Day 8 and 9

Sorry about the post delays. I am definitely gonna work on blogging everyday and actually post it on that day. But my laptop is in two words...a HOT MESS. First I didn't have internet. Then when I finally got internet connection, my laptop crashed. And all these things just have to happen to me...the most UNsavy person when it comes to technology.

But it's fine. I ended my weekend with three Law and Order episodes with the gals. I'm telling you that is like my official lullaby. After a long day at work, watching detectives uncover greusome crimes in New York City is all I need to fall asleep.

Moving onto yesterday...I actually wrote this yesterday as well, but couldn't post it cuz of my HOT MESS of a laptop.

So the following occurred on June 7th:

3 buses and 2 hours later I had arrived at CHAMPS, the new children's unit within EP MHMR. By car, the ride would have taken me 20 minutes. But considering I had to take the SMART 101 to the Downtown Transfer Terminal for the #50 bus which only runs every half an hour and then transfer once again to the #57 bus which runs every 2 hours, I was just happy I was on time. :)

The new employee orientation was split into the three following workshops that I was asked to attend:
1. Consumer Rights/Abuse and Neglect/ Strategies to effective advocacy for individuals
2. Cultural Awareness
3. Welcome/Vision/Mission

I felt as if most of what was mentioned in the workshops was pretty obvious, but since situations such as consumer- provider relationships occur or since certain individuals are unaware of what it means to be culturally competent, it's good to review.

The highlight of the oreintation and the part that I did not have to force myself to stay awake was learning about S.T.A.P, which is the Specialized Telecommunications Assitance Program. The two presentors showed us how people who are deaf and/ or have hard of hearing services can contact health agencies for assitance. The specialized telephone equipment is basically a huge texting phone that enables individuals with a hearing disability to communicate to others through the telephone by writing whatever it is they need. They brought in visuals and actual specialized telephone equipment,which I thought was pretty cool. The main message the director of the program wanted to get across was to advocate. Advocate for people with learning disabilites. I remember her saying "Put yourself in the shoes of an individual with a disability" and determine if they have the same experience or even close to the same experience as a person without any disabilities depending on the resources provided for both groups. For instance, if there is a televsion in a waiting room, people who can hear perfectly well are able to listen, hear and enjoy what is being shown on T.V. However, individuals with a hard of hearing disability, can not and so having captions on televisions in public areas is a must. Simiarly, individuals who depend on wheelchairs, should be able to ride up on a ramp in any public area as well. We all need to advocate for these services, even if we do not have any sort of disability. The incentive to take a stand for individuals with disabilites should be far greater for those without any sort of disability for one can only imagine how different our lives would be if we had some sort of disability.