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May this time of year bring you joy, even if in the past it has brought you sorrow. Now is the time to rejuvenate and go positively into the new year. Remember those things that need remembering, but thrive on the things that will come.
If you like a good football movie or if you're looking for a good movie with a good story, I encourage you to check out, Facing The Giants. You might have to hunt a little to find it, but it is well worth the look. Here is one hint about the movie: Matthew 19:26.
No matter how you slice it, tolerance is a slippery subject. What it comes down to is acceptance of what is different. Our differences make us butter our toast a certain way. That is a very good thing. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, you can see more in the Disabilities Unlimited Store.
Story sent to Disabilities Unlimited that I think you might like. If you haven't tried water therapy yet, check out this story or your local YMCA.
"Very recently I visited my local swimming pool to observe two new clients of mine who regularly took part in group swimming lessons. To say I was shocked at the lack of interest from the swimming instructor would be an understatement. I am not willing to accept that she was having an off-day.
There are many adults, and children who are anxious, or have a fear of water and desperately want to learn, and enjoy their swimming journey. The majority of these people will book lessons at their local authority swimming pool, expecting understanding, and enthusiasm from the teacher.
More than 25 years ago, I qualified in England with the ASA as a swimming teacher, and in 1999 I gained my diploma as a Shaw Method Swimming Teacher, which applies the principles of The Alexander Technique. Since then I have been gaining knowledge to help me in my quest to teach adults with skill, knowledge, empathy and humor.
My understanding of a swimming teacher is they need to have a proficient knowledge of scientific principles, physiology and psychology; coupled with the ability to apply them to the individual is vital. Thoroughly understanding these elements allows the teacher to work within the capabilities of the non-swimmer, or swimmer, both physically and mentally, adapt the strokes, and achieve a comfort level within every session.
As adults we feel emotions of inadequacy and this is fully exposed in a swimsuit so its important adults feel safe before they can relax and learn. When working with people who have had traumatic experiences they first have to accept their fear, and then they need to learn how to trust themselves in unfamiliar territory. This takes time, patience and understanding from the teacher.
When teaching adults the pace must be slow, and dictated by the individual or group. The most important skill you need as a teacher is to read the individual's face and body language and have the empathy to know when to be sympathetic, and when a little pushing is required.
Before learning to swim it's imperative that the pupil needs to know the fundamentals of breathing patterns above and under water; body alignment, learning to float with ease, and to regain standing in a relaxed and balanced way. When these skills have been taught and the pupil is comfortable mentally and physically, only then can swimming strokes be introduced.
Learning a new skill is about being in a relaxed, safe environment, exploring feelings, and overcoming fears and anxieties, having fun and learning how to be at one with the water in a happy, calm and balanced way.
As teachers it‚s our job to encourage, and support the individual, or group. We are in this job because we want to make a difference to those people‚s lives. If we are to inspire others we must apply our expertise, knowledge, and remain open so we are able to learn from other teachers, our pupils, and gain experience to pass on to others. Teaching is an art, and poetry in motion.
About the Author: Stephanie Dutton, founder of ATSSI (www.enjoythewater.com), is a highly experienced swimming instructor and aquatic therapist. She practices a holistic approach, and brings an exceptional insight and creativity into aquatic movement, and swimming.
She specializes in fear of water, meditative swimming, disabilities, and sporting injuries, for adults and children using her unique method.
Stephanie has combined and beneficially interwoven the four disciplines that she practices; Shaw Method, Watsu, Ai Chi and Healing Dance into a unique teaching protocol, called Steph‚s Way.
Her unique approach is designed to help you to cultivate a relationship with the water which is conducive to physical as well as emotional relaxation.
Stephanie has earned an international reputation for positive results from her unique and gentle method.
"Being in water is about enjoying and exploring movement in a continuing flow of graceful, unforced strokes, when every part of the body seems to be an extension of another part, and nothing is hurried or rushed" Poetry in Motion, Stephanie Dutton FISTC.
When trying to come up with better ways to teach, one method I have found is to use flashcards, but not the typical ones. With the insurgence of the iPod and other video devices students have at their disposal, why not take advantage of technology.
This pas year, I would make PowerPoint presentations of some of my lessons and then download them onto my iPod. Then I took it to school, plugged it into the tv or projector and there was that day's lesson. Take this to the next step. Make a PowerPoint presentation with key points of a lesson or unit and put it together for students to download or copy it directly to their device. Now students can take it anywhere they go and review for a upcoming quiz or test on the material.
Note, this doesn't just have to be done by the teacher. Parents can easily make a PowerPoint or even students themselves. And, no, this is not just limited to special education students. This can be done for anyone.
