DSM ?

Recently we needed to move our Morningside Library to make room for two new staff.   On the plus side it was a good move because the material really needed to be gone through and purged of the out- of-date periodicals, books, and other material.  In the end we purged the Library down from three bookcases (16 shelves total) stuffed with obsolete items down to about 6 full shelves.  We decided we really didn’t need Safety Committee minutes and material from 13 years ago!  In the process we ran across old copies of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).  The DSM II and III, that were collecting dust on the bookshelf, were first published in 1968 and 1980 respectively.  We also have a couple of the fourth revised edition which came out in 2000.  So obviously this publication, put out by American Psychiatric Association, isn’t revised often.  Every 10-20 years seems like a long time to develop a new manual especially in this changing world of ours.  The next edition is scheduled to be published in May 2013 and, of course, it isn’t without some controversy.  I guess I would be up in arms if I thought they got it wrong and you had to wait a decade to see it corrected!

According to Michelle Diament writing for DisabilityScoop in an article entitled Psychiatrists Approve New DSM, Asperger’s Dropped she writes:

“However, officials did confirm that one of the most controversial proposals calling for autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified to be folded under the label “autism spectrum disorder” did get approved. The organization said the change will “help more accurately and consistently diagnose children with autism.”

Talk of the autism change has sparked concern that some currently diagnosed with the disorder may no longer qualify under the new criteria, but experts on the psychiatric association panel responsible for recommending the updates insist this will not be the case.

There is also concern about dropping the Bereavement Exclusion from Depression from this diagnostic publication.

In Jim Sabin’s Blog Health Care Organizational Ethics - For discussion and debate about the ethics of health care organizations and the wider health system he writes “In January I criticized the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for planning to drop the "bereavement exclusion" from the definition of major depressive disorder in the forthcoming new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Under the exclusion, the diagnosis of depression is not made if:

The symptoms are not better accounted for by Bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.”

In a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Richard Friedman, a distinguished psychiatrist at Cornell who writes excellent New York Times columns for general readers, added to the voices criticizing the APA for medicalizing normal grief.  Here's the essence of Friedman's argument:

‘In removing the so-called bereavement exclusion, the DSM-5 would encourage clinicians to diagnose major depression in persons with normal bereavement after only 2 weeks of mild depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, the effect of this proposed change would be to medicalize normal grief and erroneously label healthy people with a psychiatric diagnosis. And it will no doubt be a boon to the pharmaceutical industry, because it will encourage unnecessary treatment with antidepressants and antipsychotics, both of which are increasingly used to treat depression and anxiety...The medical profession should normalize, not medicalize, grief.’

Despite criticism the DSM-V working group has not changed its plan to eliminate the bereavement exclusion, but it has added a footnote that at least acknowledges the challenge of distinguishing normal grief from the illness of depression.”

Well there you have it – two major controversies over the new publication.  They did come up with a new classification though 'Video Game Addiction'.  Hum I wonder what psychotropic drug will be developed to counteract this (I am sure the pharmaceutical manufacturers are wringing their hands in glee over this).   I am not sure how my son will react when I tell him he has a certified mental illness but not to worry because Pfizer will soon have a pill to help!

Is the UN vote a mystery….or a sign of the end of times?

Maybe the Mayans have it correct after all – the end of the world is fast approaching. I don’t think it is some hieroglyphic date on a wheel but truly a world run amok where craziness abounds. A clear example of this apocalyptic sign is that the US Senate rejected the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities! I believe I am sufficiently calmed down now after last week’s monumentally embarrassing decision by the US Senate to reject signing-on to this Convention which promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities worldwide. I guess we in the United States aren’t concerned about the tenets of the Convention to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity”. I don’t want to get into the politics of certain parties nor do I want to examine the illogical conclusion of those who think signing on to this Convention will affect each home in the United States or diminish us as a sovereign nation.

I would like to talk about how we, as world citizens, support the tenets or Guiding Principles of this Convention.

