The Power of the Written Word to Change Lives

Imagine a world without books. Now imagine a world filled with books that you can’t read or understand. This is a circumstance that many adults—with and without disabilities—experience to some degree.

Scott is a case in point. He was good at connecting letters into words and words into sentences, but he knew that he wasn’t fully understanding the meaning of words or extracting useful content from the text. This impacted his ability to gather information, learn new skills, achieve important life goals, and pleasantly while away an afternoon with a good book.

To change these circumstances, Scott participates in a variety of activities to improve his reading comprehension.  

The Computer Life Skills program provides lots of opportunity for reading improvement through exploration of special-interest topics on the Internet; interactions with others through email, Facebook, and chat rooms; word processing projects; and data entry tasks.

Scott’s reading comprehension improved a big boost through his work with a therapist and a rehabilitation engineer last year. Several technology-based treatment programs were trialed before they discovered BLIO, a software program that uses a multisensory approach by presenting reading material in both auditory and visual formats.  When Scott ran into a word he didn’t know, he highlighted it and the software said it for him. When Scott didn’t know a word’s meaning, he accessed a dictionary definition.  To remember key content matter, Scott highlighted words in the text.  

One of Scott’s favorite activities is the Redwood Book Club. Scott takes a leadership role in the club by reading to other adults each week. An enlarged copy of the text helps him better see the words. At the end of each chapter, Scott participates with the other adults in a discussion prompted by comprehension questions. As the meeting closes, members try to foretell what will happen next in the story.

Reading instructor, Rachel Otte says, “Scott is great at foretelling. He uses good critical thinking skills to guess upcoming content based on the chapter’s title and his comprehension of the chapter just finished.”

The Book Club is currently reading White Fang by Jack London. Scott looks forward to reading more mystery novels. “I like the book club because it helps me practice and improve my reading skills. This will help me reach my future goals,” explained Scott.

As Scott continues his quest to improve his life through the power of the written  word, we believe he will reach his long-term goal of attending Gateway College.

New Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) Program

Redwood is excited to announce its newest program: Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). PPEC is a day treatment program managed and staffed by skilled nursing and healthcare professionals trained to care for children with chronic medical conditions in a safe, caring, and developmentally stimulating environment.

The program, being piloted now as required by the Office of Inspector General, expects to serve up to 30 children.  “For many parents in our community,” states CEO Barbara Howard, “a PPEC program at Redwood is long overdue. Families have been waiting for a service provider to meet their child’s healthcare needs in an environment that provides exceptional opportunities for socialization, education, and therapeutic intervention.”

Two area pediatricians—Barry Brokaw of Pediatric Associates and Chuck Kelly of Pediatric Care—will serve as Medical Directors for the new program. Registered nurses and child care professionals, led by Director of Nursing Jaime McLaughlin, will staff the program. A team of child development experts will coordinate educational and therapeutic services.  Children enrolled in PPEC may be eligible to have program costs funded through Kentucky Medicaid. In order to qualify, services must be prescribed by the child’s primary care physician and authorized through Medicaid.

Howard explains that Redwood was already in a natural position to provide PPEC due to national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a three-star rating by KY STARS for KIDS NOW, and use of the nationally recognized High Scope curriculum.

Association for the Education of Young Children, a three-star rating by KY STARS for Kids Now, and use of the nationally recognized High Scope curriculum.  “Redwood can also offer an unmatched opportunity for continuum of care,” adds Howard, “to meet a child’s needs now and in the future.” Children in PPEC, for example, may access other services, such as therapy, behavior supports, and assistive technology, and transition into other programs as they age, such as Adults NOW or Adult Independence.

Another benefit is that Redwood can and does serve children without special needs.  “In this day and age, we are all very busy. For a parent to be able to enroll all their children at one location is a tremendous convenience,” states Katrina Murphy, Director of Child Development.

To enroll your child or to learn more about PPEC, contact Jaime McLaughlin at (859) 331-0880 or jmclaughlin@redwoodnky.org.

