A FATHER'S LEGACY BRINGS JOY AND CHARITY TO GENERATIONS TO COME- THANKS SIR PHILIP SHERLOCK

Blog written by Ele Rickham and Leslie Wan 

The S.T.E.P. Centre has been lucky enough to have made a friend and a supporter through a most circuitous route and at the centre of that connection is the renowned late Sir Philip Sherlock who has blessed generations to come with charity and funding stretching back to his days on earth. Part of this months blog is written by our friend and supporter Ele Rickham who brought the work of Sir Philip back to our school, and the hearts of many a child learning to read, while providing us with funding for a storyteller over the summer session. I would say it is a tribute to this man, that his dedication, is still touching young lives, blessing and reminding all of his children of his legacy of service and devotion to education. Frankly I think there is not much greater gift a person can give than giving back to the education of children for generations to come.......Leslie 

Ele Rickham writes how she came to find our school.   
For many years I have worked with the Saint Ann's Junior Library. One of our regular young visitors was named Davia. Davia came every week. When I questioned her about her reading, she said she couldn't read, but her family read to her. So we set about to figure out how to teach Davia to read. Davia's favorite book was Anansi and the Alligator Eggs by Sir Philip Sherlock. When my late Aunt Hilda saw how quickly Davia picked up reading, she became committed to the concept that more had to be done to teach these children to read. Aunt Hilda offered up a donated sum of money to get the ball rolling and a decision was made to reprint that favorite book by Sir Philip. I set about getting permission from all parties I needed for reprints. Permission was granted by the late Annabella Proudlock (who had originally organized the book as a fundraiser many years ago), Susan Judah the original illustrator and then I only needed permission from Hilary Sherlock (Sir Philip's daughter) who heads up the Step Centre school, headquartered then at the St. Margaret's church hall on Old Hope Road, in Kingston.

Book available now for sale at the school -$1500 (Jamaican) for paperback and $2000 (Jamaican) for hardback. Support our school reading 

I set out to meet Hilary for her permission, but had never actually visited the school before. Hilary greeted me and after briefing her about the plan for Anansi and the Alligator Eggs to benefit the St. Ann’s Bay Junior Library, it made sense to include STEP as a fundraiser recipient in the donated funds. Hilary took me to meet the children, their teachers and assistants. I was struck by how neat, tidy and organized the surroundings and children were, and how busy everyone was.  There was a young volunteer working on the paper lined floor, assisting 2 or 3 children as they dipped their hands in paint and transferred hand prints to paper . A child in a wheelchair holding a long handled paintbrush was allowed the freedom to patiently apply the strokes to paper on an easel. We exchanged smiles. Another child in her chair was having a bit of physiotherapy, while yet another was in a mini standing frame, something I knew well. This world of therapy and physical challenges was familiar to me. My now 5’ 7” spinally injured daughter uses an adult stander to improve her circulation. Having spent 6 weeks at CIREN Children Unit (Centre for Neurological Rehab) in Havana, Cuba, the surroundings and routine were very familiar to me. At the age of 13 my daughter sustained an injury while swimming which left her spine damaged, and lower mobility impaired. At that time I was thrown into the world of special needs, a world I still find myself championing, even as my daughter has gone on to excel despite her challenges. I realize now that this meeting / project was no doubt one of those strange happenings when karma found a way to make a full circle at just the right moment in my life. My daughter is now a professional sailor on the Great Britain Paralympic team and won a bronze in the 2012 Paralympics and her next goal is the GOLD! Great things can happen despite challenges, a lesson this school strives to illuminate.  

Just a random happy day at the school. Happiness abounds!  

Some time later I took Hilary the proof copy of Anansi.  The Step Centre had moved to its own purpose built edifice with space to suit their needs.  A wide welcoming entrance hallway I call the children's personal Art Gallery, displayed two mounted mural sized pieces of artwork. One of them, the hand prints! The Step Centre motto "believing in one child means believing in all children" came to mind.  The literary fundraising idea was solidified! Reading, making the characters come alive via illustrations or story telling sessions was undoubtedly one way of expanding and stimulating the children. 