Here are the eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention and each one of its specific articles:

1. Respect for the inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons

2. Non-discrimination

3. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society

4. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity

5. Equality of opportunity

6. Accessibility

7. Equality between men and women

8. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

In this Blog I have mentioned that I don’t have a frame of reference personally other than by association to experience the pain of discrimination. I can’t imagine being on the receiving end of being disrespected and not given the option of making choices that effect my life. But unfortunately you don’t need to travel far to see persons with disabilities disrespected and being told what to do and when to do it. It breaks my heart to see an adult with disabilities arrive at our office and a care giver who accompanies the person talk down to, or make a decision for, the person with a disability. I think Bob Dole was disrespected as a person with a disability by the actions of the Senate. I wonder what he was thinking during the vote.

Unfortunately, even in our own great society supposedly the “gold standard” for recognition of the rights of person with disabilities, people with disabilities aren’t afforded full participation and inclusion in our society. Washington State has a great track record of supporting persons with disabilities. After all we were the first state to pass legislation offering free and appropriate education for individuals with disabilities in our public schools with the passage of HB 90 decades ago. We have done a great job of supporting individuals in our schools but have not done a great job of transitioning students with disabilities into adulthood by supporting them through living and vocational services. Apparently the notion that someone might need some support to live and work independently isn’t in our lexicon of inclusion. If we are the “gold standard” then the value isn’t worth much.

Equality and accessibility sound good, very noble ideologies to attain. We may think that the in the United States this is our expectation and the reality that persons with disabilities experience. Sadly this generally isn’t the case. Oh sure strides have been made in the elimination of some architectural barriers but overall we have a long way to go. I still experience “unusual” workarounds when I accompany someone in a wheelchair going out to eat. But attitudinal and artificial barriers exist and those are the hardest to make accessible to ensure everyone is treated equally. Unfortunately I have too many examples to fit in this blog. Often, when I attend a lunch with someone in a wheelchair, the wait staff looks to me for guidance. When I look at the person with a disability to acknowledge them and demonstrate they are present and can make decisions the wait staff looks at me after the person with a disability has spoken as if I am the “adult” and the person with a disability is a child.

I know people have ideologies. Unfortunately they often can only see things their way, as if their way of thinking is the only right way. When I talk to persons with disabilities who heard the Senate testimony they felt devalued plain and simple. People couldn’t even get the correct vocabulary – so it leads one to believe they don’t care.

Ultimately our country can hope for a future it wants to achieve. If those in power don’t want individuals to be successful, included, equal and feel valued then we can create that by doing nothing and not signing on to this Convention. But if we want a society where everyone is valued, included, successful, accepted, respected then we can also do this but it will take all of us wanting this for all people – disabilities or not.

If you want to see the work of the United Nations go to: http://www.un.org/disabilities/index.asp

Who’s Morbid Mind?

I know I’ve mentioned my son, Andrew, in my blog before. Andrew is a 17 year old junior in high school with a personality many wish they had. He is very friendly, outgoing and kind. He befriends everyone and has more friends than most people I know. As an example, this summer when we went to the University of Tennessee for a church youth conference, traveling companions noted they thought we were in some sort of competition to chat up strangers! I know, in part, where he developed this amazing skill. Andrew is a person with a disability – he is missing his left arm. Andrew has taught me so much about the determination of someone who has physical challenges not letting it get in the way of living an exciting and extremely fulfilling life. When he was younger Andrew thought I was a real-estate developer! It came up in a discussion about disability. During the conversation he said I didn’t know what I was talking about. I asked him what I did for a living and he said I was a “developer”. I realized I had been involved in so many real estate and building projects at work, church and church camp that he thought I was a real estate developer for a living. He was surprised when I told him I had been working in the area of employment for individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. Of course, now he thinks I am just plain clueless because I am his dad and dads are dorks.

This year, along with some neighborhood kids, Andrew volunteered for a couple who run the “My Morbid Mind Haunted House” during the month of October. His job was to scare people. To do this he wore makeup that made it appear his arm has been torn off leaving him covered in blood. Actually from the pictures I was impressed with the sophistication of the makeup. After his first day on the job we had a chat. I told him I was conflicted about this project. I understood that he thought of this as fun and that he likes to do things like this, including lying in wait to scare me when I walk down the hall in our house. But I told him from a disability stand point I didn’t like it since it reminded me of the “freak shows” that traveled around exhibiting people with disabilities like animals in a cage. So I hopped on my disability rights soap box and discussed how far we had come as a society from that time of showing people off to hiding them in institutions to finally a place of acceptance and inclusion. I think he got my point but I am concerned it wouldn’t take much for society to slip back to where we were once before.

