No More a Whiter Shade of Pale

Over a year ago, Brad communicated restlessness and boredom with his life through a number of behaviors that included pacing, hitting his knee with the palm of his hand, frustrated vocalizations, and self-stimulation.  Today reveals a completely different Brad thanks to the commitment and dedication of his Cottage staff who recognized Brad’s need for more in his life than therapy three times a week, and recreational activities that did not interest him.  In addition to expressed frustrations, Brad was experiencing insomnia that made for a very cranky and obviously unhappy man.  Brad swims twice a week at a local health facility, but the staff wanted to keep him active the entire week through the summer months. 

Staff scheduled bike rides for Brad on his AmTryke at least twice a week, knowing already this activity was a favorite of Brad’s that left him feeling content while on the move.  Just as she does with swimming, Brad’s Direct Support Professional (DSP,) Tammy, goes along with Brad on his bike rides in the community, riding in the nearby neighborhoods as well as downtown near Smother’s Park area. They initially explored taking Brad to a local park to ride; however, there were some issues about allowing the AmTryke onto a city bus.  Recently, the folks at Owensboro Transit (OT) have since resolved this problem by training their drivers on how to load the adult AmTryke onto their buses so they may better accommodate active individuals with developmental disabilities such as Brad!  Over the summer, Brad’s leg strength has improved greatly from the swimming and biking exercise; and Tammy reports he hardly needs help getting up hills or with his pedaling.  Rumor has it Brad has the nicest toned legs on Campus!  On the bike, Brad has built his physical stamina and increased his speed some too; though most of his rides are still rather leisurely. He also sleeps better at night.

So impressed were the Cottage staff at Brad’s interest in these outdoor activities, they decided to purchase a summer season pass for him to Holiday World, an area amusement & water park. Holiday World, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, offers a variety of daredevil rides like roller coasters to leisurely antique car rides.  Having been to Holiday World before, Brad was familiar with the hustle and bustle of the park and its rides.  Brad went every Wednesday with Tammy to spend the day.  Brad enjoys most of the roller coasters, especially the Raven, and the Liberty Launch, etc. but he especially loves the Water Park rides.  They did the park rides in the morning, then after taking a break from the sun’s heat to eat a packed lunch, they head to the water park.

Another vast improvement was Brad’s tan!  Previously, Brad’s skin was very pale, leaving look sickly.  Another positive improvement was Brad’s ability to tolerate the heat of summer.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities cannot tolerate extreme heat well, usually because of the medications they are on, which limits their outdoor activities.  In some cases, they have had limited exposure to the heat and sun, often kept indoors for a variety of reasons.  With many of our Campus members, staff takes great consideration as to how hot it will be and always take precautions if they do go out in it.  In Brad’s case, this heat intolerance theory fell to the wayside as Brad started riding in the spring more and more outdoors.  Over time, he acclimated to the heat so well that when we did hit higher temperatures this past summer, Brad had no reaction to it and his tan never looked better!

With a full and active life doing things that left Brad thriving in a fulfilled and happy life, the staff wanted to do two more things to complete Brad’s transformation.  First, they wanted him to feel more at home within his own living space; and second, they wanted to give him a clothing makeover that would leave him looking like a sharp dressed man.

In the Next Blog Entry:  Sharp Dressed Man in Groovy Digs - ". . . staff decided to take Brad shopping. . . . Brad was very thoughtful in his selections. . .  it was a long shopping trip."

We want to hear from you! Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
Please share our blog with others via Facebook, Twitter, or email! Follow our blog! Click on “Join our Site” below.

Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors). Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus. Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

I say, Brad said WHAT?

Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC) and its Centre Pointe Cottage staff are well on their way to ensuring Brad has a fulfilling and meaningful life!  Brad now enjoys his swim classes at a local health facility twice a week, going with the same Direct Support Provider (DSP) every time.  This consistency increased Brad’s confidence in the water, as well as his trust in his swim classmates, and in Tammy, the DSP who works directly with him each week. 

I was curious about how other swim class members take to Brad when he joined the class.  Tammy explains most of the participants, primarily senior citizens, initially kept their distance from Brad, sneaking the occasional wary glance in his direction.  Most did not acknowledge his presence at first and even avoided being around him in the pool; however, since regularly attending twice a week, his “pool mates” now smile at him when they see him.  During my observation, I notice the group seems comfortable being within the same proximity as Brad; and even a few will watch him as he does his exercises or as he exits the pool.  I wonder if they also notice the changes in Brad demeanor since he first regularly started coming in the last few months.  

Recently, five months after I tagged along to his swim class, Tammy tells me Brad is proactively interacting with his pool mates!  There are only a few men in the swim class, and Brad has become taken with two in particular.  Brad gravitates towards these two men on his own, claps a few times as if to say “hello” before continuing on his way with his water workout.  Tammy also noted class regulars now greet Brad by name upon his arrival with a “hello.”  One woman in particular who has an outgoing personality even comes up and gives him a hug, and starts talking to him saying “Hello, Brad-Brad!”  And Brad lets her!  The same Brad who hesitated when I addressed him in the corridor of the Elmer Administration Building; the same Brad who would become upset if you were too close to and/or in “his” space.  Tammy does notice that as new members join the swim aerobic class, they are apprehensive and uncertain about Brad being there as the regulars once were.  They go out of their way to keep their distance, or worse, ignore him or stare at him.  Tammy feels with time some have begun to warm up to Brad, especially when they see other class members greeting and interacting with him.