The Children's art of "Ananci and the Alligator Eggs"

And there it was...........I found a wonderful place where children thrive, a way to help them with much needed funds, while I help the library too. Further, a means for future generations to "live a legacy" again. The funds raised for the STEP Centre from the sale of our book during that time, funded a professional storyteller for the summer session of the school. She brought such joy and real drama to stories and even created a play for the many children to participate in. It was a joy to watch the children perform. Who knew when I set out to help the library with funds for literacy, I would also find a mission in this small school with a huge heart. I am told that this school hopes to have a lending library too one day, so that parents can read with their children to allow a bonding one on one between a parent and a child. Dreams have a way of becoming reality if circumstances align!...........Ele     

Hilary and our sweet teen selling our Christmas cards and books for the school at a fair. $100 per Xmas card - lots of choices ( see flyer at right) 
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We appreciate it - Courts Jamaica!!

Thank you to Courts Jamaica for providing us with the new refrigerator we desperately needed. Our children's lunches are safe and COLD again. A real need on our prior wish list. 
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Leslie's Motivational Corner this month....... 

Being who you are is not about being who you were yesterday, but who you hope to be tomorrow. Reaching for a goal is not about a grand plan for something huge and important, but about acknowledging that goals come in steps and that each step is closer to that goal. Celebrating the steps to the goal is part of the journey. As you think of any goal, think gratitude. Gratitude for where you are, gratitude that if you don't make it, you have had the insight to envision it and the hope to achieve it. We spend way too much time lamenting what we haven't been able to achieve and not enough celebrating the passion that created our vision.  Goals to consider: being healthy, being kind and being happy in a moment, because while moments are many, too few are acknowledged for their simple wonder. Gratefulness and thankfulness are goals in and of themselves. 

I am grateful you joined us in another month of sharing our blog.....Leslie Wan         

TEENS TAKE OVER - YIKES!

Blog written by Leslie Wan

"Treat us equally because God made us special and none of us are perfect"- Trishana

The teens did take over and what a day it became. World Cerebral Palsy Day 2015 (October 8th)  was a special occasion for some very important teens. It was the day they kicked out parents, kicked out the other students regularly at the school, and rolled on into something specifically dedicated just to them! In truth I was hugely excited to be there, and at the same time, I had to remind myself that it was to be a day filled with TEENAGERS, that dreaded breed that can make us crazy. No crazy on this day........These teenagers were amazingly disciplined, respectful, attentive, joyful, involved and assertive in all the ways you WANT a teen to be assertive. They had spirit, they had hope and their questions and responses were on point and very intuitive. Teens with special needs are intelligent, vocal and have the feelings of their able bodied peers... intent on having control over their path but with questions about how to get there.

   

In they came one after the other, wheel chairs and walking. It began with a high five for old friends re-acquainted and making new friends. A circle formed and communication began. Multiple schools were represented, males and females, with varying degrees of challenges. From afar I saw a young lady whom I have known since she was about 5 speaking with her bestie from back in her STEP Centre days. I walked up behind her and her bestie began to giggle at my hide and seek routine, as I dodged right and left so her friend couldn't see me. Oh yes her friend knew what was up so I walked around to her front and she "buss out´ with the biggest laugh upon seeing Auntie again. Here she was 17 and looking all grown up in her Liberty High uniform.  Another young man came in and put his wheelchair behind me and gave me a gentle nudge. I turned around and had a moment as I remembered the little boy who is now that deep voiced grown man-child with a double sized smile. A faithful blog reader upon meeting me that day said, "Oh I expected you to be older." I laughed and thought today, I actually FEEL older, as I see the babies from my past becoming the teens of my today. Then I laughed again at the thought that folks are thinking ,who is this woman who writes this anyway?  But, as I have said before, none of this is about me.

The program included song and questions and comments and discussions and dreams and inspirational messages. A couple of students even made power points of their life thus far and what they envision for their future. As we go along at STEP we are proud of the friends and professionals who give us guidance and inspiration in our days. This day was a representation of that. A very brief synopsis of what happened on the day. Thanks to all of you for participating!

Rene (a former STEP student) gives a power point of her journey of accomplishment

Moderator: .... Marilyn McKoy..(Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities- "JAID")  

Marilyn McKoy - JAID 

Very lively, very patient, very much able to bring out the students and encourage them to participate. Very clear she believes in the power of challenged folks becoming who they hope to become, and their abilities excelling above their challenges !