I get concerned in this era of significant fiscal challenges that we may be shifting our priorities turning us into a society which is more individually-focused and devoid of empathy. I could see this society easily shifting gears – currently the cost of serving an individual with developmental disability in long term community employment and living supports is less expensive than a state run residential facility. But if, in fact, the costs were lower in an institution I am not confident the policy makers wouldn’t choose fiscal concerns over human rights. I know we have come a long way. I have seen tremendous changes in how individuals with disabilities are treated in our communities. But in the name of fiscal conservancy, and in the midst of falling off the federal fiscal cliff, I am hoping the tide of public opinion will hold fast to the position of inclusion and acceptance for people with disability in our society.

As advocates it means we must be ever vigilant.

Noise – How to be Heard Above the Din?

There is a lot of noise out there especially this time of year during the political season with so many campaign ads running on most airwaves. It is enough to just shout “Stop – I don’t want to hear”. Then something breaks through all the chatter we get bombarded with and you hear and like the message. I just received this in my email. Signed Proclamation - Disability Awareness Month - October 2012 So what does this mean? Let us all recognize that while we have come a long way in employing individuals with disabilities - we have a long way to go. Let's celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Thurston County Candidates Forum – WOW!

The Thurston County Advocacy Coalition of which Morningside is a member is made up of 15 service providers and advocacy groups. The Coalition sponsored a “Meet the Candidates” Forum on Tuesday October 9th at River Ridge Covenant Church. The event was designed for people with disabilities and their advocates to hear from the candidates and their view and support of individuals with disabilities in our community. Over 50 persons turned out to hear the 12 candidates running for public office in the 2nd, 20th, 22nd and 35th legislative districts as well as Thurston County Commissioner. We were pleased at the turnout and feel confident that these candidates that spoke to us knew the importance of community inclusion and services in the lives of our citizens with disabilities.

I want to thank our board member and client Lucas Doelman for preparing and presenting his talk on taking the dis out of disability and achieving hopes and dreams the same for all citizens in this country. Our own Lori Bates spoke of the importance of work and how she is included in the workplace by being a good team member and encouraging customers. She is the star of our video story found at    http://www.youtube.com/user/morningsideservices?feature=results%20main        

I am pleased that we had the opportunity to take a lead role in establishing the candidates night and our elected officials and those running for office certainly know Morningside and the importance of our services. 

Liberty for Some and Justice for a Few: The Disability Gulag

A friend of mine shared the link below on Facebook last month. I couldn’t get the article, which was published in the New York Times in 2003, out of my mind. It made me think of many friends who have significant disabilities working and living in our community. These are very accomplished people making a tremendous difference in their communities. They also have significant challenges in navigating this world built for those who can talk, listen, see and walk without any encumbrances. I can’t imagine what it is like to live a life dependent to some extent upon others.

I have no personal frame of reference other than to be associated with these wonderfully fine and gifted people like Joelle Bruner or Don Hayden or Luther Smith who I have gotten to know very closely. I have not experienced any hardship (for which I am thankful) getting around and connecting with others on this earth. I have not had any problem finding employment or riding public transportation or any activities most of us “abled bodied” take for granted.

The article struck me because I thought about the stereotyping of individuals with disabilities and the realities of institutionalization.

I have not revealed this to but a few and most certainly not published this in a blog for all to read but back before I started my career in community rehabilitation programs I was offered a job at the state institution located in Buckley. The first step in the hiring process was orientation which started with a tour of the facility. So I arrived at the institution early that morning eager to begin and was introduced to a pleasant woman who guided me through Fir Hall. She explained that most people start at Fir Hall. It was also the facility where the most severely disabled individuals were housed. I must admit I was immediately taken aback when we arrived at the hall because it looked like a prison. It was an institutional pale green concrete building with grating over the windows. When we entered the interior doors looked foreboding - very rugged and secured with a lock. She explained this was to keep some of the people who had the desire to flee from wandering off. She showed me the office – non-descript institutional metal desks. Then she took me into the day room.

