Saturday, April 28, 2012

Hershey's H.E.R.O.S. Offers Hope of Sweet Success

I was privileged the other day to be able to participate in an exciting, new initiative from the Hershey Company.  And it has nothing at all to do with chocolate - yet!

Hershey is introducing a new program they are calling H.E.R.O.S.  The acronym stands for "Hershey Extends Real Opportunity for Success".  H.E.R.O.S. is designed to provide competitive employment for people with intellectual, physical or developmental disabilities.  I was invited to attend the introductory presentation to a group of professionals involved in vocational rehabilitation.  Hershey officials wanted to not only inform us of their plans but receive input from us in order to make the program work.  It was a great time of sharing, brainstorming, and envisioning.

Competitive employment for persons with disabilities is never easy.  I have already written in detail about this subject on previous posts to Peace-Ability.  The sluggish economy doesn't help any.  For every story of success there remains an unbelievable number of rejected applications and ignored inquiries.  Employers generally cannot embrace the fact that persons with disabilities can indeed prove to be very effective, productive employees.

To be sure there are some great employers out there who understand this principle.  It is a joy to work with them and hear first hand their joy and satisfaction with those employees who are disabled.  But for a major global company such as Hershey to develop a program intended to actively pursue such employees is an encouraging development indeed.  What I find especially unique is the way in which Hershey is going about this task.  It is not some kind of promo stunt.  In fact, to my knowledge it has not been introduced to the media hounds yet.  Rather, Hershey wants to do it right.  They want to build a program that will spell long-term success for the individuals they hire.  To this end they have invited people who know what works and what doesn't work in vocational rehabilitation to inform them, teach them and assist them in avoiding areas that could become potential stumbling blocks.

At this point H.E.R.O.S. remains a developing concept.  The pilot program is scheduled to begin later this year at one, lone facility out of the extensive system that is collectively known as the Hershey Company.  But even with this it is clearly way ahead of nearly all other large corporations.  From what I have seen thus far , H.E.R.O.S. offers HOPE to the manufacturing community as well as persons with disabilities.



gdgehr
April 28, 2012
peace-ablethinking.blogspot.com
like us on Facebook

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Celebrating Abilities In The Family Of Faith


It seems like every cause, every pet project, every advocacy group is given is day is the sun.  In many cases it is more like its week, or even its month in the sun.  The list is endless.

·        National Stress Awareness Day

·        Great American Smoke-Out Day

·        National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day

·        Penguin Awareness Day

·        Red Ribbon Week

·        Poison Prevention Week

·        National Preparedness Month

And the list just keeps on going.  There are hundreds of such issues that are observed and/or promoted by one group or another.  Some are more widely recognized.  Others have only a small following.  Most are significant regardless of their popularity.

April happens to be Autism Awareness Month, among other things.  Considering the severity of Autism and its prevalence this is one of the more reasonable observances, in my opinion.  But then, as a parent of a child with Autism and an advocate for disabilities of all kinds, I am probably a bit biased. 

Autism is reaching near epidemic proportions around the world.  The Center for Disease Control issues a report in late March 2012 that indicates 1 in 88 children in the United States are on the Autism Spectrum.  That is a staggering statistic.  It is even more disheartening among boys where the ratio is 1 in 54.   To give you some idea how this has been increasing, when my son received his diagnosis in 2000 we were told that the number of children who had autism was 1 in 2,000.  That was just twelve years ago.  The reason for this vast increase is varied and not always clear.  Many variables factor into the equation.  Still, there are a few things that remain undeniable.

First it is important to understand that Autism is a very broad term that includes numerous specific diagnoses, each with their own quirks.  Currently there are five major diagnoses that fall under the Autism umbrella.  They are:

1.      Classical Autism Disorder - very severe and low functioning

2.      Rett's Disorder - also very severe but very rare, too.  This one is almost exclusively found in females.

3.      Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - rare and difficult to diagnose early in life.  It is characterized by rather normal development through ages 5 - 10.  At some point in this time frame, however, the child begins to lose nearly all the skills and abilities that they had previously learned.

4.      Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified - the most common of the five categories and generally falling in the middle of the severity scale.  PDD-NOS often includes multiple diagnoses such as ADD, Obsessive Compulsive, Sensory Integration, Bi-polar or Mental Retardation.