Speakers: 

Dr Judy Tapper.... Pediatric Neurologist.....She spoke on what Cerebral Palsy is and some of the

Dr Judy Tapper- Pediatric Neurologist

causes -a general overview. She knew several of the students and obviously took a keen interest in the students and their journey with Cerebral Palsy

Dr. Paula Dawson 
Pioneer in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Jamaica. Dr Dawson gave the students specifics on what is most important to their daily routines (Stretch and stretch some more, sit properly upright in chairs even with the help of something to assist in that regard, don't get overweight as obesity is the enemy of ambulation and the source of pressure sores ). She also mentioned some possibilities of therapy care with oral and inject-able medications as well as surgical interventions. 

Dr Dayanand Sawh:  Orthopedic surgeon - Discussed with a power point more specific surgeries and injections possibilities and why their bodies change over time in their disability journey with age. Very enlightening  He also walked around after and discussed some specific potential surgical interventions with some of the children (and us) and some financial resources if pursued, 

Dr Dayanand Sawh-orthopedic surgeon

  

Dr Abigail Harrison-Pediatric/ adolescent medical specialist

Dr Abigail Harrison: Pediatric / Adolescent medical specialist, Consultant. Dr Harrison was very engaging and straight forward in her discussions about the changes of adolescence, the awakening of sexual feelings, body difference questions and the need to recognize and empower themselves in protecting against sexual and other abuses and divulging same safely. Dr Harrison was well received by the teens who want some autonomy and understanding in the changes to their bodies as they age. The teens had a group time with her (without adults) which was a reflection of how important we felt and SHE felt about giving them autonomy and knowledge as they steer through the turbulent teen years. 

Graduated  Student Speaker - Dillon Robinson

(Former student of Windsor School of Special Education - a JAID school) Dillon shared great motivation about how much is possible if they commit themselves to a desire. He was certain that giving up was never an option and that they will never know where the journey will take them unless they envision their goal. He discussed how he set his goals, and his future goals, still unfolding. He would decide to be in Special Olympics and set himself that challenge. He went to the finish line and beyond, earning a GOLD medal this year in the 400 meter walk event.

Inspirational Motivator and opening speaker (from abroad) - Damian Gregory - Director, Outreach and Family Engagement at CCDH Inc., Former journalist at Ft Laud. Sun Sentinel, Deputy Managing Editor for Caribbean Today News magazine, Council on Disability Issues etc. As one of a twin pair of boys born with cerebral palsy, he has let none of how he began, define who he became. He passionately, but

Damian Gregory

encouragingly, sent a message to our young folks to dream the dream because the dream can be attained. He exemplified to them a "CP" born professional willing to engage with hope and dedication. Great things are possible with passionate perseverance.  Mr. Gregory is a Jamaican born steadfast advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the States now.

Leslie's secret from the day...............

I will share a secret here. When the program was over, I made a beeline into our office where gentle Dana works her magic, and began to cry -a total surprise. As I thought about how important this day was, how joy filled it had been, and how much these students had engaged in the process... it was emotionally potent. They had so much to add to how they feel and how similar they are and this day had given them an opportunity to acknowledge that. Yes, to be honest there was some acknowledgement within myself, that as much as I fervently and passionately espouse the rights and abilities of children with challenges, will that ever be heard by the population at large? Will other people ever fully realize how AMAZING these students are? Will they ever be given the chance they deserve? Deserve not because they are different, but because they are awesomely differently-ABLED!  The feeling of individuality and self respect was palpable in these students. Acknowledgement within myself that "My" babies will move out of my life as they age. These students are amazing human beings, in their perceptions, in their willingness to meet their challenges and in their fortitude to overcome obstacles to get to a goal. The folks who came to speak to them (and retro back to Rotary Day) believe in these young adults and want them to succeed and be better in all kinds of way. A recognition that so many people including parents, teachers, caregivers, guardians, siblings, doctors, volunteers, friends, therapists etc. have brought them to this day with determination to see them respected and achieve great things. All the pettiness of day to day life fell away and I was filled with a sense that these students are amazing human beings and that people BELIEVE in the power of helping people no matter who they are! Empowering them to realize a goal- this day. Humanity, perseverance, determination, protection, ability, strength, JOY and more JOY was fulfilled on World Cerebral Palsy Day here and I was there to witness it! Our little school was but the site of the magic. Darn if these kids don't teach me ALL THE TIME!

Final thoughts from the students

"Get more wheelchair buses".............Brian

"People who are born regular are not better than me" - Abigail

"No one person is better than any other"- Brandon

 "Treat us equally because God made us special and none of us are perfect!" - Trishana

BEGINNING OUR YEAR WITH GRATITUDE AND GOOD NEWS!