I was shocked at the environment and the condition of the persons present. There were about 15 people in this room and all of them were performing some type of self-stimulation. The smell of urine was strong. The only aide was sitting on a desk watching the lone television which was housed behind a metal screen. The aide was oblivious to what was happening and clearly nonplussed by us walking into the room since he didn’t stir. It was obvious this person had no interest whatsoever in the persons residing there. We went through another locked door into the dormitory – no one was allowed here during the day I was told unless they were sick. My guide also noted that no cigarette butts could be left around because some residents would eat them. I am sure I asked questions to act interested in the job and gain information but left with a heavy heart knowing I didn’t want to work here. To be locked up all day even if I had a key. I left and to be totally honest was very emotional about the conditions I had just witnessed and deplorable condition and treatment of the residents. I had no idea such a place existed. There was no way I could return.

When I got home I called the Human Resource department and explained I would not be returning, thanked them for the job offer, and suggested they should really consider someone else. The HR person thanked me and I said “Why are you thanking me, I am letting you down because I said I wanted the job and now I can’t accept it.” The HR Specialist told me I was one of the few that actually called back to refuse the job, most she said they simple never see – they just don’t show up.

So I have been to the “Gulag” and have greeted people who have come back to the community from the institution. I can’t imagine being a person who lives on the edge of congregate care because the system prefers it. The richest nation in the world and we can’t seem to muster our collective courage to change – to move away from large institutions in our state. Why must we obtain a waiver to fund services in the community rather than the institution? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? I cry out for those in the Disability Gulag.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/23/magazine/the-disability-gulag.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

Harriet McBryde Johnson

Liberty and Justice for All

In my job I meet with a variety of people who have experienced various forms of discrimination as a result of being a person with a disability.  Many of these individuals who have searched for a job on their own have told me they try to hide their disability or trick a recruiter into taking a second look at their capabilities.  When the recruiter is confronted with a person with a visible disability they often backpedal or offer excuses why they don’t wish to pursue the hire.

I defend employers’ right to hire whom they wish.  It is important for a company to hire the very best and not be hamstrung with various rules and regulations that make this an impossible task.  We have a lot of worker protection laws on the books in addition to Affirmative Action which has its own foibles.  On the other hand I have a problem when people with disabilities are rejected without getting a chance.  I understand this rejection is most often out of fear - fear of the unknown.  Fear is the biggest barrier to employment for individuals with disabilities.  This fear is based on a negative or perceived attitude and unfounded myths about individuals with disabilities and their ability to work. 

The Americans with Disabilities was signed into law 22 years ago.  On the eve of the ADA’s anniversary I wonder how far we have come or, more germane to this discussion, how far we haven’t.  Justin Dart, father of the ADA and great orator, used “Liberty and Justice for All” as his tag line.  It makes me ponder how free individuals with disabilities are and how just are they treated in these great United States of America when employers discount a person before they have had a chance to prove themselves.

There are great resources available to assist businesses in employing individuals with disability including http://www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com/ which is an excellent resource for business to use when considering hiring an individual with a disability.  And, of course,  Morningside is ready to information and assistance for employers.  To hear directly from employers on the subject try our YouTube web channel: www.youtube.com/user/morningsideservices?feature=results or our website: http://www.morningsideservices.com/.  Look for the Videos box to hear employers tell their own stories.  You will discover that hiring an individual with a disability is a sound business decision that will be beneficial to your business!

New video stories

Morningside just completed filming two client stories. These videos feature the stories of two wonderful people and dedicated employees.

Please take a moment to watch Anthony's Story and Lori's Story and I think you’ll agree that these Morningside clients take great pride in their work and their employers are appreciative of the work they do and the value they bring as vital team members. The great news is that they are working in the community and leading full, rich lives. We are very proud of them.

I would like to give a very special thank you to Mike Williams and The Williams Group for his efforts in creating these inspirational videos for us to share. Without Mike’s commitment these videos wouldn’t have been made and Lori and Anthony’s story not told.

