednesday

1.0 Speech/Language

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Social Skills

.50 Enrichment

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Community

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 End Day

Thursday

1.0 Speech/Language

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Math/Money

.50 Enrichment

.50 Self Help (Lunch)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Life Skills

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 End Day

Friday

1.0 Speech/Language

1.0 Motor Skills

.50 Health/Safety/Science

.50 Enrichment

.50 Self Help (Eating)

.50 Physical Fitness

.50 Personal Skills

.50 Community

.50 Reading/Writing

.50 End Day

The World of Work Continues, but More Peacefully

Mornin ... It’s just me. We were up earlier, but decided to go back to sleep, so there is not a whole lot of time left of the early hours. Trying to make the best of things. Still stretchin...

I tried to do a little journal reading last night, but it took some time and we only got about four down, and at that, we didn’t finish. I apologize for not getting around as much as I had been. Seems that work has nearly encompassed me. I want to say thank you to especially Vince, Bill, Flora and Tammy for coming by regularly to check-up on me and add your special daily supports. It’s been appreciated more than you could imagine. Maybe we can catch up between tonight and tomorrow? We’d like to try.

Yesterday, most of the day was put in the working through the new Outcome Report. I think it is going to be a much better document than the first. We’re making some structural changes first, then we’ll try working through the literal changes CARF is asking for. We are very excited about it. The first time, there just wasn’t enough time. We are using all the same data, but the presentation of it is significantly better. Like we said, very pleased. We figure to have it done sooner than the 4-6 weeks it’ll take them to announce officially it needs to be done. Very cool!

The atmosphere at work was a little better than it had been. Not 100%, but better. We spent the first half hour talking/listening to Sr. Tess first thing before even entering our East Wing Garden Spot office. She has a lot of things on her mind. It wasn’t until much later in the day that anything was said about the overtime. She’s still leaning on not giving it to me, but when asked about today, said, well you can come in at least this Saturday.

We thought about it again this morning in the first few moments of waking up. We are very sure that we want to be able to not live off my father’s and Sandy’s gift. We figure too that if we are putting in all these hours, that we should at least be able to have enough money to survive our monthly expenses. We live very frugally.

We’re still very upset that she would deprive us of this. I am not the corner she should be cutting back on. Both times she mentioned to me the surveyor commenting on the lack of money she pays us, she forwarded the information, but she IS ahead of others in paying the DSPs. Seems like it is a violation of the trust we should have between us. We figure if we give her 20 overtime hours, she could at least pay and not quivel about eight of them paid in regular hourly money. It’s not asking for so much, especially if its needed for survival income. *pshwew ... ok, nuf of that..."

Other stuff happened yesterday, I’m sure ... One of the things my mind goes back to now is that Sr. Tess came into the office at one point and took the lilies. I'd been so proud of not killing them!  She’d given each of the staff one for Easter. I had in our window both ours and our friend’s since he hadn’t taken it home yet. Usually, because I have no place for them (apartment and kitties that think they’re chew food), I give ours to our friend so that he may plant them at his place. This year Sr. Tess shwooped up both of them to be planting in the garden. Little worried over what our friend is going to think of this. Hmm...

We did have a good time watching them be planted. We are the only one’s at the Center with a private office window looking outside the building (DSPs have big windows though too). And, at that our window faces out to the long garden bordering the south side of the property. Our other friend, had the lowest functioning group (there were only three yesterday) and a couple of the higher functioning group out helping her plant and turn the soil. Well, you could figure there would be some peeking at all that going on. :)

Everyone at the Center takes pride in the garden. It is about 25' x 8' and is elevated and blocked in by a wooden frame. Usually, Sister plants a row of marigolds around the border to cut down on mosquitoes, then she fills it up with different kinds of vegetables. I’m not sure what’s happening with it this year, but for now there is a very long row (from one end to another) of assorted tulips. It is very beautiful and it managed to all bloom just in time for CARF :)

There is also a statue, but we can’t remember what Saint it is. Between that and watching the birds ... it is very relaxing. And, when our windows are open, we are given to be listening to a couple of the neighbors roosters! I know city and all!! Someone has a couple of geese out there too, but I don’t like their music as much as the roosters. Our second friend says, this is what it sounds like in my country. She was born and raised in Guatemala. Very peaceful. Very nice spring we’re having.

Hmm, don’t think much more important stuff going on yesterday. I think today we are going to definitely be back working on the Outcome report. I am thinking we are going to be doing some very important thinking today. We are going to show that the Center really needs some planning in regard to the program areas and goals. I think in the back of my head we are setting up the position of a Program Manager. I’d like to think there were rhyme and reason to what is offered at the Center ... and we think we can do it through the satisfaction of the individuals we serve. Lookin forward to continuing the project.

Oh, one more good thing happened yesterday. During the long morning talk to Sr. Tess, we managed to progress the situation with the Developmental Book Collection. We brought it back to her attention. At first, she wasn’t so happy, then we figured out why ... she had not gotten to the back page where the finances were concerned and had thought we were asking her to buy the collection herself.

After that was straightened out, she put out her next concern over where the collection would be placed. We had pre-thunk this one. We said that we’d thought either the Staff resource room or the window ledge in our office. We knew there was a pretty good chance it would end up in our office and was our preference, but theoretically the resource room made more sense as themes go.