ReelAbilities Film Festival Makes Impact

How often have you seen someone in a crowd politely look away from a person with disabilities? Since 2007 The New York ReelAbilities Film Festival has invited us to really look and see individuals with disabilities for who they are – people. People with real hopes and real dreams.

The Saul Schottenstein Foundation B and ReelAbilites initiated a program that traveled to cities across the United States. Cincinnati was the first to host these award-winning films by, and about, people with disabilities.

Redwood was honored to be a part of ReelAbilities with board member Debbie Tweddell and staffer Marlyana Cooney participating in “talk back” sessions for two of the films, Shooting Beauty and Praying with Lior.

Shooting Beauty is the story of fashion photographer, Courtney Bent, whose life changed when she discovered beauty in an unexpected place – a United Cerebral Palsy Center. Clients were given cameras, adapted to their needs, and took amazing photographs that were exhibited in a gallery.  Seeing people with disabilities connecting and creating beautiful works of art was an inspiration.  Debbie participated in “talk back” sessions with Jason Harris at The Mayerson Jewish Community Center, The Cincinnati Art Museum and Mt. St. Joseph College. Jason has Asperger’s Syndrome and attends Mt. St. Joseph College. The shared perspectives of a parent of an adult child with disabilities and a person with a disability were thought provoking.

Praying with Lior is a documentary about a teen with Down syndrome and the journey to his Bar Mitzvah. Marlayna Cooney, Director of Adult Independence, chose this film as her “talk back” because of her brother Mike, who, though developmentally disabled, has a deep faith. She felt there would be similarities between Lior and Mike, but little did she know how much the film would touch her!

“I was in disbelief as I sat through my first viewing of the film!” stated Marlayna.  “There were so many parts of it that spoke to me as a sibling of someone with a disability.”

Lior’s siblings were interviewed and Marlayna related to each of them. “The youngest was embarrassed by Lior at times.  I was, too, growing up. I think it is a part of life. The middle child felt like he was his brother’s only friend, and the oldest sibling felt it was her duty to take care of him. Right now, I feel that is my job, to make sure Mike is OK,” said Marlayna.

The film also covered the death of a parent, and how someone with a disability was affected by it. “Mike and I lost our mother a couple years ago. My whole family could relate to what the family in the film was dealing with. It is really hard.”

ReelAbilities was an eye-opening experience! Redwood looks forward to participating next year.

Positive Behavior Supports

All Ages Learn More Functional Behaviors

The ability to behave appropriately, in any given situation, is the hallmark of personal development. It sets the stage for optimal learning, positive relationships, and ultimately a better quality of life.

As a group, individuals with disabilities are more likely to demonstrate behaviors that negatively impact learning and social interactions than their nondisabled peers. Some grab or push to tell you what they do or do not want. Others act out to get attention. Although a few have behavioral outbursts due to sensory overload, others bite because they crave sensory input. These behaviors, while challenging, typically serve some function for the individual.

What are Behavior Supports?

Behavior Supports determine the cause of an inappropriate behavior, and then provide the means to replace it with more functional and socially acceptable behavior.

The first step is a functional behavioral assessment. This systematic process, led by a Behavior Specialist, determines an individual’s strengths, problematic behavior, and environmental factors that may contribute to the behavior. Questions may be asked, such as, “When is the person most and least likely to display the behavior?” or “What function is the behavior serving?” The answers help the Behavior Specialist set up an appropriate behavior support plan.

A behavior support may be as simple as closing a shade so the sun is not in someone’s eyes, turning on calming music, redirecting the person away from a situation that causes an escalation of negative behavior, or changing the sequence of activities so the individual understands what is expected. It may be as complicated as a formal system of continuous and intermittent reinforcement of desired behavioral responses. The important thing is that the behavior support helps the person learn and use more functional behaviors.

A Positive Form of Intervention

Redwood began offering Behavior Supports in 2008 as a positive form of intervention for challenging behaviors. Since then, the agency has noted a 40% decrease in behavior incidents.