And if you or your business would like to hire reliable, dedicated, and enthusiastic employees like Anthony and Lori, please contact us at 360-943-0512 or visit our website for more information:  http://www.morningsideservices.com/

These can be found on the Morningside Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/morningsideservices?feature=results main

We’re Number 1

Whoo-hoo - we’re Number 1!! It isn’t often one gets to brag (and bragging is not really in my consciousness) but there are exceptions. We have the best supported employment outcomes of anyone in the United States! There I said it! We know we are number one in the state – data proves that. But, if indeed, Washington State has the best employment outcomes in the nation doesn’t it seem logical that Morningside has the best outcomes in the nation…maybe even the world? I think yes!
Cindi Kirchmeier was at a Division of Developmental Disabilities meeting when Branda Matson congratulated Cindi. Cindi thought it was because of our recent CARF accreditation but asked for clarification. Branda said congratulations because Thurston County has the best outcomes in the state for supported employment!

DDD has completed statistics on the number and percent of clients employed by County and Acuity Level. (Low acuity equates to needing the least amount of assistance whereas high acuity requires the highest level of support as the individual has many barriers to employment.)

And Thurston County is the BEST in Washington State!!!!!

Low Acuity – 64% employed with 36% unemployed.

Medium Acuity – 90% employed with 10% unemployed

High Acuity – 57% employed with 43% unemployed (the next county for high acuity is at 15% employed)
Not to suggest other organizations in the county aren’t good but we are number 1! We serve the most people, we serve the most severely disabled, and we have the best staff. Hence the claim to be number one in the nation!

So I am pumped and it only underscores what we knew all along - Morningside is the best because we have the best staff! Cheers to us!

Sticks, Stones and Stigma…Use of the Derogatory Term “Retard”

This is the title of an article in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities a Journal of Policy, Practices and Perspectives from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). The article is from April 2010 and I found it thumbing through the stack of publications that Cindi Kirchmeier makes available to staff.

The title stuck me because I had just reprimanded my 16 year old son for using the term and he looked at me like I was crazy. Chase, his close friend and neighbor buddy was standing with him with a most confused look on his face as I explained my position. Chase just couldn’t comprehend what I was talking about. But then again I was talking to my son and not him so maybe he thought this wasn’t his lecture. This incident followed a family event where my 28 year old son also used the term indiscriminately. I resolved to be consistent in my harangue about the use of the term and how it offends me since I work so closely with those of intellectual disability. The study cited in the AAIDD was conducted through a survey of 1,169 youth drawn from the Harris Poll Online Youth Panel. The study was conducted and written by Gary N. Siperstein, Sarah E. Pociask, and Melissa A. Collins and written in volume 48, number 2 of the Journal.

The study showed a high prevalence of the r-word use since “92% of youth had heard someone use the word as a slang invective.” The researchers explained that even though the use of such terms (ie. Idiot, feebleminded, moron to mental retardation) began with good intentions it wasn’t not long before derivatives started being used as insults. The team explained slang from a linguistic perspective and how language evolves such that clinical terms and words associated with a marginalized group often emerge as invectives.

The study found that though hearing the r-word was prevalent (92%) only 36% of students reported hearing it directed toward someone with an intellectual disability. I am reminded of a time when I was supervising a lawn maintenance crew in Ellensburg. A group of kids rode by on their bikes about a half block away and yelled out “Hey look at the retards”. I quickly glanced at my crew. The look on each face is best described as dejected. I felt so badly I apologized. One client said “Well it happens”. But it was clear from the look on his face that he was extremely hurt.

The study was also interested in understanding how youth respond to hearing the r-word. It was discovered they responded differently depending on who the word was directed toward. When it was not directed toward someone with an intellectual disability, youth were more apt to laugh (22%), not care (23%) or do nothing (39%). In contrast, when the word was directed toward someone with an intellectual disability, youth were more inclined to tell the person using the word it was wrong to say (50%) and feel sorry for the person being picked on (63%). I am encouraged that 63% of the kids had empathy but when it is directed at your friends I would hope 100% of kids would speak up.

