Today she pointed!
Over the past week or so she has begun handing me things to help her with.
She hands me string so she can cut it.
She hands me a pencil so I will write...so she can erase.
She puts her (dirty) shoe in my lap so I can tie it.
And in the past couple of days she has taken to handing me the pencil so she can have me trace her hand.
Today she kept handing me the magnetic pencil so I could write letters on the little doodle board...so she could erase them.
I decided to see if I could get her to point.
It took me about 10 tries and suddenly she started forming a point with her own hand!
Immediately the "light came on" and she pointed by herself!!
I wrote the letter she had pointed to.
She stopped. Looked up at me. Intensely leaned close to my face, and opened her eyes really wide.
And smiled.
She got it.
She realized the power she had to make a decision. Suddenly she knew that she had control over what I would write on the board.
Oh, the little joys of my day :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Victories
Tuesday she asked me for help by putting her shoe on my lap. That same day she learned the difference between "small" and "big" shapes. She's beginning to make eye contact. Today she watched me blow my nose, then imitated me when I put a tissue up to her nose. In the last two days she has taken to untying her shoes just to watch me tie them. She watches intently. She copies facial expressions and some non-voice sounds in the mirror. She smiles at me. Today I learned she hates rain in her hair. She learned how to open the umbrella.
Little victories.
I love this little girl.
Little victories.
I love this little girl.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Difficult Topic
Hypothetical situation:
(We'll call her) "Ally" and her sister (and possibly her baby brother) are autistic. Ally's mom has a developmental disability. HER three or four siblings do too. Ally's grandparents also have disabilities.
What do we do with a situation like that? How can we prevent such a strain on governmenal resources? Historically they used to (by government order) sterililize all children with disabilities, saying they did not want their genes to be passed on. Many might think this is a good way to go about it.
But think about the logic:
A person should be sterilized because they are not a fit parent. They woud basically be children raising children.
BUT then who's to say who is a fit parent? I know plenty of non-disabled adults who are unfit parents. So then say we stretch that out to include them. Then instead of an invasive sterilization we say "it is now illegal for anyone to reproduce who is not fit to be a parent." Now we will need a check list of all of the qualities that dictate a person is a "fit parent." Now we have to track down anyone wanting to become a parent, so that we can test to see if they are parent-capable. But then (woops) a teenager gets pregnant. Now what? Do we force abortions?
What kind of a world would that be? I can name a few countries that might be similar to...
So instead of that, OUR country does not discourge unfit people from having kids. They simply take the children away...and put them into group homes, where sitters change every few hours (many of these sitters hate their job). SO now a child spends the rest of his or her life sitting in a corner of the room rocking back and forth and drooling on themselves...
What can WE do.
I guess we're not called to fix the whole system.
I guess we are caled to love.
So maybe that's a good place to start.
(We'll call her) "Ally" and her sister (and possibly her baby brother) are autistic. Ally's mom has a developmental disability. HER three or four siblings do too. Ally's grandparents also have disabilities.
What do we do with a situation like that? How can we prevent such a strain on governmenal resources? Historically they used to (by government order) sterililize all children with disabilities, saying they did not want their genes to be passed on. Many might think this is a good way to go about it.
But think about the logic:
A person should be sterilized because they are not a fit parent. They woud basically be children raising children.
BUT then who's to say who is a fit parent? I know plenty of non-disabled adults who are unfit parents. So then say we stretch that out to include them. Then instead of an invasive sterilization we say "it is now illegal for anyone to reproduce who is not fit to be a parent." Now we will need a check list of all of the qualities that dictate a person is a "fit parent." Now we have to track down anyone wanting to become a parent, so that we can test to see if they are parent-capable. But then (woops) a teenager gets pregnant. Now what? Do we force abortions?
What kind of a world would that be? I can name a few countries that might be similar to...
So instead of that, OUR country does not discourge unfit people from having kids. They simply take the children away...and put them into group homes, where sitters change every few hours (many of these sitters hate their job). SO now a child spends the rest of his or her life sitting in a corner of the room rocking back and forth and drooling on themselves...
What can WE do.
I guess we're not called to fix the whole system.