We were up against two things. She thinks the resource room is too crowded (She’s got a bunch of old stuff in there nobody can use, but she thinks is valuable) and she’s stated before she thought my window ledge should remain cleared. I think she was worrying about keeping the collection in tact, so the window ledge worked out in our favor.

We’re very, very excited to have the references at our finger tip!! We figure the window ledge is about 6-7 feet long and should handle the load. And the shelf is 6-7" wide, so that all works out. A couple of the books will be taller and wider, so those can be tucked away in our upper open cubby hole on the top of the hutch along side the professional journals we keep and a stuffed bear family :)

See, see ... things progress ... at least she’s now imagining the books IN the building :) :) :)

Well all, take care of your day ... and again thanks for stopping in!

Skip this One ... Just Venting Frustration

Morning! Think so at least ... hmm, yes ... all indicators are here!

Well, we’d have to say that yesterday was rather a down day after all the commotion. I think mostly, because Sr. Tess was in such a very bad mood. Fortunately, we had a Dr. M. appointment immediately after the work day had ended, so we had a chance to talk things out. We’d become very angry too.

The first thing we need to say, is that, Sister Tess’ Mother has died less than three weeks ago. I know you all know that, but we need to keep remembering. We’re figurin that is playing heavily into things. Last night we talked almost the whole time of what she was projecting out in anger toward us, the staff, and others she comes in contact with.

Thing is, she doesn’t see it. She’s become very bitter, but seems to think she is as cool as a cucumber and very rational. My father was like that too. I had to put distance between us, because his negativity was very damaging to our psyches. I guess the only thing I can really do with Sr. Tess is put distance in the form of boundaries drawn. I don’t know ... yesterday, I told Sr. Flo that I tried to be very respectful of Sr. Tess, but she said, see that might be part of the problem. Sr. Tess thought I was too respectful. *Sigh* Sometimes its too much? Having a hard time with that one.

At times like this ... everyone, I think, in their own way, tries to figure out the boss. Some in fear of her maybe, but others because we know although she would never say it, she’s hurting. We’ve had these kind of discussions with Dr. M. ever since we came to the Center. Personally, I’ve come to believe she’s not real strong in handling her emotions. She’s got an explosive personality. And, that has an affect. I try to stay calm and not let it affect us personally, but I don’t always succeed. I think when I am calm and maintain my professionalism, like I did with CARF, it makes her even angrier. What good is all her efforts on projecting anger on us, if we don’t get angry.

*Sigh* So, yesterday we got angry. But, pretty much only at Dr. M’s.

There was stuff happening. I think the worst of it, was in the morning, first half hour. She told us that she was pretty sure, she was going to take away my Saturday work. We tried to rationalize in our behalf with her for about 7-8 minutes, before she ended the discussion. Overtime had started one, because we were so behind and there was so much work to do, but two because I had to start paying 10% of my take home pay in insurance. I wasn’t making it financially.

Sister’s logic was that without a CARF inspection looming, I would have like practically no work to be doing. I wanted to scream. The whole thing this next year was to keep up the CARF projects so that we’d never get behind again. Same with the Qnotes and Annuals, we would try to be doing them on time. Plus she still expects me to work on case load, program development, intake, maintaining the programs computer usage, groups, etc. Sr. seems to be disregarding also that I wanted to take over staff development, because the other Q is so demeaning to the staff and program. One way or another, I was now being expected to do all this in a third less of the time and with 17% less money, while knowing that I was being already underpaid for overtime or for my qualifications of getting hard work accomplished.

Yesterday was also a bad day, because she started doing the things I’d worked myself away from. I was once again covering for missing staff, covering for staff who weren’t on time, and even answering the doors. It made me very angry. Then, she called me to say that she wanted me to help get the van in for a repair. All of this while we were supposed to be getting the CARF problems taken care of, catching up with Qnotes, and attending intake.

I was also yelled at for having said "No," to one of my lower functioning clients when she tried to take away another client’s game, which sent the thieving client into an outrage. Sr. said, I must have done something wrong, because she didn’t seem to act like that anymore. She threw a full blown temper tantrum. I am fairly sure it was because the client has been neglected of any proper attention. She does as she pleases. She’s got the staff trained so that if they even talk to her, she starts to cry. Just terrible stuff. I didn’t know the protocol was to appease the clients!

I’m sorry, sorry ... starting to feel that anger again. I’ll be calm. I’ll be calm.

I figure that for a while, if she decides to take away the extra paid time to be doing 8 hours of the work, that I will also take away the 12.50 free hours I do by working late each night. This is how frustrated I am. She still has not responded either to my offer of giving the Center a professional collection of books. So, we figure the next thing to do would be to get the books anyway and begin to study them with my extra time as I would have if she had cared. I won’t let 20 extra hours of time go to waste. Nor, would I settle for becoming less a person or take on less a course of action, so that I can maintain a lesser position as a Q., when I’m smart enough to do so much more.

I figure in 2-3 years, I could become 60 or so books more intelligent in the field. If Sr. has no plans to advance me or pay me for that matter, I’ll be in a better position to look elsewhere. I won’t accept being deadlocked into a position which I don’t respect. She also did something else that made us angry. After repeatedly telling us the CARF Surveyor position was our own decision which she would have nothing to do with, we took the position offered (as far as requesting the application) on Tuesday and told her about it on Wednesday. By Thursday, she began the project of angrily telling us we couldn’t do the work of CARF. I knew this would happen. Could see it coming, though didn’t expect it so fast.