5.      Asperger's Syndrome - the highest functioning of the Autism Spectrum Disorders and also may be accompanied by multiple diagnoses.
Though the Spectrum is wide and varied there are certain deficits that tend to be common among those who fall into one of these five diagnoses.

A.      Communication deficit

B.      Social Skills deficit

C.      Behavioral deficits

Much more could be said of these but I will refrain at this time.  What I wish to convey is that any family living with autism is under tremendous stress.  A person with Autism may look like any of his peers upon a casual encounter.  But it will not take long to realize that this person has some unusual behaviors or characteristics.  It may be the way they repeat certain phrases or questions.  It may be the tone of their voice, which tends to be louder than normal or unusually quiet.  Perhaps one will notice some repetitive motion: the flapping of the hands; spinning around in a circle; rocking back and forth; tugging on their lip or ear; picking at the fingernails; etc.

If you try to speak to a person with Autism you may notice that they tend to avoid eye contact.  They may repeat what you say.  They may even appear to be unable to talk.  There are a host of social behaviors and skills that are problematic for these individuals.  When a child is quite young it may not seem particularly noticeable.  As the child grows and continues their behaviors it will not only become noticeable but often is annoying or frustrating for others to deal with.

Parents quickly become caught between attempting to care for their child and protecting them from environmental concerns that could trigger negative reactions while fully aware of the stares and comments behind their back from onlookers who simply do not understand.  To make matters worse, Autism is not a disease that comes and goes.  It is not like an annoying cough or hiccup that eventually goes away.  Living with Autism is 24/7.  It never ends.  Never.  Not in the course of a day nor a week nor a year.  It is not a childhood phenomenon that one will outgrow some day.  Rather, it is a lifelong challenge.  For many parents there is no relief.

This is why I am convinced that the Christian Community, the Church, needs to address the issue of Autism along with disabilities in general.  Jesus came into this world to teach and to heal individuals.  He was keenly aware of what was troubling a person and sought to provide help.  "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28 NIV), said our Lord.  The Church bears responsibility to carry on this ministry today.  Unfortunately too many Churches remain in the Dark Ages when it comes to disabilities, and especially socially challenged disorders such as Autism.

I know from first hand experience how cruel and uninviting a congregation can be.  My family suffered an unbelievable amount of abuse and misunderstanding at the hands of good and faithful church members over the years.  What always struck me was the fact that I was the Pastor of the congregation.  If this was how they treated the Pastor's family I would cringe at the thought of how another family in the congregation must feel if they had a special needs child with them.  The sad reality is most Churches are ill-equipped to deal with anyone who does not fit into their comfortable, compliant, predicable and quiet environment.  They see only the behavior.  They cannot see the person, the child of God.

This is why I am so thankful to God for leading us to a congregation that truly cares.  For the past year and a half my family has been involved with the Akron Church of the Brethren in Akron, PA.  Here we have found a spiritual family that accepts us and welcomes us into their midst.  Not only do they accept our son who has Autism, along with a multitude of other challenges, but they are intent on extending the invitation of Jesus as quoted above from Matthew 11 to all persons with disabilities.  This congregation has formed a ministry team known as the C.A.R.InG. Ministry.  The acronym stands for Celebrating Abilities; Rejoicing In God.  The CARInG Ministry is charged with addressing the needs of persons with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities by meeting their spiritual needs, providing love and acceptance to them and their families, offering resources to help them, and educating the congregation in ways that will enhance the attitude and the acceptance of all persons.

Today, April 22, the CARInG Ministry Team sponsored an Autism Awareness Day at Church.  It included a special Sunday School session entitled Autism Spectrum Disorders: Integration In The Faith Community.  The program was developed and presented by Tim Caldwell of Philhaven Hospital.  He led us in a one hour study of the nature of Autism and creative, positive ways for a congregation to respond.  I would highly recommend this program for any Church that seeks to be faithful to Jesus.

Then, during our worship service, a young man with Asperger's Syndrome gave his personal testimony regarding some of his challenges and the role that his faith plays in his daily life.  After this Mr. Caldwell gave a word of encouragement as he shared further with us.  The service also included a stirring message from Pastor Tom Weber entitled "...Love For One Another" based on John 15:9-17.  This message highlighted the command of Jesus to extend love to all persons.