Shannon, an adult in the Work Activity Center, benefits from the Behavior Supports program. She is easily agitated, which interferes with her ability to focus on work and to maintain friendships. With the help of Behavior Supports, she continues to learn how to use self-calming and self-redirecting techniques to stay focused and friendly.

If you are living or working with a child or adult in need of Behavior Supports, Redwood can help. Just contact the behavior specialist at (859) 331-0880. Individuals do not have to attend Redwood to utilize this service.

Transforming Lives, Putting Ability First

People with disabilities comprise more than 600 million worldwide. While some are successfully employed and fully included in society, as a group, they face disproportionate poverty and unemployment.

National data verifies that individuals with disabilities are less likely to have access to education after high school, job training, and employment of any kind. When they do work, they are more likely to be underemployed, to earn less money, to experience less job security, and to have fewer chances for advancement.

Redwood is committed to changing these circumstances.

Employment Services provides a comprehensive range of services to help people gain and retain sustainable employment. It all starts with career exploration followed by skills training, job development, and coaching. Employment advocacy includes employer education, technical support, job carving, and other supports to enhance job retention. Redwood also offers a growing, internationally accredited Computer Learning Center that helps people develop transferable computer and employability skills before entering the job market.

In today’s global economy, managing diversity is a major factor in a company’s efficiency, productivity and overall business success. Many multinational companies and small and medium businesses alike have discovered the potential of people with disabilities to make significant contributions to the workplace. The Dupont Corporation was one of the first companies to measure the performance of its employees with disabilities. Dupont reported in the Equal to the Task II publication that its employees with disabilities performed on par or better than nondisabled staff with regard to attendance, safety, and overall job performance.

Your business can also realize these same positive benefits by working with Redwood’s Employment Services program.

Redwood’s current employer partners share the passion and commitment we have to make a real difference for individuals and communities through tailored, sustainable employment solutions. We are searching for more like-minded employers with which we can forge powerful and long-term partnerships. If you are of the same mind and represent a business, then we’d like to talk to you.

To partner or for more information about Employment Services, the Computer Learning Center or other services offered, contact Kristi Kinman at 859-331-0880 or kkinman@redwoodnky.org.

Redwood*ability Shines

Removing the Dis from Disability

The term Redwood*ability characterizes the enthusiasm, determination, and “can-do” attitude of Redwood’s children and adults who delight and inspire us as they reach new levels of independence.

Chase embodies Redwood*ability! He is a vibrant 4-year-old with a contagious smile and personality that quickly wins you over. He was not always like this; however, a rare chromosomal disorder—Trisomy 8 Mosaicism Syndrome—caused developmental delays and congenital kidney disease.

When Chase first enrolled in Therapeutic Child Care, he had a difficult time communicating his wants and needs. Limited motor skills inhibited his ability to use a spoon and to walk. Chase isolated himself from other children.

Through the collaborative and dedicated efforts of therapy and child care professionals, Chase gradually learned to overcome these challenges.

Chase’s verbal and sign language, fine motor skills, and ability to walk and run have dramatically improved! He now holds a spoon, snips with scissors, completes puzzles, and uses his fingers to independently complete other tasks. He eagerly participates in group activities with his friends and especially loves riding bikes and running in the Mini-Gym. Currently, Chase is learning to tie his shoes. Staff continually nurture and encourage Chase to achieve new developmental goals.

Chase has not let disability get in his way. Just like his smile, Redwood*ability shines in this little boy.

The phrase Redwood*ability has another meaning as well. It captures not only what we do, but how we do it…with compassion, respect, determination, adaptability, resourcefulness, and wise stewardship.

Chase’s successes, and those of children with even more serious disorders, have inspired Redwood to expand its services.

Redwood recently received a Certificate of Need from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the establishment of Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC). A PPEC program provides up to 12 hours of daily care and skilled nursing services, while children experience the educational and “learning through play” opportunities healthy children enjoy.

Redwood is now preparing to complete building renovations required by PPEC regulations. When that work is done in late spring, the agency will apply for a PPEC license. By mid summer, more children may be discovering their own Redwood*ability as they benefit from PPEC, Therapeutic Child Care, and other educational and therapeutic services available at Redwood.