Big Deep Breath ... It'll be ok, it'll be ok ... We don't have to feel threatened here.  We belong...

Do you know ... there wasn't from work one "Thank You," one "Nice Job," or one "Congratulations for earning an CARF Exemplary, or for having passed 97% of the standards?"  I guess this kind of stuff might matter to a person?  How does a person though not take it personally?

On CARF (Very Long)

Hmm, someone was home early yesterday!! Please excuse me, but we’re figurin this to be a pretty long journal entry. Need to clear our mind a bit if that’s ok with you all?

Well, the really exciting part of today is it is over now for three years. We hope at least. The surveyor doesn’t actually say you’ve passed the three year inspection or the one year. Officially, we have to wait 4-6 weeks to get a letter from CARF telling us how we did. Gratefully speaking, CARF does an exit survey. Hehe, we found this guy to be so good, he did it in exactly ½ hour, as promised, without looking at his watch!

This is what we figured ... First, I think it turned out good, but to every survey, there is the "official stuff," and the "unofficial stuff." The official stuff is what you work on for the year previous. The unofficial stuff is what happens between the creases. This year ... both were equally as tough.

The guy, his name was Jim, Jim had an extremely good ability to get a whole lot of information by talking to people. He never looked at all the books that we had prepared for the 94 standards. But, he did allow us to refer to the book as often as we wished. He knew the standards very well. So, he would focus on each "book" 5-6 direct questions, then while you were answering, he was figuring out all the rest, especially from the indirect questions.

The unofficial stuff was all the psychological type stuff from all of the staff. Fortunately, for us ... all except one occasion while we were trying to calm down Sr. Tess, we were actually fairly calm throughout. Had to be really, he spent more time with us, I believe than anyone else. Unfortunately, Sr. Tess had a real tough time with him for the parts that I saw. She was very anxious, defensive, and throughout gave the impression that she wanted him to leave. That all had an affect on the surveyor, who was well able to care for his emotions, but appeared a little hurt.

Late in the day Tuesday after we’d already thought we were through talking to him for the day, he came back for another "session." We knew already that he was very comfortable in our office, and seemed to be enjoying our time with us. He wanted to talk to us about Sr. Tess. He stated that she seemed rather anxious and he’d been having difficulty talking to her.

We acknowledged that we’d seen that and confirmed she was like this sometime. We reminded him of the death of her mother the week before, that she wasin pain because in last two days her foot was bothering her, and that having CARF inspecting us was a lot of pressure. Then to cinch the explanation, we reminded him that she was Italian. *Chuckle* Figured cultural differences counted for everyone in adaption to the environment!

I think he kind of took it personally that she didn’t seem to like him. In fact, Sister had been saying the same kind of thing. She was kinda outraged that he was being so "nit-picky." We had on the other hand thought he was just being thorough and within his bounds. We genuinely liked him and appreciated all the time he was spending with us in a consultive manner.

There was another problem too. The surveyor talked to us about some things that had come up in his interviewing with the staff. As part of the service, CARF asks to act as an intermediary to anyone with complaints. One of the DSP’s complained about not getting enough money, although she’s the highest paid and of lesser deserving on staff. And the other Q, had complained about only getting paid for one job, while she was wearing the hat of three jobs.

I thought the surveyor handled it rather well all considering. You could read his many years in an Administrative position dealing with hundreds of staff. I think also that he was searching out the "weak" spots. We figured out that he had asked each staff at least one question regarding safety, along with questions about their group, their goals, then questions about themselves and reasons in the field and such. A couple of staff appeared to go in some amount of detail about their personal lives and problems they were having professionally. I guess that was to be expected, none had too much experience working with a psychologist.  One of the DSPs really sparkled and he was sure to point her out during the exit interview. 

One of the problems that had come up was that on Monday, the DSP that had complained about money was found by Sr. Tess to have cleaned up a blood incident not well. One of the clients had gotten a small cut, that bled a lot. After the fact, I really don’t know whether the surveyor had found out about this, but at least inadvertently this particular DSP was asked about if she’d been asked if she wanted to receive a Hepatitis B shot from her employer.

That caused kind of a rise as to whether the Center had done something wrong. I hadn’t known about this clause, although we found for the record that the Center had once asked about it on the medical, but had stopped asking because it wasn’t required by the State. Unfortunately, it was required by OSHA. There was another problem in that the DSP who I’ve been having the most problem with, didn’t bother to come in on Wednesday at all. She had been expected to talk to the surveyor, so Sr. read this as, in my terms, job abandonment or neglect.

All three incidents put together with all else, appeared as if some of the staff was very disloyal to her. And, I think that hurt her more than she would ever express. But, again, I thought this was this guys job in an unofficial way. He’d been a psychologist and was extremely good at interviewing.

I know he’d hit us three separate times on money, but each time, we’d said we had made enough. The last time, I had figured he was reaching for something more, so I told him something of ourselves that I’d believed to be a truth. I told him that I had three grown sons, and that the middle 21 year old had already made himself into a millionaire and that I figured that when I got old enough to need assistance he and the other boys would be there for me. After that, he didn’t ask me anymore.

Afterward, Sr. Tess said to me that the guy had, of course, looked at our pay as well and had told Sr. Tess, that I was well worth over the amount she was paying me even in the field of developmental disabilities. Sr. took this as an insult and that she’d been paying enough to everyone. The guy also indicated three times, his distrust for the "religious order" part of things from a business point of view.

