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!