I guess we are caled to love.
So maybe that's a good place to start.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day two. MAN my head hurts
I met my student today! :) She is an absolute sweetheart! She came right up to me and put her face in mine and yelled. More like growled. Then she grabbed my hand and we were friends. She is completely non-verbal so far, but I think she's smart. I can see her actually processing things. It's really fun to discover the world through her eyes. Her senses are all really heightened so she hates noise, light, smells, strong tastes, and pulls away if I touch her hand unexpectedly. She loves music and I can hear her humming sometimes. She hates to eat anything but candy, but she actually ate half a chicken patty today. Many teachers were impressed. We had a really good day, and I am excited for tomorrow.
Now for the news:
Before Rosa got there, the principal pulled me aside to ask me a question. She wanted to know if I would be interested in an afteroon sub job, from 1:30 to 6pm. I would basically be helping kids with homework, playing games with them, and helping out with administrative duties from time to time (like imputting attendance). Since my Aide job only goes to 12:30, that works perfectly. God is good! :) I knew He wanted me to take this Laton job, but I knew by al worldly standards it was the inferior job. God knew.
Now my predicament:
I still work for an elderly lady, running errands and fixing miscellaneous things around her house 6 hours a week (M, W, F). I have already moved that to after 1:30, and with this afternoon job out in Laton, I would not be able to get back into town until after 7:30. I could go straight there and shop for her, but that would mean I get home around 10. Not gonna go over well, being married and all.
So I talked to MV today to let her know my predicament, and we decided that I would start coming only twice a week (probably t, th), and I would stay for only an hour. She would have to have her grocery list ready in advance so we don't waste time getting it put together. She wil also save a great deal of money this way.
My ony concern is that that still gives me two 11 hour days a week. DO I want to do that? Maybe for now. Maybe this is just a season of saving. I will not always work, so maybe it's ok for now.
We'll see.
Time for a nap. I'm exhausted.
Now for the news:
Before Rosa got there, the principal pulled me aside to ask me a question. She wanted to know if I would be interested in an afteroon sub job, from 1:30 to 6pm. I would basically be helping kids with homework, playing games with them, and helping out with administrative duties from time to time (like imputting attendance). Since my Aide job only goes to 12:30, that works perfectly. God is good! :) I knew He wanted me to take this Laton job, but I knew by al worldly standards it was the inferior job. God knew.
Now my predicament:
I still work for an elderly lady, running errands and fixing miscellaneous things around her house 6 hours a week (M, W, F). I have already moved that to after 1:30, and with this afternoon job out in Laton, I would not be able to get back into town until after 7:30. I could go straight there and shop for her, but that would mean I get home around 10. Not gonna go over well, being married and all.
So I talked to MV today to let her know my predicament, and we decided that I would start coming only twice a week (probably t, th), and I would stay for only an hour. She would have to have her grocery list ready in advance so we don't waste time getting it put together. She wil also save a great deal of money this way.
My ony concern is that that still gives me two 11 hour days a week. DO I want to do that? Maybe for now. Maybe this is just a season of saving. I will not always work, so maybe it's ok for now.
We'll see.
Time for a nap. I'm exhausted.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Job Day One
So today was the day. I'm amazed I slept! I have been so nervous anticipating my first day at Laton Elementary. And I have been dreading the thought of waking up at 6am. I am NOT a morning person. Just ask Caleb.
Anyways, so I got to school in pretty good time, without too much traffic, and I went to the office. The principal wanted me to wait a few minutes for my student to arrive...and about 15 minutes later the office got a call from my kid's mother saying they were "sick".
DAHH!
SO my first day went alright. I accustomed myself to the room, looked at some of her assignments, helped tutor a little gorl with some math, and helped with lunch duty. The kids were great. I kept having little girls run up to me and ask me my name. One of them ran up to me and gave me the "cheese touch". Luckily I just watched "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" two days ago so I knew what they were talking about. Another girl told me to give it to her. I helped walk them to the playground. I was the caboose of the line and got to talk to a few of the students. One girl asked me if I got paid to walk at the back of the line. They were fun.
So tomorrow I meet Rosa.
Off to study up on Autism education.