To him, I think he believed that Sr. was running things on a pretty tight purse string as if the whole Center had taken with her a vow of poverty, where others might think Sr. Was being very efficient and effective. He believed that every company should be run like a regular business as much as possible and he was proud his company had 4.3 million in the bank. *Sigh*

Late Tuesday afternoon, as well as some of the interpersonal statements, he really did want to get to us (Administration staff), some of his suggestions. We did end up having two recommendations which turned out to be the stuff "you have to fix." One of them was as I’d been saying the other day. We needed to predict the outcome, then state clearly whether we’d met it and offer an explanation (action plan), how we would address this.

The second recommendation had to do with our grievance policy. He said, we needed to be adding a timeline on whatever it was to next happen. Like three days after a complaint made, so and so would do whatever. It was like, OK we can fix that ... not too bad. The suggestions were also not bad. They were minor things that would help us in both the long and short run. There were about 8-10 of these.

What I did was to type out the recommendations and suggestions, he'd been cluing us in on and then I left them (and copies for the Administration staff) on Sr.'s desk.  We knew she gets tired at the end of the day, but in the morning she is very sharp and able to take care of the questions on hand.  Which is exactly what she did.  She was very ready to present the best our Center offers to the surveyor first thing.  She didn't need the Administration staff, like most things that happen at the Center, she took care of the matters personally.  Yay Sr. Tess!!

And, then there were the part about the compliments. There were at least a dozen if not more. He was very giving to us, including the part of the exemplary reports written. As an aside, he’d been happy we’d given him a copy of the reports (about an inch thick *giggle*). There was one other thing that affected his pleasure with the Center. It was really quite wonderful ...

I guess, he was kind of fiddlin around Wednesday morning, so fairly assuredly Sr. Tess pushed him a little to be going to the Thinking Group. So about a little more than half way through, he wandered into where we’d been working with the big group. We were all pretty warmed up at that time and excited that he would come in and sit down. He sat amongst the clients and they warmly greeted him after being introduced by the client who’d been our CARF Rep. I could tell he wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m pretty sure a Chicago "crowd" looks differently than a Kansas "crowd" and ours was pretty animated!

I told him that we didn’t know if he would come, but we were working down the line with the pre-CARF questions. When we looked down at our paper, I realized we’d gotten to the question on their rights and responsibilities. Thought ok ... ok ... we can do this. So, we did whatever it is that we do. (Hehe - I’m not the part in charge of this part). Needless to say, we were being pretty animated too. It’s pretty much a regular trick we do to keep everyone involved.

Well, one way or another, one of the clients started and than it began to run as fast asa greased pig. Man-o-man ... have never been so proud of the clients as we were yesterday. It was the kind of thing that brought tears to my eyes. About 7-8 people indicated they had something to say about rights. And none-of-it was the kind of stuff that was memorized. They spoke from their hearts with true understanding. Some needed a little assistance in the form of framing questions, but most related it to something very real in their life. Very, very spontaneous.

Then as it turned up, the next question was on safety. Basically, I asked them what did they know of safety at the Center. They responded to the first part on this one as a group. I bounced over to the alarm directions on the wall and covered them. And, I said, "what would happen if Sr. had wrung one bell. Most of them responded in a choir they would go out the front door, etc. The proudest moment of all was the question of what would happen if there was to be a tornado? (Hehe - thought this good for our Kansas Surveyor!)

I had previously out loud teased our Rep. about letting some of the others speak, but on this one, she began to wave her hand back and forth excitedly saying, "Oh, Oh, pick me for this one!" So, we said, "Ok, this is your big break, go ahead." Man-o-man ... never, ever before had I heard from either a client or a staff such an excellent explanation of what is done with this drill. From the time the bell had wrung to the time they were all tucked under their hands, this client nailed it! (Hehe we gave her an award for her CARF presentation later after things had calmed down!!)

I don’t remember what the 4th question was, but I think the 3rd question had to do about what did they do in the community. I’d been making sure a variety of them got a chance to convey what they were doing. Oh, I know their was a question on what they would do if they wanted their goals changed. Then about goals in general. Very, very responsive crowd.

We’d seen throughout Jim was very pleased and impressed. I really, really don’t think there is a group that is as excellent of thinkers as is our group. Toward the end, we had five minutes so we started preparing the group that Jim would be leaving within the hour, so we got serious some and asked the group if they had any problems they would like to talk about because Mr. Jim was also a problem solver. They looked confused for a second, then one of the clients said, "me, me!"

Jim looked like he’d put on his serious mask. The client walked over directly in front of the guy and started. I was a little worried, but thought this was a fair deal. Hehe, but what turned out was that the client had instead complimented the Center very well. So, then I spoke once more. I said, I’m very happy that he had wonderful things to say, but we were really wondering if anyone had problems.

Then it started, one after one again 7-8 deep, they all got up and told him that they didn’t have problems, but that they’d loved the Center, the staff, and all their friends. Shoot, could of hugged each one of them. This too after our big bit on who to go to if there was a problem. I’d set up a scenario where I as a staff had pretended to start kicking one of the clients. Oh man, did they think that was a Right’s problem ... ! It was all very, very good.

