Week 14- Getting to work with the Special Olympics

     Last week I finally got to participate in my first event with the Special Olympics.  It was the Long Beach Unified School District Games held at Cabrillo High School.  The daylong event consisted of mainly of track and field events with school age athletes- generally elementary and high school aged students. 

Prior to the event, Brandon, emailed all the scheduled volunteers to notify them of their positions along with a few reminders and directions.  I appreciated the email very much.  It gave me a sense of order and preparedness and further indicated that the event would be properly organized and well run.  In addition to notifying me that I would be working as an “awards coordinator” and providing me an overview of my responsibilities for the day, Brandon additionally enclosed a reminder on proper etiquette in working with special needs individuals.  He writes,

             

WORKING WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES:

            People with intellectual disabilities and those without intellectual disabilities are more alike than different. If you're unsure of how to respond to a person with an intellectual disability, ask yourself how you would want someone to treat you. Both adults and children compete in Special Olympics events. Adults should be treated as adults. Use the term "athletes" when speaking about our competitors. Talk with the athletes the same way you would with anyone else. Use conversational tone and eye contact. Let the person  know that you are interested in him or her.

             Most of the athletes you will meet are very friendly and will enjoy your attention, but it is             also important to encourage appropriate behavior. Behavior that is not appropriate among persons WITHOUT disabilities is also not appropriate among persons WITH disabilities.  Enjoy the interactions that are part of the Special Olympic experience, but don't be afraid to establish limits.

     I admit that I hadn’t considered this scenario.  Obviously I knew I would be interacting with people with disabilities, but I suppose I did not expect to experience the level of interaction that my position would entail.  I consider myself to be a politically correct, and a morally kind individual, regardless, I found the prompt to be very helpful and found myself going back to the reminder at least once during the day.  It was a lesson that not all unkind actions are due to callousness, but also due to unpreparedness and thoughtlessness.

I arrived at Cabrillo High School at 7:30am, earlier than I like to wake.  After a wrong turn and a lovely self guided tour through the port of Long Beach, I finally found my way to the location.  I felt the arrival time was a bit early, as after setting up a shade canopy, I was left with nothing to do for about an hour.  However, better safe than sorry.  It seems that seasoned volunteers arrive later just prior to the start of the games, while new volunteers are expected early to set up chairs and what not.  This seems fair enough, except there was some confusion as the other volunteer and I believed it would just be the two of us and were left to attempt to strategize and decipher the detailed instruction binder on running the awards station.  But alas, the experienced volunteers arrived and we received detailed instruction on our duties. 

     The event began on time with a fairly large attendance from what I understand.  As awards coordinator, my position took some time to get going as the kids needed to compete first, but sure enough, we were busy before we knew it.  I did a mix of multitasking at the tent.  It’s a bit hard to describe but I basically “made” the awards (affixed a sticker to the back of the ribbon and put a safety pin on it,) accepted the event scoring sheets from the runners coming from each event station, and then helped with the staging of the kids for the presentation of their awards.  Sounds easy enough, but it certainly got hectic.  Namely because the athletes in each heat would compete and then arrive at the awards tent at varying times.  And due to the nature of some of the kid’s disabilities, it was unreasonable to have them waiting for the entire group to arrive for the ceremony or make it to the tent in a hurry as many had physical disabilities as well.  Therefore numerous ceremonies were incomplete.  Although I don’t think this was a negative issue really.  One unfortunate problem at times, though, was because it got so hectic, some athletes ended up sitting in the staging area for long periods- and even worse, after their names had been called.  I think the confusion could be relived with the use of multiple scoring sheets from each of the separate event stations.  Carbon copies would be a great idea.  This would allow for one sheet to go directly to the record book, one to the coordinator handling awards, and one to address late arrivals on whether or not their names had been called.  However, I assume any non-necessary expenses for a non-profit organization would be difficult to justify.  The system does work adequately; although carbon copied sheets would contribute to a better flow and create a more enjoyable experience for the volunteers (thus encouraging returns) and athletes all around. 

     I would have to say my favorite aspect of the day was meeting the children.  Seeing the smiles on their faces and joy they experienced was unbelievably gratifying.  Many were so proud of themselves that they didn’t want to leave the staging area when they got their ribbons.  The sweetness of the kids certainly affected me.  I can see how ongoing volunteerism is the norm for the Special Olympics.  I admit, that although the program needs hands on helpers, I would really rather just work as a spectator and cheer on the kids.  It was too fun.