Thank you from the children at The STEP Centre!

Blog written by Leslie Wan

Where to begin - with the best ofcourse - all of you are THE BEST and the best news is that we are here again this year. Do you hear the Hallelujah choir, because I do!

 How do I /we begin to thank all of you who responded to our financial crisis? Perhaps the best thank you was to simply open our doors to a new school year and let the children in. Those children are a tribute to each and every one of you who opened your hearts and checkbooks and helped us begin the year with donations in all kinds of ways. We have personally thanked many of you, and many of you just want to know WE and the children appreciate it, and that is all the recognition you need. We appreciate it not only for the contribution, but because it has renewed our spirit that so many believe in our children and in what we do. We start our year knowing that our physical therapy for the children can continue and by the grace of one of you, we can now pay a speech therapist again to work with the children. By these donations and all the donations, we feel more confident that our teachers and staff this year will get paid regularly, as they should, and we have resources to use to stimulate the students. Meeting the needs of our kids is a dance that requires us to keep dancing even when we are weary. We also will have resources for special needs that we have hoped for for years from an online membership resource, and from Amazon.com. These will help stimulate, teach and engage our students. I could go on at great length about the wonder of you, our readers, and the blessings you have given us to make it through another year, but the smiles of our children and the commitment of our staff say it best I think. Hilary and I were discussing how the feeling is so much lighter and happier as this year starts than at the end of the last year. BLESS YOU.....BLESS YOU......Bless you ....for believing in us and in the importance in the value of children who need all the support they deserve, just for being one of God's creations.  

VERY GOOD NEWS TO SHARE.

 1.  The Kingston Rotary Club has selected the STEP Centre to be a part of their school "Early Act" program.  Early Act - "  EarlyAct™ provides young students the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world. At a young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful. Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual which builds respect for others."  

The significance is that they have made a decision to be inclusive to the special needs community and make the special needs community a part of their mission. In our minds it is HUGE and gratifying that they have decided to venture into the world of mentoring and supporting a community that is "differently abled", and have chosen US! We have elected officers from our students and we have had the installation ceremony at the school. What is not to love about the fact that this is one more opportunity for our children to be a part of the regular world of children and acquire the leadership, responsibility and compassionate tools to be a part of their community. Yes, we take this very seriously for ALL kinds of reasons and we are very grateful to Kingston Rotary Club. We are the first special needs school to be selected in this district to be in the Early Act program. We will work with them and sometimes with the other 2 able-bodied schools also selected from the district. Our students beamed as they were honored and made officers on the day. 

President Brandon and Vice President Gianni

Our officers with the Kingston Rotary Officers: Noel Osbourne, Yasmin Chong, Mureen Thomas, Steven Hudson and Father Louis Grenier S.F. ( blessed us on the day)   

Steven Hudson, Yasmin Chong, Noel Osbourne, Peta-Rose Hall (Board Chair) and Hilary Sherlock (Director of the school) and the children   

"Team shot of the day" -Our officers and Rotary of Kingston Officers. 

World Cerebral Palsy Day - Autonomy for the Teens

2. It has been a mission of Hilary's for some time now to give her teenage students and all challenged teens, some autonomy and knowledge of their place in the world and their potential for growth. It is often hard to remember that students with special needs do grow up to be teenagers, and with all that entails for that period in their life. Often those students have goals that are far different than the goals of parents. They want some autonomy in their lives and to be able to make decisions about their lives. In order to have this goal and this sense of "self",  they need information about themselves, their conditions, and their future possibilities. As such, a day has been arranged at the school which will coincide with World Cerebral Palsy Day. It is at the school, but it will be a forum co-hosted by STEP Centre and Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Included on the day will be students from STEP Centre, Liberty High, Genesis Academy and JAID - associated schools. We will have speakers from 4 different areas. Dr Dayanana Sawh (orthopedist), Dr. Abigail Harrison (Lecturer UWI and Adolescent Medical specialist), Dr Paula Dawson (U.S. Board certified physiatrist) and Dr. Judy Tapper ( pediatric neurologist). Just for students (no parents) and a forum for them to ask any questions they may want to ask from professionals who understand their needs and desires!! The intent is to help them plan their futures, voice their concerns, practice their autonomy and alleviate their feelings of isolation and loneliness among students just like themselves, facing a future as adults. We have repeatedly said that we see outreach to the special needs community at large, important to our mission. Just them at school on that day and on World Cerebral Palsy Day - a day dedicated just to them - whoot. Soon come......................