So, I had to extend the time a little, but I offered the group a chance to say anything they wanted to Jim before he left. It was very, very sweet. Someone even suggested that he would be missed. I think it kind of tore at both our hearts. Then I let them know they could shake his hand before he left. He gathered a crowd.

*Giggle* Having been affected by the Thinking Group might have made it back into his exit summary, umm about like four whole times?!? It got a little embarrassing for all the attention it had soaked up, but our client CARF Rep was at the meeting too, and I could see her beaming. Man-o-man ... You know ... a lot more happened, but in general? This is the part, we’re going to remember the most about the inspection. Just felt so proud of them!!! They stood up and spoke their minds. It’s what self-advocacy is all about.  They are wonderful learners!!

So, after a very, very long while ... I figure we better let you all be getting back to whatever it was you were doing. If you’ve made it this far, I want to really thank you for sharing with us our "CARF" experience. You all are the best!!! Thank you for listening :)  Love 'ya!!

Oh yeah, one more thing ... I'm pretty sure there are too many people to consider us, but none-the-less, we accepted being "nominated" for a CARF Surveyor position! :) :) :)

Need to Hold for an Update in a Couple of Hours

Yeeks ... please hold for an update ... coming soon ... lot's to write about, but needed to work on work stuff this morning.  Most likely, we will sit down to journal after the inspector leaves (by 11:30 am today!!!).  So far, so good, though there are at least 3 recommendations made that will need to be taken care of.  We'll get it there ... working on maintaining Center stability and emotional well-being.  Hehe , I think he still likes me, but has now openly commented on poor Sr. Tess', umm Italian emotions??  Been a tough couple of days. Pretty soon now ... be heading for the lake equipped with "Super-sized Slurpee!!  Hmm, better make final plans for Thinking Group this morning.

One Heck of a Day!!

Mornin .. morning ... *SIGH* Hehe Sorry

Had to get all that off our chest! Well, we made it through day one! And so far ... it looks like we are doing pretty good. We wrote directly to Vince yesterday ... so, Vince ... don’t read this part it’s a replay, k? :)

The surveyor is pretty good and maybe what is more important is that he seems to like us! He is from Kansas and is retiring from the Chief Executive position of a large 200 person served facility. He’s been doing CARF surveys for like 27 years and he’s gotten almost 300 of them done.

We talked to him in general and about Outcomes and Rights. Sister and our friend did Finances. Our friend did health and safety and smoozed lunch yesterday and will again today. Sister did leadership and human resources. Today the other Q and I will do program and client files. Community is happening all along. Today he’ll talk to some of the DSP’s and clients. I’ll also go through Accessibility with him. He’s already met with our financier from the State, a representive from our Advisory Board and a parent.

At night time, he has to be writing his reports ... think that will happen a lot of Wednesday too. He will probably peek in during the Thinking group and he has to give us our exit report an leave by 11 am Wednesday. From what we can put together so far ... he is very fast and deliberately hard striking on some very main points, he’s listens to our verbal and is thinking through out. Part of his work seems to be checking us out and the other part to give guidance.

So far, I think he’s made about 4 recommendations ... these are for improvements, not about standards that have not been made and have to be corrected. I think effort toward working through the 94 standards count for a lot ... and in that area we shine. Last year, we scored 97% and we had about 10 recommendations.

Now, the really, really good part. The toughest part of accreditation is making it past the Outcomes. Thing is ... he read my Outcome report before he got here. To do that report was a very, very long standard #14. Standard #12 was the matching difficult one. It encompasses 11 reports on "Business Improvements." We were very thorough in at least 10 out of 11. Thinking tonight I will redo what I can on the 11th one, because he wants to take a copy of them with him.

Basically, what he is saying to us and our bosses is that he thought my reports were, well, he used the word, "exemplary." I figure that wemust of looked confused, because he went on to diagram verbally and with his hands. He said, "it means you are head AND shoulders above any other site he had ever surveyed." It was like man oh man.... He says they are so good that he believes they should be marketed. I’m very sure I have no idea what that might mean, but I figure that our friend will know and we’ll be able to talk about it today.

The really neat thing now??? He’s offered us a job at CARF surveying like he does! Like Holy "Whatever!" I guess their was a fair amount of talking about me through Sr. Tess and my friend, the surveyor said, he was going to talk to them about the opportunity he is offering. I would still work at the Center, but a minimum of 3 times a year, CARF would pay for my travel and accommodations to go check out other sites ... like ours ... all over the United States and Canada and a few European countries.

They would also pay to train me. It would be a 5 day intensive course in Arizona. It’s not something one does for the money. Hehe, they pay you only $50 a day. It’s more about ... (this is from what I read on their site last night ... It’s an opportunity to learn from other organizations, a chance to contribute to the quality of services in an organization, recognition of personal achievement and excellence in the field, an opportunity for professional networking, training, complimentary registration fees at CARF sponsored events, and complimentary CARF publications, including the standards manual (couple hundred dollars).

They say that for St. Rose the benefits are the new ideas I will get from surveying, an opportunity to share with others our innovations, exposure to national and international trends in the field, and they get a staff member (me), who is up-to-date with changes in the field and the CARF standards.

This would be a really, really big deal. If I was found to be acceptable, I could do more surveying which is what they really want, but for the sake of time argument ... we won’t say that directly to Sr. Yet. In July, I will have been at the Center 5 years, and that is one of the requirements of the position. There is two kinds of surveyors. One is administrative which would have required being in a position like Sr.’s which I am not. The other is to become a program surveyor. That would mean surveying the direct service and treatment areas in Employment and Community Services.