     The lunch provided was great.  Good chips. 

Week 13- Founding of the Special Olympics

During the 1960s, the United States was entrenched in an era of great changes.  The Civil Rights Movement, based on the ideals of equality and representation for minorities reflected the need for a program to address those with intellectual disabilities.  Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, the organization sought to promote a healthier understanding of the intellectually disabled.  Shriver’s younger sister, Rosemary Kennedy was said to be intellectually disabled.  As social norms and understanding of special needs at the time were lacking and misguided, those with intellectual disabilities faced difficult lives as misrepresented outcasts.  Following the belief system of the mid 1900s, Rosemary’s father, Joseph Kennedy, subject her to a brain lobotomy at age 23 in hopes of “curing” her condition.  Sadly, the procedure left her permanently incapacitated.  Possibly a catalyst for Shriver’s contributions to the field, she sought supported a concept of physical involvement in combination with organized competition. 

From the 1968 single event, the Special Olympics has grown from the first games consisting of 1,000 American and Canadian athletes competing in a single day event to the world’s largest sports organization comprised of 3.7 million athletes.  With offices in more than 170 countries, this successful growth has led to training and competitions held on a daily basis worldwide for children and adult competitors with varying forms of intellectual disabilities.  Awarded the use of the official Olympic name by the US Olympic committee only three years after its founding, the Special Olympics grew with remarkable momentum.  With this momentum, followed the first Special Olympics game held outside the United States, in Dublin, Ireland in 2003.  On a similar schedule as the International Olympic Committee games, the next Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Pyeong Chang, South Korea in Jan. 29-Feb. 6, 2013. The next Special Olympics World Summer Games will be in Los Angeles, Calif., USA in July 2015.[1]

In addition to the incredible contributions to the intellectually disabled community on the local and social levels, the Special Olympics has additionally served as a source of power for political activism.  Most notable is the 2004, "Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act," Public Law 108-406. The bill authorized funding for its Healthy Athletes, Education, and Worldwide Expansion programs.  Additionally the 2008 formation of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign to encourage individuals to stop using the word "retard" in everyday speech had been extremely successful in bringing political correctness to the misuse of sensitive discourse.[2]

Today the Special Olympics has proven to be an integral aspect of the intellectually disabled community.  The social cohesion, support networks, and healthy lifestyle the program offers are meaningful to all participant, athletes, families, and volunteers.

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[1]“About,” Special Olympics, http://www.specialolympics.org/ (accessed April 25, 2012).

[2]“Special Olympics.” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Olympics (accessed April 20, 2012).

Week 12- Stranger Danger and battered women

Yesterday (April 17, 2012), I had the opportunity of hosting my daughter’s girl scout troop meeting.  While each child’s parent is responsible for one meeting each season, I will still consider it an opportunity to share my bit of wisdom.  Anyway, most mothers do things like tea parties, pillow making, or candle dipping.  I am not one of those mothers.  And not in a “I’m too cool to be crafty” kind of way.  More like, “I wish I were that cool, but not, kind of way.”

So having to come up with an idea that would satisfy my need for some type of achievement and Sam’s request that “it can’t be something lame” I decided on an empowerment forum dedicated to stranger danger.

Personal safety is a huge issue.  My daughter and her fellow pre-teens have begun walking to school.  They also love crossing the street on Wednesdays after school to the local farmers market.  Or getting dropped off at the movie theatre.  Of course, they’re always in groups, but nothing stresses me out more than knowing that my daughter is out in public sans adult supervision.  Every time she goes off to an activity, I give her the rules.  But of course, I realize she’s 11.  Oops, 12 as of last week.  I remember arguing with my mom as a teenager and angrily declaring, “I can’t believe you don’t trust me.”  My mother responded with, “It’s other people I don’t trust.”  Maybe when Sam’s older, I could believe that, but honestly, I really just don’t trust her.

So with the aid of my CSULB Lt. police officer friend, his Sergeant, and the ridiculously buff self defense instructor from the Wellness Center, I set out to empower and at the very least, educate girlscout troop 4671 on stranger danger.  The topic is particularly interesting and ironically well timed, as we just did a study on the Battered Women’s Movement last week.  And while the two topics are far from being the same, they are certainly related. 

