YOUR WORDS.....OUR HEARTS......MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

                                             

Our /Your final words of Love and Encouragement

BLOG WRITTEN BY LESLIE WAN

Recently we sent a request and invited you to send messages of love and encouragement to our students at the S.T.E.P. Centre. I am happy to say the activity and results were amazing, lovely and really encouraging. The children had a wonderful time with the activity, the staff listened to each message as it was read, and exclaimed at the locations and the people whom they didn't know were their global neighbors and supporters.  

THE LOVE BOARD WAS A WONDER TO BEHOLD! 

So here is how we / you showed the love on that day. Each of the messages you sent were printed out and framed in a red border. Then many small and large hearts, were made from red cartridge paper. We had not one, but 3 boards, ready for the festivities. In the first stage, each of the children around the room and back, were given a message to be read from one of you. The children were soooooo excited to have a message of their own to read (even though in many cases the teacher had to do the reading for them), it still was "their message from one of you." After reading the individual messages, the student went to our low bulletin boards, either walking or wheelchairs (wheelchair level board) to place your message on it. The messages were read lovingly and with exclamations of how many states and countries and people, and places, and organizations in Jamaica and beyond, were represented. Each child and staff loved having a message of their own to read (plus more) and to be a part of the "love fest for S.T.E.P." After reading and placing all those messages on the board, each child and staff member were given a red heart to be placed on another of the two low bulletin boards as a second activity. These small hearts that were placed on the other board was a representational heart back to all of you who sent messages and those who have supported us just by reading the blog. As they placed their hearts on the boards, each of them were saying thanks from "their  heart" for your believing in them, reading about them, and in your own ways, supporting the challenges of all physically disabled children. All of these were quite the moment! Touching, exciting, an educational experience in geography, and a really tangible way for our school to show our children and staff that they matter, that you who support us or read about us matter, and that so many people in so many places, believe in them. I think to the staff, it really brought home the message, that in their own way, they make a difference to the children, and that their care of our children is truly felt and understood across the world. The concept of the blog and it's people who read it, came ALIVE. Finally in the last step after all above was done, I took all the hearts and messages and placed them on the final bulletin board, located in the main hallway so they could see it each time they entered. It was really touching to see a few of the children before I moved them, wheel themselves up to the board and re-read your messages.

That quiet moment re-reading your words before they moved. 

My heart swelled with the wonder of your thoughtful moments!

  

I really can't think of better way to have brought you, our faithful readers and supporters into our children's hearts and for you all to understand that YOU ALL ARE IN OUR  HEARTS. We have always said in this blog that believing in us and touching our lives, means that we too, believe in you and are grateful that we have dedicated readers and school supporters in so many ways. Maybe you got or gave other Valentines this year, but rest assured that these Valentine's meant more to us than any of you will EVER understand!

Other Activities on the day

A Dance off  Party. The children had a terrific time dancing to tunes and it made no difference whether they were in a wheelchair or on their feet. They just love music and are always eager to show off "their skills" 

Watch me move and groove to the beat.  I rock! 

The children and staff traveled among our neighbors on the street and distributed gifts of a paper mache' Valentine's mouse created for each neighbor. Again it is always important to exemplify to our children -kindness, neighborliness and charitable ways. We remind them that though they get so much attention, they are part of a community, and giving is a blessing. 

   

  Some of our neighbors on our street as they received their gift- cherished memory for all.   

LESLIE'S MESSAGE FOR YOUR MOMENT

If you simply live this moment in your life well, all the moments of your tomorrows will be reflected as the culmination of these moments. Perhaps more than any other time in Jamaica's history, we need to believe that tomorrow is a vision of hope, and that we are the one person who has control, to live those positive moments.    

We were uplifted and cherished by a few simple words from folks who have, or have not met us, but folks who know that we work hard to make a difference to our "invisible" children.  You have the power to make a simple difference that in the end is felt deep in YOUR heart too. We cherish our readers because they understand that small moments come from wonderful people (all of you) who above all else recognize that hearts are tender, souls run deep and sometimes the messages you send while seeming small in words, or free of cost, can move mountains in someone's soul.  Take the thought in the hearts we sent back to you, and pay it forward with just a few words for anyone you think could use it today. It is all a part of the kindness wave we have expressed before and truly believe in.     