April is National Volunteer Month

VOLUNTEER GROUPS!

Volunteers are magnificent! They provide the essential ingredients of time, diverse talents, and bountiful spirits to enrich the lives of others. In recent months, groups and individual volunteers provided music, art, dance, and horticulture programs. They conducted clothing drives and collected items on our wishlist.  Children and adults also benefited from a Wheelchair Wash from State Farm Insurance; new features and safe playground equipment from Fidelity Investments; and interactive murals from Ethicon Endo Surgery. Redwood maintained its “home-like” atmosphere inside and out thanks to volunteers from L’Oreal, Brown Macke College, Western Southern Financial Services, and Deloitte.  To find out ways that you or your work, church, or civic group can make an impact, contact Bridgette at (859) 331-0880.

Calling All Volunteers!

BRANCHING OUT 5K RUN/WALK - MAY 14, 2011

Ruddler & Associates and Republic Bank have united their volunteer talents to benefit the children and adults of Redwood through production of our very first 5K Run/Walk. Volunteers are needed at the event to assist with registration, and to cheer walkers and runners along the path and at the finish line.

LET’S EAT!

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are such an important part of everyone’s day.  Redwood’s Dietary Department provides nutritional and well balanced meals to over 250 children and adults each day. Please consider volunteering a few hours any morning to prepare food items, serve lunch, or operate the dishwasher. Your support will guarantee that meals are ready when needed!

KEEPIN’ IT CLEAN!

Volunteers can maintain a healthy learning environment for children and adults who are medically fragile through a special mission we like to call Operation:  No More Sniffles. The job is to battle common household germs and viruses by cleaning classrooms and program equipment with disinfecting wipes and a little elbow grease. This is a great activity for late afternoons or an occasional Saturday morning.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, or to design your own experience, contact Bridgette at (859) 331-0880 or visit www.redwoodnky.org, click on Helping Redwood.

Department News

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

All parents want their children to become successful, caring adults. Service-learning projects are a wonderful way to teach children the importance of helping others and giving back. Service learning also helps kids, especially kids with special needs, to develop empathy and responsibility, communication skills, self esteem, and community connectedness. Youth enrolled in the After School Program take part in at least ten service projects each year, such as winter coat and canned food drives, bake sales and fundraisers, and clean up of parks and playgrounds. Redwood’s school-agers can and do make a difference!

ADULT INDEPENDENCE

Art Studio, led by team leader Kara Millennor, teaches the fundamentals of art and creative expression. Each Friday morning, 20 adults eagerly explore line, form, and color while creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces with acrylic paint, charcoal, pencil, and clay. Redwood artists displayed their completed work at the first “Art Walk” exhibit this past October. Artists greeted guests, answered questions, and talked about what inspires them. Several completed pieces of art are still on display in the Adult Independence hallway. Stop in!

WORKFORCE SUCCESS

The Computer Learning Center, recently awarded three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, provides computer-based career and personal development coursework to enhance employability. The popular Basic Computer & Office Skills Program offers computer basics, keyboarding, and instruction in Microsoft Office products. The new Workforce Enhancement Skills Program teaches personal, interpersonal, and communication skills; professional development; and job preparation. Both courses offer an “applied concepts lab” to guide practice of newly learned skills. For more information, to enroll, or to make a referral, contact Kristi Kinman, Director of Workforce Success at (859) 331-0880 or kkinman@redwoodnky.org.

THERAPY & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Replacing an old communication device with a new system can be a daunting task. Just like other equipment, there are exciting new features to consider. Speech therapy and assistive technology staff helped an adult obtain a Tango communication device for trial use, taught him how to use it, and tailored it to his specific needs. Because the device included a special feature to allow communication with a driver when being transported, the bus driver asked to observe a therapy session. With just a little instruction, the adult and bus driver had an enjoyable conversation. The conversations will continue as the adult decided to purchase the Tango!

New Accreditation

The Computer Learning Center was awarded three-year accreditation from the international Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF said, “This achievement is an indication of Redwood’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established practice of excellence.”