The article also spoke to the movement to eradicate the word which really begins with the youth. Due to the “high prevalence of the r-word within the youth lexicon, it is important to maintain and support the youth-driven nature of the [eradication] campaign”. And youth need to acknowledge that they use the r-word. Finally the article states “… notwithstanding the paradigmatic shift that has taken place over the past century with regard to the treatment and support of individuals with intellectual disability in society, the stigma associated with intellectual disabilities remains pervasive and as we showed in this study, the derogatory use of the r-word is highly prevalent in the lexicon of youth. Eliminating the r-word is only the first step. The larger and more fundamentally challenging task that we must address as a society is the devaluation and resulting stigmatization of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Can we as a society every get to the point where we treat people as people first without labeling or ranking them? Where discrimination is eliminated? Where fear and suspicion are replaced by acceptance and support? Sometimes I get hopeful such as when I see a video about a kid who made an arcade out of cardboard boxes and a reporter rallied people to support him http://vimeo.com/40000072. But then I read about something Kim Kardashian did (insignificant in terms of life contribution) or read about Warren Buffet having prostate cancer (one of 250,000 receiving this diagnosis in the US during the year) making the headlines in the business news. I scratch my head and wonder where we are heading as a country.

Let’s hope that we can successfully eliminate use of the r-word. Remember it all starts with awareness. Then we must, each of us, do something!

Business Examiner Q & A Interview

I had the pleasure to be interviewed by the Business Examiner. Here is the content of the article.

                                                  Don Hayden, CIO and Jim Larson CEO



April 2, 2012

Business Examiner

Jim Larson, a native Seattleite and Western Washington University graduate, has devoted his career to helping people with disabilities find work throughout the Northwest. Included in this experience is a decade he spent in Ellensburg creating a community-based mobile crew, and three years in McMinnville, Ore., facilitating a manufacturing and residential program for people with disabilities. In 1994, he was elected chair of the Rehabilitation Enterprise of Washington committee. Larson served on the state’s Rehabilitation Council from 1995 to 2000 and the Special Education Advisory committee from 1999 to 2001. Currently, he’s a member of the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, and serves on the board of the Cascades Camp and Conference Center. He is president of Morningside, an employment services company in Olympia that helps people with disabilities find jobs.

What is different about Morningside’s services than those of other job-placement companies?

Morningside is a public benefit corporation whose mission is to “advance the employment and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities.” Our customers who we help find employment all have a disability. We serve a wide range of clients with different types of disabilities, but our largest clientele base includes those with intellectual disabilities. Also, although clients are referred to us from a variety of places, the majority are referred from school districts and two state agencies: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Developmental Disabilities.

As divergent is our clientele base is, so too are the types of companies where we find employment.

It’s a truly individualized placement program and we do cover a wide region. Our corporate center is in Olympia, and we also have offices in Centralia, Aberdeen and Port Angeles.

Which types of disabilities do you most commonly encounter?

We serve 549 individuals with disabilities in the four offices. The demographic makeup of the individuals with disabilities is as follows: 53 percent have cognitive/intellectual disabilities; 16 percent have learning disabilities; 13 percent have mental and emotional disabilities; 11 percent have physical disabilities; 4 percent have sensory disabilities; and 3 percent have another type of disability.

Not everyone who has a disability and is seeking employment needs our services. But those who need assistance in determining vocational interest or mating a job with a particular interest will find our services particularly helpful. We have employment consultants who are experts at helping individuals with disabilities chart a course that will meet their vocational goals.

What are some of the companies or types of industries where you place these employees?

The service sector is the major area where we employ individuals — as that is the largest private employment base. In Olympia, we do have a number of individuals with disabilities whom we support working in state government and school districts.  However, our goal is to match the interest of the person with a disability with the right job in the community. That can take us to every sector of the job market, from manufacturing to the professional realm.

How do the services of your company benefit the local business communities?

Well, there are several advantages. Multiple studies have pointed out — and our experience finds — that our clients have lower turnover rates in entry-level positions, so the cost of continually training those types of new employees is reduced or eliminated. Initial employee training costs are also reduced because our staff assists with the initial training. We also can assist in work station modifications to assist employees in doing their job faster and easier. Diversity is certainly a factor as well because disability — as a minority — is the largest of any protected class.

Many of the jobs our clients are hired for are tailored to the needs of the business, so employers know what they are getting in terms of fulfilling a company need.

What is most enjoyable about your job?

Well, we change lives — so that is very exciting.

Everyone wants to be valued and accepted. When a person with a disability who hasn’t had opportunity now has a job — well, it is life-changing, and we get to be a part of that. Pride and personal empowerment are evident as a person is introduced to a purpose that is uplifting.  Also, I work with people who are enjoyable to be with, and who are so passionate about our mission. It is great coming to work. We work very hard, but we have fun working together for a common purpose.