Blessings to each of you.......Leslie Wan                     

HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GRATITUDE

Blessed are we that our bouquet of children is diverse. 

  Blog written by Leslie Wan

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Obviously our students are different than the average school child in a classroom in Jamaica. It goes without saying that they are different in their abilities, and their accomplishments. On the other hand, by having such a rich diversity of student functionalities, our focus should be and is, a more individual student focused curriculum. Our children come from across Greater Kingston and St Andrew. As such, we do not have the issues that plague one certain community feeding over into the environment of our children. That is a blessing! When the children walk back through our door after school break, they are GENUINELY  happy to be back. Their lives are enriched in our school and we celebrate them back to where we teach them. I marvel regularly that our students LOVE TO COME TO SCHOOL! How many schools in Jamaica can say that?

That smile that says I love being in school.    

Here is an important tidbit of interest about us. For about 3 years now we have been a pilot school working with the Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education to come up with a new curriculum for students with moderate to severe disabilities. It is expected (hoped) that beginning this year, teacher training will begin and the curriculum changes will be implemented for all schools dealing with special needs children. It has been important to us to participate in the pilot program to actually have a say and impart real life working knowledge of our parameters and constraints. With the passage of the Disabilities Act by Parliament last summer, we hope we will see progress for our children's future from both these arenas.

What does this tell you about us?.... While we are a school specifically focused on OUR children, our mission is and will continue to be, the rights and potentials of ALL children with special needs. Our scope is narrow on the inside and wide on the outside.  Our focused work outside our school doors is as important as our work inside the school. We are doing that because ALL CHILDREN DESERVE THAT. We do the best we can with the funds we have to make that happen. Your Community is as large as you make it! 

CHRISTMAS CAME TO STEP CENTRE AND THANK YOU ALL! 

As usual we had a wonderful Christmas pageant and celebration for the children. It was a remarkable day and one in which we were so humbled to have so many angels and elves and Santa to make us appreciative and our children feel so loved and special. A special thanks goes out to some people who opened their hearts and gave of their time and their budgets to make our children's day blessed and bountiful. We are not usually so blessed but Christmas filled many hearts including ours.

Thank You to Mr. Audley Evans (AAA Financial Services) for a wonderful Christmas party with all the fixings for all the children and staff! Also for supplying us with some much needed shelving. Such a good sport, generous blessings and the children loved the apron...

Thank you to Santa's stand in, for an early appearance to STEP - Mr Stephen Curran. Patient to a fault and willing to take lots of photos with the children. The children's faces lit up as he arrived! 
    

 Thank you to Santa's elves who came with all kinds of wonderful treats they had collected for the children. It wasn't just what they gave, but their special bubbly selves as they shared their joy with our students. You gals are special. 

From (Left..to Rt bottom picture)..Savannah Meeks, Kiersten Kerr, Asia Powell, Iyana Stewart-Gaynor, Erinn Heffes, Lauren Tomlinson

    

                                                    Further thanks to..........

1. Ms. Carmen Walker (an angel) who surprised us with all kinds of supplies that the school needs on a regular ongoing basis. Disinfectants and cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. Our school demands and fulfills a clean and safe environment for the students which is so important for any child, and especially those who have immune deficiencies. 

2. Mr Gary "Butch" Hendrickson  for including us in his "Jamaican-made Christmas Expo" where we were able to sell our Christmas cards and books to support our yearly budget. 

3. Thank you to the American Women's Group, Canadian Women's Group, Synapse (Art and Music Showcase), Loshusan Supermarket and Trainfit Club for also allowing us space for our card sales at their meetings , events or locations. 

4. Our "Godmothers and Godfathers " - you know who you are! These are wonderful folks who bless us with their presence, support, talents in quiet anonymity but without whom we would be lost in spirit and reality.  
    
Each and everyone of you who supported us at Christmas including cards and books purchased etc. We began our semester with some of what we needed to make our school the special and wonderful place it is, and we are grateful. These thanks come from our staff and our children. Christmas was a celebration of love at STEP and all those who shared it with us and gave to us in all ways, we felt the love. Our children learned a lesson in being neighbors and charitable giving. We use all opportunities to explain kindness and gratefulness. Our school is much more than academics.   

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