What is not to love about these two things? Our children will work towards becoming who THEY want to be and being included in the greater world around them. We feel sooooo blessed. 

You our readers matter to us! All special needs children, matter to the world.  

Leslie's message for you today...... 

Wake up tomorrow with a belief that what you do in this life matters.  

Have faith that if all you have to give to others are kind words, those words will give so much to someone who needed them more than you will ever know. Believe that whatever small grace you show to others, will ripple out and become a powerful wave as it washes through from one life to the next. 

BEHIND US AND HOPES FOR MOVING FORWARD

Our new wall art lovingly painted by our friend/volunteer Delfina Pandiani    

Post by Hilary Sherlock -Director                                                                         with after note and formatting by Leslie Wan

By Hilary Sherlock

The end of the school year usually brings thoughts of graduation rituals and G-Sat result stress for most children.  For our school it is different – most of our students do not follow the usual path with pre-designated transitions. The challenge becomes how to differentiate the school experience so that it reflects the growth of a child to young adult, but within the same setting and adults. This leads to some basic questions. What experiences are we giving our children and in what kind of environment?  What does our school environment say about our children, who they are, and how they learn and grow?

Looking back at what I wrote almost a year ago about plans for the last school year I am struck by the shift in my thinking.  The checklist of items (the “never-ending to do list” ) is still there with some items completed and some continuing, but above all of them now, is a developing framework of what kind of school we really want to have. 

The past year started off with staff changes and chik- V – not a good combination!  These challenges led to a new found resilience, a stronger team and an appreciation of the qualities in each of us that make for a good team.  Now, our differentiated curriculum is stronger and the activities based on our garden have been innovative and enriching.  We have further strengthened our sensory enrichment. Our building is more secure with grilling, and our recycling program is now entrenched.  We have been enriched by volunteers with fresh ideas. Our use of appropriate technology is stronger. We welcomed an engaging storyteller, A-dziko, who makes their faces light up!

It is a happy Day when A-dziko comes for storytelling

How does all this fit into the larger philosophy of our school and its development plan? Thanks to Cathryn, (my young mentor – yes, a mentor can be a much younger person) I discovered the philosophy of Emilio Reggio.  His belief, that schools should be places of “natural light, order and beauty.” A further premise of his work; it should provide an opportunity for each child to use all their senses and “languages” to learn.  If, as one writer says, children form their understanding of themselves and their place in the world through interactions and investigative learning, then we must provide the environment in which to do this. This principle holds true for our children with all their complex special needs.  

  

Exploration of texture with flour paste is quite the adventure!

Our new building and garden have provided functional and comfortable spaces. How good is it that the design we ended with, based on functionality and economy, continues to be a wonderful space in which to transform lives? This has energized me and confirmed my thinking  of what our school should be.  The challenge now is how to provide these opportunities with children for whom discovery is really a challenging process. The journey will continue into the new school year and as the heat of summer is upon us we wrapped up summer school and we rest and re-energize for the school year to come. Before we blink our eyes we will be coming back to wash and organize everything, and get ready for wheel chairs aplenty again or so we hope.    

Summer school cooking class

More summer school cooking class

Craft time

Our summer school experiences provided a time for the children, staff and volunteers to enjoy each other.  We engaged in collaborative activities – cooking, creating  wonderful art, drama,  dance and yoga exercises  which  was affirming and energy giving. Even bubble time was full of summer freedom. 

Our Struggle 

Staying afloat is all about FAITH  

I have struggled with the admission of our critical financial situation, however, the reality is.......... that our school CANNOT continue to exist if our financial situation does not improve..........Despite continual fund raising, kind donations and gifts we need substantially more funds to be committed on an ongoing basis to continue our work.  Some say that a school like ours should be self-sustaining, but I think the reality is usually they are partly provided funding by a government, trust, charity or foundation. We are ever grateful for the support given in any way however. It has not been an easy message for me to bring here because writing makes it very real. We continue our search for a way forward for the children's sake.........................

Thank you all - Hilary Sherlock

 Below by Leslie Wan (STEP volunteer and STEP blog master)...........