Additional uses include using it in training for a job. Make a PowerPoint of all the things you need to do and use it to review. You'll learn quicker and be ready to go on the job faster. The boss will love the drive you have. Maybe you might be making a big speech, well put your outline or notes in a presentation and review on the plane or in your hotel room. Any video hand-held device, including the iPod, can be a tool to improve learning and work.
In the news, Charlotte, NC is reporting that people there are waiting 2-3 years just for a hearing on Social Security Disability coverage.
I'd be interested in learning of any other issues you are facing. And if you have also found solutions, I would love to share these ideas with others. Click the contact us link on the left column and let me know.
The only way we can solve problems is to share information. Join in. Thank you!
Been a busy summer! One thing I have been doing is pictured here, living life. My summer reminded me that it is easy to get caught in the usual work stuff and other things and forget about living. Part of living is enjoying everything life has to offer.
Grab Life and live it. Share it with others as well. Check out our store for your motivation of life. Disabilities Unlimited Store
Some would say that being confined to a wheelchair might be very restricting. But a wheelchair is really only an extension of the body. Take a look at the video I founnd on myspace and added to the myspace page. It might inspire you.
(Although do not attempt this on your own. Please seek professional training.)
Adding yet another outlet of spaces for Disabilities Unlimited, we have created our own MySpace account: Disabilities Unlimited. Come, be our friends and see where we can take this new venue from here.
Well, in the midsts of putting new photos in the gallery it melted down. So I'm rebuilding the 2007 seven photos and should have them online shortly.
If you would like full sized copies of any of the photos, please contact us for more information. Thanks.
UPDATE: The new photo gallery is online. Photos from the first day of Lifest are available. More to come.
Lifest got underway last night with great tunes from Aaron Shust, David crowder Band, and Tobymac. If you know who these artist are, then you know that they inspire through song. We are going to have a Lifest '07 photo gallery up shortly. Click on the home page to see a sample from this year and a link to last year's photo gallery.
It's not often that Arthrogryposis ends up in the news or even better yet, on tv, but it did, check this out.
You are the one that can motivate you. Positive actions come from within. The first one is the simple feat of getting out of bed in the morning. Congratulations if you are reading this, you had enough positive motivation to get out of bed.
Dancing is for everyone. It is an art form that both inspires and moves. Here is my latest design to get you moving for the summer. New designs to see in the Disabilities Unlimited Store!
I've made a change to my store, it has a new location. Click here to see the new store. New products and new designs in the coming days as I transition to the new store.
"Two roads diverge in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken"
"If you want to stand out, don't be different; be outstanding."
- Meredith West
“Don't dare to be different, dare to be yourself if that doesn't make you different then something is wrong.”
- Anonymous
Everyone is different, but for some reason, when we see something not like ourselves we freak out. Imagine what you look like to someone who has yet to meet you. When you see something different, welcome that difference.
Welcome to readers of Jan's Group Home Support. Your work is greatly appreciated. I believe your challenges are their own rewards. Take a look around here. Get inspired. If you have questions, contact us. If I don't have the answer, I'll help you find the answer.
Your clients need your help. Let's give them the best by sharing resources. It's as easy as a click.
"To achieve a goal you must set the goal higher than your standard."
- Author Unknown
"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
- Michael Jordan
Most think that barriers limit those with disabilities. I disagree. Barriers limit the amount of money companies can earn when they purposely keep people with disabilities out of their establishments.
The Labor Department estimates that 50 million disabled Americans have $175 billion in discretionary spending. So we do have the cash, but join me in spending it in those places who make you feel welcome. The ones with adequate parking, wide isles, no stairs, and well, just plain user friendly facilities.
Need a pick me up? I found the perfect one. If you haven't heard about them before, you should check out their website: Team Hoyt. This is pure positive energy. You can also find videos about them on Google by searching for Team Hoyt. Inspirational and very motivating. You'll see what I mean.
Want to be "green"? The Worldwatch Institute says that 100 billion plastic bags are discarded annually in U.S. alone. San Francisco and now a town in England have banned plastic bags. Paper bags, the only alternative offered at the store, rip too easily and can't be re-used. Here is a tote bag you can take to the grocery store and fill instead of all those plastic bags. Purchase a few for those big shopping days. Grocery shopping just got easier and eco-friendly. To do your part for the environment, go to: The Disabilities Unlimited Store.
"There are two kinds of talents, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent, you just touch it up once in a while."
- Pearl Bailey
"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something."
- Sandra Day O'Connor
"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value."
- Albert Einstein
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein
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