Would that more Churches embrace the vision that this congregation has!  How many Churches offer a true Disabilities Ministry?  How many Churches intentionally address the challenges and needs of people who are affected by disabilities?  How many Christians can look beyond one's behavior to see the child of God within?



gdgehr
April 22, 2012

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

PA's Proposed Budget Spells Disaster for the Disabled



PA's Proposed Budget Spells Disaster for the Disabled
THE PARABLE OF THE EMERGENCY ROOM

Suppose you were driving down the road.  Suddenly, without warning, you experience a terrifying jolt accompanied by the dreaded sound of crumbling metal and shattering glass.  The next thing you know you are in an ambulance, attended to by paramedics.  You eventually learn that a drunk driver ran a stop sign at 50 + mph and slammed into you broadside.  You are in excruciating pain, the result of several broken bones.  You also suffered numerous lacerations and a suspected concussion and probable damage to vital organs.

Finally the ambulance arrives at the Emergency Room entrance to the Hospital.  You are wheeled into a crowded triage center where a nurse examines you and takes down all the information.  She then explains that there are 100 beds in this Emergency Room and they are all filled.  State regulations do not allow any patient to be seen by a doctor unless there is a bed available for them.  So, you will just have to wait in the triage center.

How long will the wait be, someone asks.  We never know, comes the reply.  There are 30 people ahead of you.  However, patients are taken according to the seriousness of their condition.  Because you obviously are in serious condition you will be placed at Number 3 on the waiting list.

Number 3?  But how can this be, asks the other voice again.  Just look at this person - broken bones, severe lacerations, concussion - - how can we possibly expect to wait to be seen?

I'm sorry, says the nurse.  There are two people more serious than you.  One is a lady with a brain aneurysm.  She is in a coma and has been here for two days.  She has yet to be seen by a doctor or a nurse.  The other is a man who is suffering from a heart attack.  He, too, is barely alive but has not been seen by anyone yet.  Then there is you.

But what about the people in the E.R.?  Surely some of them are in good enough condition that they could surrender their bed to someone with a greater need?

Oh my, NO!  Once a person gets a bed in the E.R. they can stay there until they are admitted to the main hospital or.....they die.  The triage nurse remains rather expressionless as she relays this information.  She continues:  and no one is being admitted to the main hospital because again, there are no beds available.

So there you lay.  On a rickety gurney, in pain like you never imagined, wondering....WHY?  I didn't do anything to cause this situation.  I did not cause the other driver to be drunk or to run the stop sign.  I certainly don't wish for people to die, but - - this just isn't fair.  How could I have been living in a community with an inadequate hospital to meet the needs of our citizens?


REALITY

OK, so I made this whole thing up and honestly believe it could never be true.  Not in this country.  Or could it?  Right now, at this very moment, in principle, the same thing is happening.  The difference is those who are waiting for services are persons with emotional, physical, or developmental disabilities.

Just in Pennsylvania there are currently 16,000 people on the waiting list for services they are entitled to and need, but have no access to.  Among them are 3,000 who are on the "Emergency Waiting List".  This means that their situation is so severe they represent a threat to themselves or others.  Their family members are doing the best they can but they are exhausted, worn out, and reaching their breaking point.  Besides, they are not professionals and are very limited in what they can effectively do.

This is the current situation.  If the newly proposed budget from Governor Tom Corbett is passed, the situation will quickly move from "serious" to "critical".  Gov. Corbett is proposing a 20 % decrease in services to the disabled.  Yes 20 % - - That is a HUGE reduction that will surely create havoc not only for families but for society.  The City of Philadelphia predicts a 50% increase in homelessness if these cuts go through.  Is the public willing to deal with those kind of consequences?  Many may say yes now, but a year after the cuts are enacted I predict they will change their minds.

Karen Snyder, former Secretary of the Department of Welfare in Pennsylvania, has called the Corbett Budget "devastating".  She is quoted as saying that she has "never seen a proposed budget that will be so damaging to human services" as this one.  According to Snyder, programs and support services for the disabled have been "underfunded for years." 