We strive via this blog to make our children real, meaningful and elucidate the exceptional nature of the folks at the school who do all they can to focus and educate challenged and sometimes challenging children. But there is a back story and it isn't a happy one. Financial constraints are it for us. In short we are realistic and coherent about what our financial needs are to keep us going. The future isn't written for us yet and it certainly isn't, and won't, be an easy one. In a faltering economy many things close, but the truth is that in this case if we falter, our children don't disappear, they just become silent in a hostile world.    

Here is a fact though if WILL could be currency, we would be rich. If true dedication to special children were the source of our income then our children would have all they needed because they deserve the chance that the Lord put them here to have. If CARE could be bottled then our pantry would be full. We remain committed, despite our trials, to children who bring daily joy and show us why we are dedicated to their cause. We see progress in them and we strive to take them to the goals set for them. It isn't about lack of commitment in anything we do or don't do, and it will never be about giving up on the rights of a child no matter who or how they are or about frivolous expenditures. These children will have futures because that is the nature of life and we hope their future will be one that starts with joy and respect, and continues with dedication and accomplishment of goals commensurate with their abilities. Sometimes our voice falters under the weight of reality but swing back and refocus is what we are trying to do.

Our message for your life.....  by Leslie Wan

 As always we bring our blog back to you because "us" always includes you, our devoted readers, with challenges of your own. This posting speaks of dedication despite the odds. It is about seeking inspiration when we think it is lacking. It is about focusing on issues in order to bring them more into focus and easier to grasp. It is about persevering because if you give up, lives will be affected. Mostly in the end it is about having heart and having faith. Faith that if our purpose is a pure one and that our goal is for the "invisible" children, then we will continue to walk the path for them because they can't walk themselves. It is the same for you. 

Walk the path of life no matter the obstacles and be conscious of whom you meet along the way that may share your burdens while sharing your joy. Faith is a very small word for a very BIG concept. Rekindle your faith.............Leslie Wan          

LISTENING TO OUR CHILDREN - Respecting our children

This month is the one year anniversary of the S.T.E.P Centre blog. In this year we have introduced the school, shared a day with our children, celebrated the beauty and joy our children bring to life and taught our readers a little about the journey of life - parents, teachers and children share -who have special needs connections. We have explained that though our children have challenges, they persevere, inspire and make great strides. They teach all of us that being how they are, never defines who they are, nor where the spirit can take all of us if we strive to achieve (and laugh along the way). Their hopes are not that much different than most children, though the path may be more complicated. It is always about the children, challenged or able......... because...... children shine.

Blessings............Leslie Wan        

Blog Written by Hilary Sherlock (formatted by Leslie Wan) 

In honor of our one year anniversary of the blog, our post this month is all about "listening" to the children.  Who better to give their view point than Hillary Sherlock our school's director. She has been listening to our children for so many years she understands them intuitively. 
   

It takes a while to adjust to the fact that most of the communication at our school is non-verbal. Still once you listen with their communication style and see with new eyes, you realize you are in a language rich environment. Much of their communication is non-verbal, but very clear when you attune yourself to it. The turn of a head or the stiffening of a little body speaks volumes. I have learned to interpret the language of the body over the years, and if you are open, can become very sensitive at reading non-verbal cues. Many times, it is a matter of us slowing down and waiting for the response, instead of answering for the child.  When I (Hillary) first began working at S.T.E.P., Andrea (our therapist) said to me – “that is such a powerful message you are giving!” I was confused at first by the comment but I soon understood that what she meant was  -  just waiting for the child to respond in any way they could, during a lesson, is a way to give them respect and teach patience, while allowing them to have a voice … 

The surprise of a voice that speaks and what they will say when they decide to, is a gift they give us. My eyes were opened on a trip to a farm we took the older children. One of those "a ha" moments was with a student named Mikey. I always knew that Mikey had words, but he didn't often use them and when he did they were hard to decipher. On the bus trip, he chattered the entire time and he commented on every bus and truck that passed us. Interesting that getting out of the classroom and seeing large transportation beside us, was his trigger. Really you just never know until the moment it happens, what will be the catalyst to converse with real passion. 