Any other thoughts?

Just that without the business communities’ willingness to be open and partner with us, our jobs would be impossible.

We are very appreciative of the business community.


Note: After reading the published article it occured to me that the bio they used was off our Web site and it was out of date.

I Think it is a Confusing World Sometimes

Lacking inspiration for my blog I turned to the internet to garner some thoughts on disability rights and issues. Google is terrific search engine; as a matter of fact I think it has made a profound impact on all our lives…or at least those of us who use the internet. But when I look at the response Google gives me I don’t gain clarity of thought or discover something earthshattering but look at the screen shouting at me. I can click to contact an attorney to see if I qualify for disability benefits. In my cynical mind I think great I can pay an attorney a bunch of money to qualify for benefits that force me into poverty. But without the benefit I would undoubtedly be poor because the medical costs necessary to remain functional would make me poor (if I had the money). It’s a confusing world.

The browser screams at me to take notice of injustice to be informed of the latest wrong uncovered and made right. I am once again appalled at hearing of Ashley’s Treatment and read about the debate about decisions made to sterilize her and stunt her growth – here in the State of Washington at Children’s Hospital. How did this happen? I wonder how Ashley feels about all of this.

The browser screams at me to pick a disability rights group – the news is similar court cases from around the country revealing all sorts of actions, findings and ruling by jurists. Who is qualified to hear a case like this? Does it take a legal mind to decide or a compassionate heart to determine justice? It’s a confusing world.

The browser beckons me to contact Social Security “Apply for Benefits” the header reads. The web site is confusing as going to the Social Security office itself and you can get lost quickly. At the bottom of the page it says I can go to my local office for more information. Hum….Really? To determine if a disabling condition qualifies for benefits, Google directs me to the Office of Disability Determination. I make a wrong click and end up at the DSHS home page. How did I get here? I know Duane French the Director of DDS maybe I should tell him I am lost.

Why have we made it so difficult for individuals with disabilities….to live or to navigate the system?

I think of my own kids with disabilities and I know they want to be like everyone else to live, laugh, and love…why is it so hard and confusing? Why the screaming? Why the madness?

An Inspiration to All

Annually we present the Ann Bolendar Inspirational Award to a client who, like the award’s namesake, is a dedicated worker. A person who against all odds goes to work, does their best, doesn’t complain, is joyful works hard and has a positive outlook in spite of their disability.

This year we have unfortunately presented the award posthumously. Mary Liufau is a most deserving recipient who passed away on December 3, 2011. Her memorial service was held on Saturday, December 17th. Mary worked at South Puget Sound Community College as a Compost Station Coordinator assisting students, faculty and visitors to recycle their cafeteria remnants into the proper recycling or trash receptacle. Mary lived life to the fullest and embraced each new day with a smile on her face. She really enjoyed her job and life at SPSCC. She was also active in the Polynesian Club.

I had the opportunity to announce her award at our Holiday Party held at the Lacey Community Center. The whole room exploded with applause when her name was announced and the same at her memorial service. She touched many people both at Morningside and SPSCC.

I wanted to both share this announcement to the broader public and recognize her – not only in terms of her work but the impact she had on others. It was evident at the memorial that she truly brought joy to people’s lives and was an inspiration to many. Throughout the service many people spoke, sang and shared their stories about Mary. She was very loyal to family and friends, if you connected with her she was your loyal friend for life.

The service touched me in a very special way since it was multi-cultural. It absolutely drew me in and I was thrilled to be a part of the ethnic diversity. Mary was of Polynesian and African-American decent and the service was performed in both Polynesian and English. Her uncle Tini was very welcoming and presented the Eulogy. Her step-father, Darriel, sang a couple of songs. One song sung to the tune of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” had lyrics altered especially for Mary. It was especially poignant and moved us all. Once again I had the opportunity to share her award with those in attendance and once again the room exploded in applause.

Whenever I talked with Mary I was always drawn to her smile and pleasant personality. Mary certainly made the most of her life and inspired many along the way. She will be missed and remembered by all.

                                                         Mary at her SPSCC job