Pretty big deal. I don’t think I would ask for a raise of pay from Sister, but I would like to ask for a position change. If I accepted the position, I would like to go in it with a title at the Center of "Program Director." It would mean doing CARF, teaching the Staff not only program development, but State Certification Training, plus of course developing training programs for the individuals as well as conducting groups for the individuals in Thinking, Leadership, and Self-Advocacy. I would be a part of the Annual meetings for the clients, but not do Qnotes. I would be over the Q’s and maintain a position on the Administration Team and Behavioral/Human Rights Committee. It be a very, very good position, but the thing is that Sr. Would have to come up with the money to hire another Q. That’s the tricky part.

There was one recommendation he made to our work on Outcomes. It was something about coming up with Goals, such that ... they could be achieved. By that a number or percent would be calculated, targeted, and reported.  So if we would make a goal of making 95 widgets, or raise a satisfaction score by 12%, we would know if we met the goal, then you would devise an action plan to change or explain the current position met.  It be a regrouped problem/resolutionn to solve. Currently what I am doing is the numbers work on a multitude of indicators, but I'm only noting and comparing.  It's another step further to say, I would like the program to be at 63% of whatever and this is what we'll do differently this next year.  We discussed it at length. Then, he gave me a copy of his organizations Performance analysis report. Like man oh man, between that model and what I’m able to do, we have no doubt of surpassing what he is doing.

This morning already, we read the complete 51 page report. Hehe ... were pretty quick! Anyway ... the point is ... although his center is working with a lot more people, from everything I gathered, it’s not even coming close to ours as far as improving quality of life. I rectify that statement, in that, their reports of clients and stakeholders is much more like ... he got a job, or he’s now living in one of their residents in their own bedroom. That seems to have been THE goal.

But, they mention absolutely nothing what happens to the individual’s minds or mindsets over the course of the year, or in gaining perspective of adaptive/maladaptive behavior. Or, nothing in regard to personal goals like building friendships, values, respect and independence. Our way of doing things covers all of these. I think thins AND the razzle/dazzle I am able to do with numbers is why he thought so highly of our report as exemplary.

Another thing we discovered is the difference in populations we are serving. In our Center we only have like 3% of the people who have mild mental retardation. His is like 41% mild. That means that 97% of our people are below ability of his top 41%. We also have a more diverse population. In our organization about 80% are minorities while his population is 84% white. Usually that means our population would be more economically disadvantaged as well, especially since they are suburban Kansas (population 48,000) where we are south side Chicago (population like 4 million). The last glaring detail is that they have less than 1% of their population with mental illnesses, where we have about 32% with mental illnesses. Big differences all around. Seems to say our group is in general more challenged than the one he’s working with.

Don’t know ... don’t know. But, I do know that he wants a decision by today on the job offer so he can write it up before he goes tomorrow. Dr. M.? You keepin up with things here? Hehe, or all others ... any opinions so far on what should be done next??? Yeeks, beside the thought, it’s time, we get ourselves moving for this next day. Hopin that it will be as wonderful as yesterday was! :) Hehe, we told him yesterday about after CARF surveying that we’ll be lookin forward to relaxing on the Lake with a slurpee. Then later after we’d received such high praise, we said we might get two slurpees! Heheh ... at the end of the day, he said, "I think you deserve three!"

The Day...

Mornin, mornin!! How’s everyone doin? Seat’s buckled? Sorry, sorry ... maybe a little teeny weeny uptight this morning? Ok, Ok ... shhh, smile, be calm. *Schwoooooooo*

Well, this is it. Pretty soon. I figure that we’ll write about a half hour, then get ready half hour early. I’m not sure if I will be able to talk to Dr. M. this morning. We decided it was too much to be away from the Center this morning for the appointment, even though it’s scheduled earlier. We sent along a note. We’re hoping he talks to us by phone after we get to work, but if he doesn’t feel comfortable doing that we will understand.

We stayed up ‘til 10 pm last night, then had some difficulty falling asleep. We’d been pretty wound up with the work we’d been doin. I know, I hear you Vince ... just don’t know how to relax as good as we thought we could. Now if I were parked on the Lake, maybe it be different. Hmm, there’s a thought. Maybe we could drive up near our last apartment off of Foster Beach, just sit and watch the waves from Lake Michigan for awhile? Vince, would that count?? *Our biggest winning smile!*

Hmm, a drive down Lakeshore Drive ... Haven’t done that for eons! LOL - Now we’ve been over at Amazon, listening to a sound clip from the song, Lake Shore Drive by Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah. Sweet!

Shoot, how’d that happen!?? Vince we’re blaming you for all the playing that’s been done this last half hour! Gotta go ... Thanks all for the CARF encouragement ... It’s time to go *Sparkle!*

We're Starting with only 60 Books, but 116 Authors in the Author's Index... Oh Man is this Fun!

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Adler, M.J., et al. How to Read a Book. (1972). How to Speak, How to Listen. (1997).

Agran, M., Ph.D., et al., Self Determination to Students with Disabilities. Basic Skills for Successful Transition. (1998).

Ansell, E.F., Ph.D., et al., Community Supports for Aging Adults with Lifelong Disabilities. (2000).

