MODAPTS is a Winner at Redwood

Redwood guides children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities to achieve independence and reach their highest potential throughout their lives, by providing enriching educational, therapeutic, and vocational services.  Redwood’s Workforce Success division offers a comprehensive mix of vocational training to help adults with disabilities prosper through the power of work.

One program, the Work Activity Center, works hand in hand with community businesses to provide subcontract jobs that teach and develop work skills through paid work opportunities.  Wages for work performed are based on the adult’s productivity and commensurate wage rates, in compliance with the Special Minimum Wage Certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Conducting time studies with a stopwatch to determine piece-rate pay is a complicated process that can lead to errors.  That is why we were so excited to learn about MODAPTS some years ago.  

MODAPTS is a third generation predetermined time system used to calculate reliable production standards, improve an organization’s productivity, analyze departmental efficiency, and improve employee relations.  It is a solutions oriented approach to im

proving methods used to complete work-related tasks.

Redwood has found the MODATPS system easy to learn and apply.  Within the Work Activity Center, it has already resulted in efficient, 

reliable time studies and calculation of reliable production standards.  By removing the stopwatch from the equation, employee relations within the Work Activity Center have also improved.  

The application of MODAPTS required some training, but employees have ranked it one of the best they have attended.  We believe it will continue to benefit Redwood and those we serve for years to come.

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.

Estate Plans

You’ve heard you need a will – here’s why… it’s either your will or the state’s rules.

A will is your opportunity to help the people and organizations that mean the most to you; to sort out your investments, real estate, and other property; and, to save taxes for your heirs. It’s the most important opportunity you will have to share your wishes with the world. On the other hand, without a will, your property will be taxed and distributed according to the rules and formulas of your state’s laws. Under that law, no provisions can be made to give extra assistance to family members in need; to share your interests and passions with friends who shared in your interests; or to make a gift to your favorite charity. Without a will, you cannot provide more or less to your spouse than what the law says. Without a will, the state will assign a guardian to care for your young children. They will be entitled to a share of your estate as soon as they turn 18, regardless of whether or not they can manage money.  A simple trust attached to your will could let you control how much your children receive; when they will receive it; and for what purposes.  Finally, with a will, you can direct money to your grandchildren or stepchildren, favorite charities, or assign a representative to your estate.

The good news is that there is still time to make sure your wishes will be taken into account – and it’s easy! Begin to make your plans today and then consult with an attorney to get the job done. You’ll experience real peace of mind when you’re done.  

Already have a will? Now is a good time to review it. Tax laws and family circumstances change. When you complete your will, we hope you include a bequest to Redwood. You’ll be building our financial strength and helping ensure Redwood is here for future children, adults, and families in need of our services.

For more information about wills in general and bequests for Redwood, contact Development at 859-331-0880.

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.

Annual Campaign

Miracles are nothing more than making the impossible possible… and this is what’s at the heart of Redwood’s mission. Thanks to the generosity of others, an infant with a disability flourishes in an environment where he can interact with typical children. An adult is empowered through computer training that enables her to find a job and earn an income. These are just some of the impossible things becoming possible at Redwood on a daily basis. Your gift is especially needed at this moment, and will make miracles happen for many children and adults.

If you have not made a gift to the Annual Campaign or not yet received a letter, please consider making a gift today by visiting www.redwoodnky.org and clicking Donate Now.

Here are some examples of what your gift can do…

• A $2,500 donation allows ten children with Autism to learn daily living skills while attending Summer Respite for two weeks.

• A $1,500 donation allows four adults with developmental disabilities to maintain daily employment in the Work Activity Center for two weeks.

• A $1,000 donation allows four toddlers with special needs to learn self-help skills through four hours of developmental intervention.

• A $500 donation allows one child with spina bifida to receive nursing services for 20 days.

• A $250 donation allows three children with epilepsy to participate in five enriching after-school learning experiences.

• A $100 donation allows an adult with cerebral palsy to receive an hour of speech or occupational therapy with a focus on assistive technology.

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.