Anyways, so I got to school in pretty good time, without too much traffic, and I went to the office. The principal wanted me to wait a few minutes for my student to arrive...and about 15 minutes later the office got a call from my kid's mother saying they were "sick".
DAHH!
SO my first day went alright. I accustomed myself to the room, looked at some of her assignments, helped tutor a little gorl with some math, and helped with lunch duty. The kids were great. I kept having little girls run up to me and ask me my name. One of them ran up to me and gave me the "cheese touch". Luckily I just watched "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" two days ago so I knew what they were talking about. Another girl told me to give it to her. I helped walk them to the playground. I was the caboose of the line and got to talk to a few of the students. One girl asked me if I got paid to walk at the back of the line. They were fun.
So tomorrow I meet Rosa.
Off to study up on Autism education.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Pickle
I have a decision to make.
I interviewed for a job in Laton (about 35 min south).
I would be a one-on-one aide for an autistic 5-year-old.
It would be SO good for both that girl and her older sister to have me there with the experience I do.
The interview went great and they called me back that night to see if I want to move forward with the hiring process. I told them I would call the next morning.
I checked the job description and it only pays 9.45/ hr.
I had no other leads so I told her to go ahead.
Right after I get off the phone with her I got a call from Clovis Unified saying they pulled my resume off the internet and were VERY interested in getting me in for an interview.
I would have a probationary period where I would be a substitute, but then I would move into a more permanent position (all with severely disabled students).
I checked their job posing.
It pays almost three dollars more per hour.
My predicament is that I know that Clovis kids kind of have it handed to them. They have the best program, the most money allotted them, and the finest facilities.
Laton kids have teachers who have never had experience with talking devices or sign language, and they have the LEAST amount of money given them for their programs.
What to do?
The thing I keep thinking is that the whole reason I went back to school was because of my experience in Romania.
We helped in a kindergarten for kids with disabilities. It was an immaculate building, with lots of equipment, but the faculty did not have the training they needed to utilize the equipent to its capacity. So the kids were only able to receice sub-par rehabilitation and education (AKA they taught them to color in the lines..).
My goal for education was to return to the states and receive training that I could bring back to facilities like this.
That was my goal, and I don't want to lose sight of that.
But three dollars more an hour...
I think I know the answer...
I interviewed for a job in Laton (about 35 min south).
I would be a one-on-one aide for an autistic 5-year-old.
It would be SO good for both that girl and her older sister to have me there with the experience I do.
The interview went great and they called me back that night to see if I want to move forward with the hiring process. I told them I would call the next morning.
I checked the job description and it only pays 9.45/ hr.
I had no other leads so I told her to go ahead.
Right after I get off the phone with her I got a call from Clovis Unified saying they pulled my resume off the internet and were VERY interested in getting me in for an interview.
I would have a probationary period where I would be a substitute, but then I would move into a more permanent position (all with severely disabled students).
I checked their job posing.
It pays almost three dollars more per hour.
My predicament is that I know that Clovis kids kind of have it handed to them. They have the best program, the most money allotted them, and the finest facilities.
Laton kids have teachers who have never had experience with talking devices or sign language, and they have the LEAST amount of money given them for their programs.
What to do?
The thing I keep thinking is that the whole reason I went back to school was because of my experience in Romania.
We helped in a kindergarten for kids with disabilities. It was an immaculate building, with lots of equipment, but the faculty did not have the training they needed to utilize the equipent to its capacity. So the kids were only able to receice sub-par rehabilitation and education (AKA they taught them to color in the lines..).
My goal for education was to return to the states and receive training that I could bring back to facilities like this.
That was my goal, and I don't want to lose sight of that.
But three dollars more an hour...
I think I know the answer...
Friday, December 10, 2010
More Car Shopping & a Potential Job!
We've kind of let up on the car hunt as of late. It seemed a little pointless after hitting so many lots and coming up empty on results. It feels good to not hunt so intensely. It's been a better week.
Caleb has another out-of-town job trip this weekend so we will be going down to Anaheim area and staying right next to DISNEY LAND!! :) I think we're even staying in the castle hotel. :) I love being married!