Brad’s social transformation amazes even Cottage staff members, who notice his interactions within the cottage improved.  Wes Gaynor, Cottage program director, tells a story in which he initially was unsure that what happened really happened:  One Monday morning upon arriving to work, Wes found a group of Cottage members gathered in the main living area in front of the TV.  He offered a resoundingly upbeat “Good morning!” to the group that included Brad, asking how everyone’s weekend was.  He thought he heard a “good” come from the group; but the person Wes thought said it he could not believe did or would.   Wes decided to replay the scene with greater attention by repeating again his question, “How was everyone’s weekend?”  Brad responded “good” again.  Brad rarely speaks, much less with intention to respond to a question. Wes felt pleased that Brad felt comfortable to speak up.  It made Wes' day.

Wes shares another example of how far Brad’s demeanor has come since they renewed their efforts to Brad’s person-centered plan.  Every year, WFC staff meets with each resident and their family/guardians to discuss care, any concerns and/or issues, goals, and progress.  In prior conferences, Brad could not sit still, constantly fidgeting and anxious as he sat through the meeting.  When Cottage staff met with Brad and his uncle this past summer, Brad sat through the conference calmly and quietly, without an iota of fidgeting.  The difference was so remarkable that Brad’s uncle, previously skeptical they could get Brad engaged in any meaningful way in the planned activities, even noticed it.   It was a rewarding moment for everyone involved as all realized their efforts were making such a significant difference in Brad’s life.

While Cottage staff knew they were on to something good, they knew their work was not yet done.  Swim aerobics took up two days of his week, but they wanted to keep Brad engaged in life as much as possible; so they devised a plan that had Brad not only busy by water, but busy by land and air.

Yes, by air.

In the Next Blog Entry:  No More a Whiter Shade of Pale - ". . . Rumor has it Brad has the nicest toned legs  . . . and his tan never looked better!"

We want to hear from you! Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
Please share our blog with others via Facebook, Twitter, or email! Follow our blog! Click on “Join our Site” below.

Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors). Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus. Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

A Fish Called Brad

After assessing what was not working in helping Brad “get a life,” Cottage staff at Wendell Foster’s Campus (WFC) develops a plan to ensure that what is important to Brad does not fall through the cracks.   Brad enjoys being active and on the go, so it was understandable he became restless and frustrated with nothing to do, staff inconsistency, and routine disruption, all of which are important to Brad.  With a plan that addresses transportation challenges, devotes a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to these efforts, and schedules supporting Brad’s weekly swim classes and bike rides, WFC staff begin to quickly witness some remarkable results! Two months after staff implements their new plan, I receive an invitation to tag along with Brad and DSP Tammy Turner to one of Brad’s swim aerobics classes.

On a beautiful May morning, I meet Brad and Tammy at the Cottage, and together we walk a block to catch a bus.  Along the way, Tammy fills me in about Brad’s situation over the last several months, and their past efforts in getting him more involved in activities off Campus, as well as what had not been working.  She explains how Brad initially resisted getting into the water, which was something unusual since Brad loves the water, and how staff figured out that the combination of different DSP’s taking him each time and his sporadic attendance agitated Brad, making him uncooperative and disinterested in the class.  Since Brad now regularly attends twice a week, Tammy notes that his attitude and participation in swim class has greatly improved in two months.  Tammy initially had to coax Brad to get into the water, in which she held his hand, encouragingly talked to him without forcing the issue.  With each visit, Brad more willingly went into the pool until now it is a non-issue.  The city bus arrives and off we go to the Healthpark.  It was clear that Brad enjoys the ride.  Even cooler was the bus drivers knew Brad on sight, one of them greeting him as he boarded in his wheelchair.

At the pool, Tammy’s evaluation of Brad’s improved participation in his swim aerobics class becomes evident.  Brad walks into the water on his own as Tammy walks backwards in front of him.  He obviously felt comfortable, and more importantly, that he belonged there.  Wearing a flotation vest, Brad floats on his stomach in the water while Tammy provides light support.  Brad kicks his legs with her encouragement; then he begins moving his arms in front of him as if swimming.  Tammy tells me he recently started doing the doggy paddle in the last few classes.  Next Brad floats on his back while Tammy gently holds his ankles, and together, they move his legs into knee bend exercises.  Finally, Tammy replaces the flotation vest with a waist flotation device, and walks backwards in front of Brad holding his hands while he walks, or more accurately, hops along on his left leg around the pool.  When Brad reaches the pool’s edge, he holds onto it to rest, then surprisingly immerses his entire face into the water for approximately three or four seconds before coming back up for air!  A few times, Brad takes a mouthful of water and squirts it out like a fountain.  Tammy and I laugh.  She explains Brad did not care for getting his face wet when they first started coming together, but now it is a favorite activity.  Talk about progress!