A major argument among battered women’s advocates is the fine line between victim and survivor.  Victimization of the person lends to the belief that the perpetrator has all the control.  However, it is important to consider the role the victim had in enabling the act or acts.  This is not to say, that women ask for such behavior. But in the recovery aspect, the battered individual is forced to reflect all roles within the relationship.  There is ultimately one thing for certain in nearly all these cases.  Prevention is key.  While not always guaranteed and as everyone knows the rule of hindsight, confident and empowered women (individuals) are far less likely to fall prey to such unfortunate relationships.  

This is where the girlscouts come into play.  The meeting we had focused on awareness of potentially dangerous situations, response tactics, including self defense in the event of a physical altercation (our poor instruction must have bruises all over his legs today).  The underlying message though, is don’t allow yourself to become a victim- either in a singular incident or a span of a relationship.  Yesterday, I watched my daughter learn how to fight her way out of a corner, learn the protocol if a best friend is attacked (she should not try to physically save her), and even how to humanize herself in a worst case scenario.  As a parent, I hate to expose my 12 year old to these realties when she still plays kitty kat with her two year sister.  But I admit I slept better know that she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.  And that confidence is the foundation to lessening the chances of ever being a victim.   

Here is a link to an interesting Dateline story regarding stranger danger.

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/11/11143341-my-kid-would-never-do-that-stranger-danger?lite

Week 11- Intellectual Disabilities and early activism

     The history of Intellectual Disability (ID) is difficult to grasp, not dissimilar to the historic treatment of other minorities however.  From its first mention in writings of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, those permitted to live beyond their first few weeks, faced a desolate and uncertain future. 

In consideration of the Intellectual Disabled community within the United States, these obstacles continued through the mid 1800s.  It wasn’t until further research and optimism gave rise, that views began to change.  Published works such as Sir Francis Galton’s, Hereditary Genius in 1869, reinforced burgeoning activism for proper identification and rehabilitation.  Early activist Dorthea Dix advocated for improved care and treatment of those placed within institutions, asylums, and poor houses.  Samuel Howe, director of the Perkins Institution for the Blind established the first public training facility in the US for those with ID in 1948.

     Unfortunately, changing lifestyles and societal norms during the early 1900s severely immobilized the new movement.  Broad urbanization and evolving labor demands from physical ability towards intellectual capability limited those with mild to moderate cases.  These changes gave way to the acceptable and broadening response of custodial institutionalization.   In addition, the horrific practice of eugenics became widely practiced and accepted.  So much so that, “Between 1907 and 1944, more than 42,000 people were sterilized in the U.S., over half of them in California, in an attempt to eliminate the presumed genetic sources of diseases including feeblemindedness.  Another 22,000 sterilizations were performed in 27 states to prevent ID and other conditions thought to be heritable between the years of 1943 and 1963.[1]

     However, with changing values in the mid 1900s, likely linked to the American Civil Rights movement and the focus on equality for the underrepresented, individuals with Intellectual Disabilities began to receive understanding and acceptance in mainstream society.  Activism by groups such as the National Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Retarded Children (ARC) championed for individual and family rights.  These campaigners paved the way for governmental support.  Eventually President John Kennedy’s President's Panel on Mental Retardation (now the President's Committee on Intellectual Disabilities), promoted awareness to the national agenda for policy, research, prevention, education, and services.

Today, it is the societal trend for those with Intellectual Disabilities to reside within the community in familial surroundings.  Deinstitutionalization has changed the focus from rehabilitation to incorporation.  Early diagnosis and treatment has provided further appropriate care and thereby standard membership into the community.  While conditions have greatly improved in the United States, the Intellectual Disabled population still requires advocacy toward true equality.

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[1] http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/en/article/143/

Week 10- Followup to vegetarian movement

Follow-up to vegetarianism.

It’s been several weeks now.  I haven’t had too many issues with the change in diet.  Although I will admit, that realizing that I couldn’t live off shrimp was a major disappointment.  I started this experiment with the understanding that it would not be easy, and ensuring proper nutrition would require more thought than simply subbing a portabello burger in place of meat.  However, I am finding it to be a larger lifestyle change than I had anticipated.  Limitations at restaurants are rampant, and the necessity to actually cook meals has been a transition.  I suppose that’s what has affected my lifestyle the most.  I don’t like to cook.  I prefer to do “semi home made.”  This would generally consist of a store bought rotisserie chicken which I would de-done and assemble into a taco by way of tortilla.  But of course, this change is a good thing- for my pocketbook and our health. 