We were going to spend sunday in the park, but be agreed that wo should just go into the free area with all of the little shops, then we can spend the rest of the day looking at possible cars in that area. Better prices.
There are so many more options in that area! It would be really nice to come home with our second car!
Keep praying! :)
Today I got a phone call from Laton Elementary saying they would like to have me in for an interview on Wednasday at 1:00pm. Oh boy!! I am SO excited to finally have my foot in the door. I was suggested the job by the childrens ministries co-director at church. I volunteer there once a week and usually have 12-15 two-year-olds running around. Aparently her daughter works with some autistic children out in clovis, and it just turned out that the day after I spoke with her, her daughter had a co-worker walk out on the class! So, open position!! I applied yesterday, and got called for the interview today! Praise God.
So we'll see. I know it's an older class and I was hoping for a younger class of mild-to-moderate and not necessissarily autistic, but I'll take what I can get! There's also a chance they may only hire me as a substitute, but that would be ok...I would just have to have a different class every day...eesh...SO pray I get a special ed ASSISTANT position. :)
Something pretty nuts happened today at work (grocery shopping 6 hours a weeek). I had just returned from the store and was putting food away in the garage, when I heard a thump and a scream inside. So I (literaly) threw the groceries all over the garage floor and ran inside. My boss had fallen onto the floor next to the fridge. I ran up and told her to stay still, but she insisted she was fine after she caught her breath. Then she insisted I let her try to get up herself, just in case something like this happens when I'm NOT there (God forbid). It took her a while an a little coaching, but she did it! She actually made it back up! I was really relieved she could do it. Makes me feel better about leaving her there alone.
Ha, I just remembered another thing that happened at work (this was on wed). I went to Save Mart and got serenaded by the bagger. He has Down Syndrome, but it definitely made my day. He had taken my groceries to my car as usual, then he told me he was the real replacement Elvis. Then he sang to me "I'll Have A Blue Christmas"...shaking his leg like elvis and holding up an imaginary micriphone. :)
Caleb has another out-of-town job trip this weekend so we will be going down to Anaheim area and staying right next to DISNEY LAND!! :) I think we're even staying in the castle hotel. :) I love being married!
We were going to spend sunday in the park, but be agreed that wo should just go into the free area with all of the little shops, then we can spend the rest of the day looking at possible cars in that area. Better prices.
There are so many more options in that area! It would be really nice to come home with our second car!
Keep praying! :)
Today I got a phone call from Laton Elementary saying they would like to have me in for an interview on Wednasday at 1:00pm. Oh boy!! I am SO excited to finally have my foot in the door. I was suggested the job by the childrens ministries co-director at church. I volunteer there once a week and usually have 12-15 two-year-olds running around. Aparently her daughter works with some autistic children out in clovis, and it just turned out that the day after I spoke with her, her daughter had a co-worker walk out on the class! So, open position!! I applied yesterday, and got called for the interview today! Praise God.
So we'll see. I know it's an older class and I was hoping for a younger class of mild-to-moderate and not necessissarily autistic, but I'll take what I can get! There's also a chance they may only hire me as a substitute, but that would be ok...I would just have to have a different class every day...eesh...SO pray I get a special ed ASSISTANT position. :)
Something pretty nuts happened today at work (grocery shopping 6 hours a weeek). I had just returned from the store and was putting food away in the garage, when I heard a thump and a scream inside. So I (literaly) threw the groceries all over the garage floor and ran inside. My boss had fallen onto the floor next to the fridge. I ran up and told her to stay still, but she insisted she was fine after she caught her breath. Then she insisted I let her try to get up herself, just in case something like this happens when I'm NOT there (God forbid). It took her a while an a little coaching, but she did it! She actually made it back up! I was really relieved she could do it. Makes me feel better about leaving her there alone.
Ha, I just remembered another thing that happened at work (this was on wed). I went to Save Mart and got serenaded by the bagger. He has Down Syndrome, but it definitely made my day. He had taken my groceries to my car as usual, then he told me he was the real replacement Elvis. Then he sang to me "I'll Have A Blue Christmas"...shaking his leg like elvis and holding up an imaginary micriphone. :)
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