The class instructor greeted Brad upon his arrival, and checks on him periodically during the class.  When the group exercises begin, Tammy removes Brad’s flotation device and stands behind him, and gently helps Brad move his arms according to the instructor’s directions.  Brad offers mild resistance at first but after a few repetitions relaxes into the movement to where Tammy’s effort becomes minimal.  I also notice Brad starts bobbing his head forward and back to the beat of the music playing as he exercises.  When they finished, Tammy and Brad exit the pool the same way they entered it, though Brad is slower to come out.  Aren’t we all when our suits are soaked and getting our land legs back?  He holds both rails as an ever-cautious Tammy follows close behind him.

The renewed commitment on the part of Cottage staff to provide consistency to Brad’s schedule improves Brad’s willingness to participate in his swim class, and his confidence in the water.  In just two months, Brad developed a trusting relationship with Tammy, as well as with his class environment. Yet, his progress described at the swim class does not even begin to scratch the surface to the positive impact to Brad’s demeanor, as well as upon his quality of life.  The staff begins to notice changes in his social interactions that amaze even Wendell Foster staff members, including me.

In the Next Blog Entry:  I say, Brad said WHAT? - "Wes. . . tells a story in which he initially was unsure that what happened really happened. . . . . ."

We want to hear from you! Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
Please share our blog with others via Facebook, Twitter, or email! Follow our blog! Click on “Join our Site” below.

Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors). Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus. Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.

New Plan: Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Wendell Foster's Campus (WFC) Cottage staff were letting Brad down and they knew it.

Over the last few months, Brad was not regularly attending swim classes at a local health facility, or going out for bike rides outside of physical therapy (PT).  Both these activities Brad enjoyed, and when Brad was happy, he was less frustrated and slept better at night. Van availability challenged WFC staff’s efforts to get Brad to his swim class. Cottage staff also realized they did not have a plan in place to execute “Operation: Brad Gets a Life.”  Wes Gaynor, Cottage program director, explains they were unintentionally, and ironically, limiting Brad, and had to answer the question now before them:  “What are we going to do about it?”  Through this honest and insightful assessment, Cottage staff developed a game plan and made some changes in how to implement it.

First issue to address was staffing.  They realized scheduling different staff to go with Brad to the Healthpark not only stressed him out, but it was stressing the staff too!  They realized what is important to Brad is consistency; therefore, sending different staff to accompany Brad when he went to the Healthpark became counterproductive.  Management staff decided moving forward to commit one Direct Support Professional (DSP) to accompany Brad each Tuesday and Thursday morning to swim class, thus ensuring consistency during his trips to the Healthpark.  They hoped it would improve Brad’s cooperation and interest in swimming.

The second issue was transportation. Unfortunately, the reality of their situation was they only have one van.  Thinking outside the box, Cottage staff explored the use of public transportation.  They set aside budget money to cover the cost of bus passes for both Brad and his DSP for travel to and from the Healthpark twice a week.  Additionally, with a bus stop only one block from Campus, and our bus system’s ability to accommodate those with disabilities, this solution was doable.  Moreover, they learned that Brad actually enjoyed riding the bus, another plus in providing him a change of scenery and involvement within the community!

Finally, the greatest obstacle to overcome was making Brad’s swim classes a schedule priority. Staff scheduled them onto the Cottage’s weekly calendar as well as his bike rides that had gone to the wayside.  For both activities, Brad would have the same DSP work with him.

With a new plan in place, priorities set, and commitment renewed, WFC staff moved forward to offer Brad meaningful activities by eliminating potential obstacles of unexpected transportation problems and staffing issues.   Through this process, Cottage staff learned an important lesson:  no matter how you have always done something, obstacles (even organizational/bureaucratic) can be adapted, improvised and/or overcame within compliance with a little creative thought and effort.  Of course, the individuals we serve at Wendell Foster’s Campus know this fact the best; sometimes and ironically, those of us who serve to support them in overcoming their obstacles do not always remember that for ourselves.  What’s the saying about the trees and the forest . . . . . ? 

As for Brad, he would enjoy one of the most active summers he has had in a long time; and Cottage staff would witness an amazing transformation in Brad.

In the Next Blog Entry:  A Fish Called Brad - ". . surprisingly immerses his entire face into the water for approximately three or four seconds before coming back up for air!"

We want to hear from you! Please share your responses and comments by clicking below on “Comment” – you may post them anonymously or using your gmail.com profile name.

“The educated do not share a common body of information, but a common state of mind.” ~Mason Cooley
Please share our blog with others via Facebook, Twitter, or email! Follow our blog! Click on “Join our Site” below.

Blog content is copyrighted property of Wendell Foster’s Campus for Development Disabilities and Carolyn Smith Ferber and/or other blog authors). Content may be used, duplicated or reprinted only with the expressed authorization of the Wendell Foster’s Campus. Permission for use, duplication or reprints may be made to wfcampus.org@gmail.com.