Posts tagged redwood school
Prospering through the power of work in Redwood’s Work Activity Center. Adults in this program rely on the partnership of community businesses in order to be gainfully employed. If your company might have contractual opportunities for our adults, contact John Dunn at (859) 331-0880.
From a Volunteer…
When I decided to volunteer this year as part of my personal Lenten experience, I thought of it as a great gift, but little did I know that I would be gifted far more in return. Redwood has left an indelible mark on my heart and I am most grateful for the lessons learned and memories I will always treasure.
To be honest, I entered the process with a little fear and trepidation, but the Volunteer Orientation soon put me at ease. The Community Outreach & Training Coordinator oozes enthusiasm. Her love for Redwood is contagious, especially on the tour as she kindly interacted with each group along the way. I found her cheerful and welcoming with her open office door a constant reminder that an answer to any question was always near.
On Mondays, I volunteered in the Work Activity Center. As I entered, I was met with the staff’s constant battle cry for their workers: “You can do it! You did it! You’re awesome!” The staff is so supportive of the participants and the faces of the clients show their pride in the achievements set before them. Some of the adults proudly showed me their hard work and were eager to explain the steps involved in their particular tasks. Faces beamed as each job was completed and tallies recorded of work well done! The Work Activity Center is a beautiful example of the dignity and value of every person! John was most gracious in welcoming me and involving me in ways that matched my skill set as a teacher. I was thankful for the opportunity to teach the States class on several occasions. John and the staff were so supportive as I took up the challenge of the virtual “road trip.” The clients were eager to learn and bubbling with excitement as each state was introduced. If only all students approached learning with such openness — a teacher’s dream! It was such a fun experience.
On Wednesday, I volunteered in the Nursery. The “superwomen” of the Nursery left me in awe. They lovingly care for the babies with such tenderness and aptitude that I was left humbled in their presence. The physicality and patience with which they approach the demands of caring for eight babies is remarkable. The babies are loved and nurtured with such depth that these ladies must truly recognize their role at Redwood not just as a job but a calling — a calling to bring up this next generation on a firm foundation of security, attachment, and love. It is a beautiful reflection of love incarnate!
On Fridays, I was welcomed into the world of “Toddler B.” Each Friday I left with the hugest smile on my face and giggle in my heart. Tammy and Ann have built such a fun wonderful learning experience firmly grounded in structure, loving guidance, and wide-eyed wonder. In the midst of comforting boo-boos and modeling peaceful, respectful interaction, these teachers lead the children through and exploration in the wonder and beauty of this world that helped kindle in me an appreciation of the often unnoticed miracles that quietly surround me.
I leave Redwood after this experience as one of your biggest fans. Your hard work for and steadfast dedication to the preservation of the dignity and value of each person matter age or circumstance is heroic. I applaud your effort and thank you for the opportunity to witness the fruit of your labor. May God bless you all abundantly in future endeavors.
With gratitude,
Dawn Messmer
This is a special tribute to all of the individuals and groups who support Redwood through clothing drives, gardening, wheelchair washes, one-on-one delivery of our mission, and every other volunteer opportunity you can imagine. Each of you is fantastic and we cannot possibly thank you enough. Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
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.”