One thing many people don't realize is how truly verbal some children / teens with physical challenges are. There is an assumption that because they are poised in a wheelchair that the rest of their capabilities are wrapped up in that chair as well. I remember Andrea (our therapist) telling me of a conversation she had with a child with physical disabilities complaining that because she couldn't walk, the assumption was that she could not talk either. People seemed to assume she talked with her legs and could not answer for herself. When she was out with her siblings, people would ask questions about her, in front of her (and not always politely.) She lamented that for some reason the only thing people saw was her chair and assumed her hearing and her speech also required that chair.  

Occasionally, a child comes along who voices what so many others must have been saying all along. One little boy with very frail limbs, but a strong mouth – when being moved, would caution us …… “Take time with me!” Yes, I heard him and I hope we take time with all our children, time to listen and time to understand from the child’s perspective. I repeatedly remind our volunteers and workers that our students despite their challenges should be granted some autonomy and the ability to be consulted when exploring their care. A volunteer recently tried to put a tambourine in a student's hand and the teachers advised her that the student did not have the ability to hold it. She came to me and was saddened that she may have publicly insulted that child. I listened and then said  " yes, she probably could have held the tambourine and enjoyed it, but the part left out is that no one asked her if she would like to try." That was a teachable moment for that volunteer and she appreciated the feedback.  

Our therapies include many methods including the stander. The stander requires students to be strapped in and stand upright with the strength of their legs and yet supported while doing it.  Most of the children protest when placed in the standing frame or “stander”. Young Dave was able to voice his objection…..”If yu put me in stander and mi foot a cramp up, mi nuh mus drop eye water (cry).”  Yes, that is the reality, but we in the effort to strengthen his legs were busy hushing him knowing it might not be comfortable, but expecting it to be stoically experienced. They won't always love what is best for them but they deserve the voice to complain anyway. They want to get stronger, better and more capable, but the reality is that they don't always have that capacity, or it is a work in progress. One little boy would look at us and declare …”Mi tell mi foot to walk, but it nah walk.”  His brain fully grasped the concept but his legs didn't respond. One of our students, Laura, worked out her response to the well meaning adults who would encourage her to pray so that she would be able to walk.  Her answer, “You know when I will walk – when Jesus come!”  End of argument! Meaning, that you who really walk beside me, don't grasp that I have the will, but I get tired of you assuming that I don't give it my best effort and sometimes God's plan is a mystery. 

Teaching recycling

 It is hard not to laugh when speaking with them, though laughter might not always be appropriate. Recently while playing a game with two students a volunteer and myself would cheer when either accomplished the task of matching animals. Big exuberant cheer goes up from us each time. Next thing we know when he gets another correct he makes a pretend "gun Salute" and it is us laughing. Most certainly we should NOT have laughed but it was so unexpected. Quickly we realize our error and explain that was not appropriate and we substitute another exuberant gesture (hands up in the air like a goal score). This same little chap when enjoying a school event where the teachers dressed as students and performed for the children, declares in true form  “mi nuh must laugh after you tun yuself ina fool.”  Sometimes the truth is just funnier than we imagined.

 The story of herself(name withheld)written by one of our children with pictures and symbols (cerebral palsy keeps her body moving)   

 What do you take from the above.... her honesty, her joy and the celebration of what she CAN do is all there.
  
The lesson for us as teachers and also their care givers or parents, is to remember each child's individuality and to realize that their own goals may differ from our own. While we set goals for our children and we strive to achieve those goals, we often must remember that the student has his or her own goals and they may differ from those of both ourselves at the school, and the care givers at home.  Many parents express that they have established a goal that their child walk and talk. They want them to be more functionally whole in the world they find themselves in. But we have often heard the children express as their goal, to be able to feed themselves, go to the bathroom themselves and for their communication to be understood in whatever manner they choose to communicate, verbal or non-verbal.  That is the point here for all of us, give the children some autonomy, celebrate where they are with a recognition of the future THEY want ,don't assume that their disability defines everything about them, and listen to them even when words are not the method of communication. They ALL tell us things when we watch, listen or accept their communication style.    


As Winnie the Pooh said " The things that make me different are the things that make me!

Our parents say thanks to our teachers on Teachers Day



 

Some of our devoted parents and grandparents who came to celebrate our wonderful teachers. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...........

Thanks so much Singer Jamaica and GasPro companies for gifting us with a gas cylinder, installation and the chaining necessary to contain it. We are ever grateful. Though we have had a stove since we have moved to this school, we never had the funds to make it functional. The wonderful companies of Singer Jamaica and GasPro  have made that happen!! We have plans to use it in many ways.