Ashbaugh, J.W., et al., Creating Individual Supports for People with Developmental Disabilities: A Mandate for Change at Many Levels. (1994).

Baker, B.L., Ph.D., et al., Best of AAMR: Families and Mental Retardation. (2002).

Baker, P.C., Ph.D., et al., Embarking on a Century: Mental Retardation at the End of the Twentieth Century. (2002).

Bennett, W.J., The Book of Virtues. (1993). The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators: American Society at the End of the 20th Century ((Revised and Expanded Edition)). (1995). Moral Compass: Stories for a Life's Journey. (1995). Our Sacred Honor: Words of Adice from the Founders in Stories, Letters, Poems, and Speeches. (1997).

Berghuis, D.J., et al., The Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability Treatment Planner. (2000).

Berstein, G.S., Ph.D., "Human Service? ... That Must Be So Rewarding." A Practical Guide for Professional Development, Second Edition. (1999).

Bigby, C., B.A., M.S.W., Ph.D., Moving On Without Parents. Planning, Transitions and Sources of Support for Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Intellectual Disability. (2000).

Blacher, J., Ph.D., et al., Best of AAMR: Families and Mental Retardation. (2002).

Blaney, B.C., et al., Creating Individual Supports for People with Developmental Disabilities: A Mandate for Change at Many Levels. (1994).

Borhwick Duffy, S.A., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

Bossidy, L., et al., Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. (2002).

Bradley, V.J., M.A., et al., Creating Individual Supports for People with Developmental Disabilities: A Mandate for Change at Many Levels. (1994). Quality Enhancement in Developmental Disabilities: Challenges & Opportunities in a Changing World. (2003).

Brown, F., Ph.D., et al., People with Disabilties Who Challenge the System. (1996).

Bruce, E.J., Ph.D., et al., Nonfinite Loss and Grief. A Psychoeducational Approach. (2001).

Bryant, B., Ph.D., et al., Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003).

Buckingham, M., et al., First Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest managers Do Differently. (1999). Now Discover Your Strengths. (2001).

Buntinx, W.H.E., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

Burack, J.A., et al., Handbook of Mental Retardation and Development. (1998).

Burck, C., et al. Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. (2002).

Campbell, E.M., Ph.D., et al., Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003).

Carlson, J.I., M.A., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

Carr, E.G., Ph.D., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

Carter, W.W., M.Ed., et al., The Transition Handbook: Strategies High School Teachers Use That Work! (2000).

Chapman, M.S., M.Ed., et al., Developing Staff Competencies for Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities. An Orientation Handbook, Second Edition. (1993).

Charan, R., et al., Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. (2002).

Clifton, D.O., et al., Now Discover Your Strengths. (2001).

Coffman, C., et al., First Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest managers Do Differently. (1999). Follow the Path: How the World's Greatest Organizations Drive Growth by Unleashing Human Potential. (2002).

Coulter, D.L., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

Covey, S.R., Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. (1990).

Craig, P.M., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002). Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003).

Croser, M.D., et al., Embarking on a Century: Mental Retardation at the End of the Twentieth Century. (2002).

Didden, R., et al., One-to-One Training: Instructional Procedures for Learners with Developmental Disabilities. (2004).

Dinoto, A., et al. The Pressed Plant. (1999).

Duker, P.C., et al., One-to-One Training: Instructional Procedures for Learners with Developmental Disabilities. (2004).

Gardner, J.F., Ph.D., M.A.S., et al., Developing Staff Competencies for Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities. An Orientation Handbook, Second Edition. (1993). Quality Performance in Human Services. Leadership, Values, and Vision. (1999).

Gonzalez-Molina, G., et al., Follow the Path: How the World's Greatest Organizations Drive Growth by Unleashing Human Potential. (2002).

Gower, R., et al.,The Skillful Teacher: Building Your Teaching Skills. (1997).

Greenspan, S., Ph.D., et al., What is Mental Retardation. (2003).

Griffin, C., et al., Making Self-employment Work for People with Disabilities. (2003).

Frazier, E.S., M.A., et al Self-directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition. Teachers and Employment Specialists. (2002).

Hammis, D., et al., Making Self-employment Work for People with Disabilities. (2003).

Hanson, M.J., Ph.D., et al., Developing Cross-cultural Competence: A Guide for Working with Children and their Families, 2nd ed. (1998). Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk. (2003).

Herr, S.S., J.D., et al., Aging, Rights, and Quality of Life. Prospects for Older People with Developmental Disabilities. (1999).

Hingsburger, D., M.Ed., Sexuality. Your Sons and Daughters with Intellectual Disabilities. (2000).

Hodapp, R.M., et al., Handbook of Mental Retardation and Development. (1998).

Holburn, S., Ph.D., et al., Person-Centered Planning: Research, Practice, and Future Directions. (2003).

Hughes, C., Ph.D., et al., Self Determination to Students with Disabilities. Basic Skills for Successful Transition. (1998). Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003). The Transition Handbook: Strategies High School Teachers Use That Work! (2000).

Husch, J.V., M.A., et al., Self-directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition. Teachers and Employment Specialists. (2002).

Janicki, M.P., Ph.D., et al., Community Supports for Aging Adults with Lifelong Disabilities. (2000).

Jongsma, Jr., A.E. et al. The Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability Treatment Planner. (2000).