A few random facts:

The grilled cheese (burger no meat) at In n Out is adequately satisfying.

The veggie wrap at CSULB’s Beach Walk Café could not be any grosser, although their grain bowl is very good.

I’ve developed a new love for baja fish tacos- not sure how if eating deep fried fish doused in mayonnaise based sauce is a winner though.

Mushroom tacos are a god send.

I had the most amazing boca burger at Mountain High last week!!  I may start snowboarding that resort just for the excellent grill.  Loved it.

My kids love tofu!!!! I can’t seem to buy enough of the stuff to satisfy them.  This is probably the best part of this experiment. 

Moving onto cookbooks and getting down with the veggies.   Fun!!

Week 9- Ecological Footprint

I wrote this for another project.  But for my two followers who are not my Professor, I thought I'd share :)

Dear Sam and Abby,

            Wow, how have times changed!!  Although, I’m a young mother to you both, I can’t help but look around and see how different your childhood world is from the one I experienced.  I’m not even twenty years older than you Sam, with Abby only ten years behind that, and the growth in that time has been enormous.  Born in 1980, I feel blessed to remember an era before the internet and cellphones.  Having experienced the technological boom, I can tell you both, how awestruck I still am over how fast it all happened.  And now, as children of the 21^st century, you two know no other lifestyle.  Sammy, your obsession with the need for callboxes, and Abby, your constant texting on your plastic cellphone are specific attestations to this J

            As a parent, my primary and instinctual objective is to ensure your safety.  With the great innovations of the technological boom, conversely and almost always, came an opposing negative corollary- a destruction actually.  The industrial revolution (namely during the 1800s) to the huge material demands of 1900s has forced our planet to undergo changes to will very soon become irreversible.  My generation is probably the youngest to see the necessity of repair and broadly incorporate it into mainstream living, but it’ll be up to yours to actually fix it.  My girls, essentially, will have to save the planet.  Don’t panic.  I know you have it in you.

            Lessoning your personal (ecological) footprint is the first step.  Some things of course may be out of your control.  Living in the city and not pumping your own water from a well for instance.  But even we city girls can make a difference.  I’ve attempted to incorporate some changes into our lives.  Diet is a major factor in this.  We only purchase organic produce.  And try to buy locally grown foods if possible. This is important in that it lessons factory and delivery repercussions out of our footprint.  I have chosen a meatless diet as well.  Sam, I respect your decision against this, but I hope in time, my example will broaden your views of health and sustainability.  Although I drive an SUV, I will likely, once you’re older Abby, switch to a more earth friendly car.  I’d assume that in the future, public transportation will be much more accessible, which I hope you both will take advantage of.  However, recycling is a huge part in reversing the effects of your negative footprint.  And I’m proud to say that Sam, you are the one that champions this in our home.  I’m sure Abby will follow your great example.

            These are small and easy steps to a healthier world.  Recognizing our needs versus our wants is the most important aspect.  You’ve been fortunate to lead a life with far more niceties than most individuals on the planet.  I consider our home with four TVs (that we hardly use) and think I’m insane.  Each one of those TVs came from a polluting factory, probably employed by sweat labor.  Utilizing resources and releasing dangerous pollutants into the air we breathe.  Delivered overseas by huge cargo containers that damage our oceans, into massive man made ports, and then transported via huge, gasoline chugging, semi trucks that demand constant maintenance of our roadways.  Not to mention the pollution that the TV creates in itself.  This is the crucial lesson- the chain reaction.  Understanding where our products: food, shelter, mobility, goods, and services come from and acknowledging the repercussions is the first step towards to a healthier future. 

            As I learn and grow, and attempt to instill these values you both, I know from what you two have already exhibited and are practicing, our earth has a chance.  Sharing your valuable information and leading by example are the best and most fulfilling components of a successful life- not only for yourselves, but for all your fellow earthlings as well.  Your generation is at the helm of a great turning point in human history.

Make it a meaningful life.

Love,

Mom