In summary, here is what the Governor is proposing for disability services.  Currently in Pennsylvania there are seven funding streams that provide for the various programs and services required by persons with disabilities.  These programs vary from person to person according to need.  The list could include occupational therapy, counseling, psychiatric services, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, housing, respite for caregivers, modifications to one's place of residence in order to meet the needs of the individual, medically-necessary equipment and so much more.

Gov. Corbett is proposing that these seven funding streams be consolidated into one Block Grant.  Each County would receive their proportionate share and be allowed to distribute the Block Grant as they see fit.  It should be noted that the PA County Commissioners' Association met to discuss this proposal and decided instead to totally oppose it.

So what does any of this have to do with my Parable of the Emergency Room presented above?  As in that fictitious Emergency Room, those who are disabled and waiting for required services are already too high:  16,000 total;  3,000 in "Emergency" Status.  If funding is decreased by
20 %  fewer people are going to be served.  Thus the number on the Emergency Waiting list cannot possibly decrease.  It can only increase.  The idea of giving each County a Block Grant as opposed to the seven funding streams not only creates a nightmare for the Counties but also gives unscrupulous lawmakers the opportunity to redistribute what money they do get in favor of one program over another.  In the end it is impossible for anything good to come out of this for those with disabilities

Interestingly, when Tom Corbett was campaigning for Governor two years ago he stated that services to the disabled was a core responsibility of the State.  Now, as Governor, he is seeking to undermine that very support system.  It should come as no surprise that a group of parents and other advocates are challenging the proposed budget with a pending lawsuit.


A CALL TO ACTION

Again I say, 20% is an incredibly high amount.  This translates to one-fifth of the current budget.  To put this in perspective, think of it this way:

·        What would you do if you learned that the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) was going to reduce the number of licensed drivers and the number of automobile registrations by 20% next year?

·        How about if you were told that the State would now demand that all employers reduce their payroll by 20%?

·        Suppose your income tax (or your State sales tax or Real Estate tax) was about to increase by 20%.  What would you do?

·        Could you possibly imagine the outrage if the Legislature were to cut Medicare by 20 %?

Most likely you would make a huge fuss, write letters to your elected officials urging them to vote against these proposals, and perhaps even consider joining a class action suit against the government or whoever was responsible for the changes.  Wouldn't you?

In an overwhelming number of cases the people whose services will be affected by Gov. Corbett's proposals are incapable of mounting an opposition.  A huge proportion are children.  Many of the others simply do not have the ability to understand.

I would encourage you to act on their behalf.  Write or call you State Representative and State Senator.  State clearly your opposition to the proposed 2012 - 2013 Budget as presented by Governor Tom Corbett.  If you are not sure who your Representative or Senator is go to www.legis.state.pa.us.  In the upper right corner there is a box with the heading "FIND MEMBERS BY".  Click on this link and follow the instructions.  The names and contact information for your elected officials will quickly be displayed.  Use that information to begin a letter/email/telephone campaign to be sure your voice is heard.  It is not a difficult thing to do, but it is effective.  And remember:  time is limited.  This budget is due to go into effect on July 1, 2012 .    That means it must come to a vote before then.

If you live outside of Pennsylvania you may want to check with your own officials to see what their plans are regarding support services to those with disabilities.

The more I think about this I would like to see an alternate proposal: 

·        Let's reduce the size of the Pennsylvania State Legislature by 20 % of its current membership.  We currently have 50 Senators and 203 Representatives for a total of 253 Legislators.  Thus we would drop 10 Senators and 40 Representatives, or in other words, 50 Legislators would be out of a job!

·        Reduce the salary of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, and all Legislators by 20 %.

·        Reduce the size of the Pennsylvania State Police force by 20%

One can quickly see how ridiculous such proposals would be.  None of them would stand a chance of being accepted, at least not in Harrisburg.  How, then, can our Governor possibly expect those with disabilities to accept his proposal?

Please join me in raising a voice on behalf of these people who desperately need the services they are receiving.  There is an old saying:  "Silence means consent".  If you do not voice opposition to the Governor's plan, then I suggest you make it your duty to be the one to explain these cuts to those who will no longer receive the services they require.  I will even supply you with a few names and contact information so you will have no excuse for sitting by quietly while lives are destroyed.  You see, there is no way to hide from this issue.  You might as well make it personal - - Governor Corbett has.


by G. D. Gehr
April 3, 2012
Comments encouraged and welcomed.