Keith, K.D., Ph.D., et al., Cross-Cultural Perspective on Quality of Life. (2000).

Kemp, D.C., Ph.D., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

Kimmich, M., D.S.W. et al., Quality Enhancement in Developmental Disabilities: Challenges & Opportunities in a Changing World. (2003).

Knowlton, E., Ed.D. et al., Teaching Students with Mental Retardation: Providing Access to the General Curriculum. (2002).

Kozleski, E.B., Ed.D. et al., Teaching Students with Mental Retardation: Providing Access to the General Curriculum. (2002).

Kregel, J. Ed.D., et al., More than a Job: Securing Satisfying Careers for People with Disabilities. (1998).

Lehr, D.H., Ph.D., et al., People with Disabilties Who Challenge the System. (1996).

LeRoy, B., Ph.D., et al., Women with Disabilities Aging Well. A Global View. (2004).

Levin, L., M.A., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

Lovett, H., Ph.D., Learning to Listen: Positive Approaches and People with Difficult Behavior. (1996).

Luckasson, R.A., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardatioin Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

Lynch, E.W., Ph.D., et al., Developing Cross-cultural Competence: A Guide for Working with Children and their Families, 2nd ed. (1998). Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk. (2003).

Martin, J.E., Ph.D., et al., Self-directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition. Teachers and Employment Specialists. (2002).

McCarthy, C.F., PT, M.S., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

McClean, L.K., Ph.D., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

McConnachie, G., Ph.D., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

McHugh, M., Special Siblings. Growing Up with Someone with a Disability, Revised Edition. (2002).

McMorrow, M.J., M.S., Getting Ready to Help: A Primer on Interacting in Human Service. (2003).

Melberg Schwier, K., et al., Sexuality. Your Sons and Daughters with Intellectual Disabilities. (2000).

Miller, J.F., Ph.D., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

Mithaug, D.E., Ph.D., et al., Self-directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition. Teachers and Employment Specialists. (2002).

Noonan Walsh, P. Ph.D., et al., Women with Disabilities Aging Well. A Global View. (2004).

Novak Amado, A.R., Ph.D., Friendships and Community Connections Between People with and without Developmental Disabilities. (1993).

Nudler, S., M.A.S., et al., Quality Performance in Human Services. Leadership, Values, and Vision. (1999).

Oliphint, J.H., M.Ed., et al., Self-directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition. Teachers and Employment Specialists. (2002).

Orelove, F.P., Ph.D., et al., Educating Children with Multiple Disabilities: A Collaborative Approach, Fourth Edition. (2004).

Paul-Brown, D., Ph.D., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

Pengra, L.M., Ph.D., Your Values, My Values: Multicultural Services in Developmental Disabilities. (2000).

Perlstein, R., et al., Ready-to-Use Conflict Resolution Activities for Secondary Students. (2002).

Reave, A.A., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

Romski, M.A., Ph.D., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

Rourk, J.D., O.T.R/L., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A Product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

Rotholz, D.A., Ph.D., et al., Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). 2003

Sands, D.J., Ed.D. et al., Making it Happen: Student Involvement in Education Planning, Decision Making, and Instruction. (1998). Teaching Students with Mental Retardation: Providing Access to the General Curriculum. (2002).

Saphier, J., et al., The Skillful Teacher: Building Your Teaching Skills. (1997).

Sax, C.L., Ed.D., et al., Transition Assessment. Wise Practices for Quality Lives. (2002).

Schalock, R.L., Ph.D., et al., Adaptive Behavior and its Measurement. (1999). Cross-Cultural Perspective on Quality of Life. (2000). Embarking on a Century: Mental Retardation at the End of the Twentieth Century. (2002). Handbook on the Quality of Life for Human Service Practioners. (2002). Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002). Out of the Darkness and Into the Light: Nebraska's Experience in Mental Retardation. (2002). Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003). What is Mental Retardation. (2003).

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Silberman, R.K., Ed.D., et al., Educating Children with Multiple Disabilities: A Collaborative Approach, Fourth Edition. (2004).

Silverman, W., Ph.D., et al., Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003).

Slaggert, K., et al. The Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability Treatment Planner. (2000).

Smith, C.E., M.A., et al., Communication-based Intervention for Problem Behavior: A User's Guide to Producing Positive Change. (1994).

Smith, D., et al., What is Mental Retardation. (2003).

Snell, M.E., Ph.D., et al., Book, Workbook, and Forms Set: Mental Retardation Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports 10th Edition. (2002).

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Thompson, J.R., Ph.D., et al., Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003).

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Verdugo-Alonso, M.A., Ph.D., et al., Handbook on the Quality of Life for Human Service Practioners. (2002).

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Wehman, P., Ph.D., Life Beyond the Classroom: Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities. (2001). More than a Job: Securing Satisfying Careers for People with Disabilities. (1998).

Wehmeyer, M.L., Ph.D. et al., Making it Happen: Student Involvement in Education Planning, Decision Making, and Instruction. (1998). Supports Intensity Scale Manual and Forms (The set). (2003). Teaching Self Determination to Students with Disabilities. Basic Skills for Successful Transition. (1998). Teaching Students with Mental Retardation: Providing Access to the General Curriculum. (2002).

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Yoder, D.E., Ph.D., et al., Communications Supports Checklist for Programs Servicing Individuals with Severe Disailities. A product of the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (1998).

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