Guest guest Posted May 9, 2011 Report Share Posted May 9, 2011 Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good rant. I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish teacher, where she continues to expand her knowledge. Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the time to teach her. These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping technique she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like tying shoes, cooking, and counting change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2011 Report Share Posted May 9, 2011 I even think that my other kids could have used some life skills. lol As with alot of careers the academics you learn in school do not always apply to the job field you go into. For my daughter putting her in a regular class with her learning disability would not be good for her. She can see the difference and it bothers her. Anyway she still gets all the subjects in her life skills class. It is just geared for her level. Her so called trained specialists are wonderful. They do not teach cleaning it is more advanced then that. They take alot of field trips around town to different businesses and learn that way. For her hands on works alot better then someone preaching a lesson to her. Jeanne Getting an Education Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good rant. I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish teacher, where she continues to expand her knowledge. Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the time to teach her. These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping technique she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like tying shoes, cooking, and counting change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job possible. I certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to job development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids to expose them to as many options as you can find. That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging groceries " ! Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses as we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and both her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think of herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time off.) Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available to share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last several months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, and if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't bag groceries.) Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Apologies gratefuly accepted, but I was very certain none of my mothering associates intended any offense! I should have made that more clear, so apologies back at you. Judie, mom to Christi, 31 and several others ___________________ > Judie - > > I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, not > because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to work 3rd > shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they are out > of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I never > meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know what, I > purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly bagger > there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful bagger > they > have. > > Darlene > > > > > > > > > Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and > I > > am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job > possible. > > I > > certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to > job > > > > development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a > different > > path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > > exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids > to > > expose > > them to as many options as you can find. > > That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > > groceries " ! > > > > Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high > > school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses > as > > > > we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, > > that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, > and > > both > > her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't > think > > of > > herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > > > But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She > also > > volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school > > where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the > > volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her > time > > off.) > > > > Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you > > ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available > to > > > > share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last > > several > > months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a > hundred > > times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, > and > > > > if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > > accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I > couldn't > > bag > > groceries.) > > > > Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Darlene, Maybe that job really wasn't a good fit for , but I also wonder if a job coach could have helped her channel her friendliness skills. Christi still has a job coach drop in on her at work. They have helped her refrain from touching her face a lot. One of the best things about being a bagger is that she is around a lot of people. Christi didn't like office work, and I think it was because there were only a few people to interact with whe she tried it. Austin delivers mail to lots of attorneys in a big law firm in Dallas. I suspect someone had to teach him not to linger and visit en route. It's true there is the freedom to use that high sociabilty quotient at a checkstand. My goodness, I have to slip in a big brag here: Christi is on a flight from Dallas to Oakland as I write, probably snoozing in seat 4A. In Dallas, Austin's mom dropped her off curbside and before she could park the car and get to the terminal, Christi independently cleared security and walked to her gate. For the first time ever, I plan to pick her up curbside in Oakland too. (We are blessed with two small airports - and no bags this trip!) Judie ___________ > Judie - > > I have to say something else, , a friend of 's from Special > Olympics was fired from her job at an office because she was too social > and > talked to everyone! They did not complain but the boss thought that > enough > work was not getting done while she was socializing and being a bagger > would > be perfect for her because you CAN work while you talk and most people > enjoy > talking to you (and having you bag their groceries rather than doing it > themselves). > > Darlene > > On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:58 PM, Darlene Benoit > wrote: > > > Judie - > > > > I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, not > > because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to work > 3rd > > shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they are > out > > of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I > never > > meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know what, I > > purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly > bagger > > there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful bagger > they > > have. > > > > Darlene > > > > > > > > > >> > >> > >> Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and > I > >> am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job > >> possible. I > >> certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to > >> job > >> development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a > different > >> > >> path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > >> exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your > kids > >> to expose > >> them to as many options as you can find. > >> That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > >> groceries " ! > >> > >> Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high > >> school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college > courses > >> as > >> we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, > >> that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, > and > >> both > >> her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't > think > >> of > >> herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > >> > >> But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She > also > >> volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary > school > >> where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the > >> volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her > time > >> off.) > >> > >> Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you > >> ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are > available > >> to > >> share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last > >> several > >> months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a > hundred > >> times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, > >> and > >> if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > >> accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I > couldn't > >> bag > >> groceries.) > >> > >> Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > >> > >> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Judie - I will have the answer to what I think she is getting out of Science and Social Studies in writing for our next meeting (June 2nd) and also what I expect to get out of Elementary School, Middle School and High School. I expect to get an EDUCATION and a diploma - not just a certificate that says she spent 12 years here. I will also have in writing what *I* will do to enhance her education and suplement it - along with what I am planning for her to learn/do over the summer. AND we will incorporate that into her next set of IEP goals. NO MORE cheesy worksheets with 50 problems of +3 while she is capable of doing 3 digit addition with carrying. They are not pushing her to the next level - they are dragging her down to the lowest level. I will tutor in Algebra, I don't know if she needs Geometry but she needs Algebra - I see either being a nurse, she is very empathetic, or a day care worker/teachers aide, she LOVES kids. She will not be a bagger at the grocery store or a cashier at Walmart, she is smarter than that and it is up to me to make sure she has the desire to *be* more and the training to rise above peoples low expectations of her. She has the personality to succeed in life - everyone loves her, she is so giving and loving. Darlene > > > Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good > rant. > > I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question > > in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have > > to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in > this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! > > I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where > you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me > > about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class > every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She > still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish > teacher, > where she continues to expand her knowledge. > > Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of > > cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the > time to teach her. > > These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life > Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. > Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - > specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or > transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping > technique > she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she > applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! > > will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they > > do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic > are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her > mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like > tying > shoes, cooking, and counting change. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Jeanne - This summer my son, who is 14, on the honor roll, and getting an A in Algebra will learn to tie his shoes - he is so smart, but has no common sense when it comes to 'life skills'. He is also learning to cook for himself, not a full meal but enough so he won't starve in a house full of food if his mom is not home and we are out of yogurt ;-) He will also work on his typing skills and learn to do a load of laundry. Darlene > > > > I even think that my other kids could have used some life skills. lol As > with alot of careers the academics you learn in school do not always apply > to the job field you go into. For my daughter putting her in a regular class > with her learning disability would not be good for her. She can see the > difference and it bothers her. Anyway she still gets all the subjects in her > life skills class. It is just geared for her level. Her so called trained > specialists are wonderful. They do not teach cleaning it is more advanced > then that. They take alot of field trips around town to different businesses > and learn that way. For her hands on works alot better then someone > preaching a lesson to her. > > Jeanne > > > Getting an Education > > Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good > rant. > > I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question > > in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have > > to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in > this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! > > I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where > you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me > > about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class > every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She > still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish > teacher, > where she continues to expand her knowledge. > > Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of > > cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the > time to teach her. > > These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life > Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. > Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - > specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or > transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping > technique > she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she > applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! > > will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they > > do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic > are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her > mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like > tying > shoes, cooking, and counting change. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Darlene, My son who is 23 can use some skills when it comes to cooking and insurance info like car and health. He does his own laundry better then me. He is an auto mechanic but he too lacks commons sense. My daughter who is 22 can use the same skills. Only she doesn't like to do laundry. She is waiting to take her test for hairdresser. I don't want to just have the option of bagging groceries. Through the program she is in after school she has done some other job skills. She has done dog walking, not just walking the dog going to the people to ask about her walking the dog, making out a bill collecting the check for it and then filling out a deposit slip. She has worked at a assisted living home learning food service. Setting tables serving the seniors. Also they are cooking dessert for them and serving it. She is learning computer skills doing power point and making presentations. Video taping each other in the group. She is in a program now with regular musicians from the high school that have a band and she is singing with them. The other kids in her group play instruments also. They call themselves school of rock. She has also learned how to do DJ ing. She has worked at Petco mainly I think stocking shelves and keeping them straight. I feel that exposing her to all this will show her what is out there and she may settle on something she really loves. Jeanne Getting an Education Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good rant. I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish teacher, where she continues to expand her knowledge. Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the time to teach her. These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping technique she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like tying shoes, cooking, and counting change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Darlene, your son wouldn't be afraid if he'd practiced it as many times as she has! We're More Alike Than Different! Some of us just need fewer trials. And isn't it the truth that one of the things we need to protect our kids with MDS from is not recognizing the inherent danger in some situations. Lol, because also typically, in some ways Christi definitely is growing up, while she remains a little kid in so many others. Judie _____________________ > WOW that is AWESOME - I don't think my son would do that by himself - he > would be too nervous - Your Baby is growing up!!! > > > > > > > > > Darlene, > > > > Maybe that job really wasn't a good fit for , but I also wonder if > a > > job coach could have helped her channel her friendliness skills. Christi > > still has a job coach drop in on her at work. They have helped her > refrain > > from > > touching her face a lot. One of the best things about being a bagger is > > that she is around a lot of people. Christi didn't like office work, and > I > > think it was because there were only a few people to interact with whe > she > > tried > > it. > > > > Austin delivers mail to lots of attorneys in a big law firm in Dallas. I > > suspect someone had to teach him not to linger and visit en route. It's > > true > > there is the freedom to use that high sociabilty quotient at a ch > eckstand. > > > > My goodness, I have to slip in a big brag here: Christi is on a flight > from > > > > Dallas to Oakland as I write, probably snoozing in seat 4A. In Dallas, > > Austin's mom dropped her off curbside and before she could park the car > and > > get > > to the terminal, Christi independently cleared security and walked to > her > > gate. For the first time ever, I plan to pick her up curbside in Oakland > > too. > > (We are blessed with two small airports - and no bags this trip!) > > > > Judie > > ___________ > > > > > > > Judie - > > > > > > I have to say something else, , a friend of 's from > Special > > > Olympics was fired from her job at an office because she was too > social > > > and > > > talked to everyone! They did not complain but the boss thought that > > > enough > > > work was not getting done while she was socializing and being a bagger > > > would > > > be perfect for her because you CAN work while you talk and most people > > > enjoy > > > talking to you (and having you bag their groceries rather than doing > it > > > themselves). > > > > > > Darlene > > > > > > On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:58 PM, Darlene Benoit > > > wrote: > > > > > > > Judie - > > > > > > > > I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, > not > > > > because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to > work > > > 3rd > > > > shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they > are > > > out > > > > of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I > > > never > > > > meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know > what, I > > > > purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly > > > bagger > > > > there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful > bagger > > > they > > > > have. > > > > > > > > Darlene > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger > > and > > > I > > > >> am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job > > > >> possible. I > > > >> certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity > applied > > to > > > >> job > > > >> development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a > > > different > > > >> > > > >> path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies > to > > > >> exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your > > > kids > > > >> to expose > > > >> them to as many options as you can find. > > > >> That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of > bagging > > > >> groceries " ! > > > >> > > > >> Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a > high > > > >> school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college > > > courses > > > >> as > > > >> we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's > economy, > > > >> that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in > personality, > > > and > > > >> both > > > >> her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't > > > think > > > >> of > > > >> herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > > >> > > > >> But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. > She > > > also > > > >> volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary > > > school > > > >> where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose > > the > > > >> volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing > her > > > time > > > >> off.) > > > >> > > > >> Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if > > you > > > >> ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are > > > available > > > >> to > > > >> share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the > last > > > >> several > > > >> months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a > > > hundred > > > >> times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a > > bagger, > > > >> and > > > >> if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > > > >> accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I > > > couldn't > > > >> bag > > > >> groceries.) > > > >> > > > >> Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Jeanne - I hope that finds something that she really loves and finds an opportunity in it. There is the opportunity for Pet Sitting (I know I have hired one or two) and she can work in food service or Senior care or child care. There is so many things our kids can do if we just show them that these opportunities are available ;-) > > > > Darlene, > My son who is 23 can use some skills when it comes to cooking and insurance > info like car and health. He does his own laundry better then me. He is an > auto mechanic but he too lacks commons sense. My daughter who is 22 can use > the same skills. Only she doesn't like to do laundry. She is waiting to take > her test for hairdresser. > > I don't want to just have the option of bagging groceries. > Through the program she is in after school she has done some other job > skills. She has done dog walking, not just walking the dog going to the > people to ask about her walking the dog, making out a bill collecting the > check for it and then filling out a deposit slip. She has worked at a > assisted living home learning food service. Setting tables serving the > seniors. Also they are cooking dessert for them and serving it. She is > learning computer skills doing power point and making presentations. Video > taping each other in the group. She is in a program now with regular > musicians from the high school that have a band and she is singing with > them. The other kids in her group play instruments also. They call > themselves school of rock. She has also learned how to do DJ ing. She has > worked at Petco mainly I think stocking shelves and keeping them straight. I > feel that exposing her to all this will show her what is out there and she > may settle on something she really loves. > > Jeanne > > > Getting an Education > > Hey, Darlene, we all need to rant now and then. And it was a really good > rant. > > I think you ought to put your answer to the school people's stupid question > > in writing, and volley right back with your own question: why did they have > > to ask?! It's appalling that a Special Ed Administrator is asking that in > this day and age, and you can tell her I said so!!! > > I couldn't agree with you more that their " life skills " track is not where > you want her to be. Fifteen years ago they were saying the same thing to me > > about Christi, but we demanded inclusion and she took every required class > every other student took (with the exception of Algebra and Geometry). She > still seeks the academic, and one of her jobs is as a TA to a Spanish > teacher, > where she continues to expand her knowledge. > > Now that Christi is a married woman, she needs help with the life skills of > > cooking and cleaning, but so did I when I was a newlywed! So now is the > time to teach her. > > These so-called trained specialists also are supposed to know that " Life > Skills " are not generic; for example, " cleaning " is not a generic skill. > Teaching it to a person who has DS/MDS needs to be like everything else - > specific to the actual tasks at hand; generalities often do not apply or > transfer. Christi's California house has vinyl floors, but the wet-mopping > technique > she learned here from her Life Skill teacher here was frightening when she > applied a healthy slosh of water to hardwood floors in their Dallas duplex! > > will always have access to so-called " adult " programs where all they > > do is life skills. Science and Social Studies and anything else academic > are not as accessible after age 22. Hang in there and continue to be her > mother. Yes, good mothers are responsible to teach their kids things like > tying > shoes, cooking, and counting change. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 So sorry that people have made you feel that way but I agree with you! There is definitely nothing wrong with being a grocery store bagger! Re: Getting an Education Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job possible. I certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to job development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids to expose them to as many options as you can find. That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging groceries " ! Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses as we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and both her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think of herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time off.) Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available to share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last several months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, and if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't bag groceries.) Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Judie - I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, not because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to work 3rd shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they are out of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I never meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know what, I purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly bagger there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful bagger they have. Darlene > > > Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I > am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job possible. > I > certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to job > > development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different > path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids to > expose > them to as many options as you can find. > That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > groceries " ! > > Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high > school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses as > > we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, > that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and > both > her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think > of > herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also > volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school > where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the > volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time > off.) > > Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you > ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available to > > share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last > several > months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred > times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, and > > if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't > bag > groceries.) > > Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 I am sorry I didn't mean it in a bad way. If wants to do that then that would be great. I just worry about her being in any job with no one to watch out for her. I guess I am not ready for that yet. I also think she needs to mature alot more to be able to be on her own like that. comes to shoprite which our supermarket all the time and she loves it there. I just don't want people to assume she can't do anything else. That is why the group she is in exposes her to alot of different things. Unfortunatly now all she does when she is home is sit in her room and watch movies and listen to her music. I hope that someday she can meet someone and get married. I wish I lived closer I would love to hear them speak. Jeanne Re: Getting an Education Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job possible. I certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to job development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids to expose them to as many options as you can find. That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging groceries " ! Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses as we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and both her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think of herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time off.) Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available to share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last several months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, and if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't bag groceries.) Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Judie - I have to say something else, , a friend of 's from Special Olympics was fired from her job at an office because she was too social and talked to everyone! They did not complain but the boss thought that enough work was not getting done while she was socializing and being a bagger would be perfect for her because you CAN work while you talk and most people enjoy talking to you (and having you bag their groceries rather than doing it themselves). Darlene On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:58 PM, Darlene Benoit wrote: > Judie - > > I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, not > because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to work 3rd > shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they are out > of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I never > meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know what, I > purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly bagger > there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful bagger they > have. > > Darlene > > > > >> >> >> Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I >> am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job >> possible. I >> certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to >> job >> development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different >> >> path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to >> exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids >> to expose >> them to as many options as you can find. >> That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging >> groceries " ! >> >> Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high >> school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses >> as >> we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, >> that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and >> both >> her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think >> of >> herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. >> >> But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also >> volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school >> where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the >> volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time >> off.) >> >> Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you >> ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available >> to >> share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last >> several >> months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred >> times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, >> and >> if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an >> accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't >> bag >> groceries.) >> >> Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 WOW that is AWESOME - I don't think my son would do that by himself - he would be too nervous - Your Baby is growing up!!! > > > Darlene, > > Maybe that job really wasn't a good fit for , but I also wonder if a > job coach could have helped her channel her friendliness skills. Christi > still has a job coach drop in on her at work. They have helped her refrain > from > touching her face a lot. One of the best things about being a bagger is > that she is around a lot of people. Christi didn't like office work, and I > think it was because there were only a few people to interact with whe she > tried > it. > > Austin delivers mail to lots of attorneys in a big law firm in Dallas. I > suspect someone had to teach him not to linger and visit en route. It's > true > there is the freedom to use that high sociabilty quotient at a checkstand. > > My goodness, I have to slip in a big brag here: Christi is on a flight from > > Dallas to Oakland as I write, probably snoozing in seat 4A. In Dallas, > Austin's mom dropped her off curbside and before she could park the car and > get > to the terminal, Christi independently cleared security and walked to her > gate. For the first time ever, I plan to pick her up curbside in Oakland > too. > (We are blessed with two small airports - and no bags this trip!) > > Judie > ___________ > > > > Judie - > > > > I have to say something else, , a friend of 's from Special > > Olympics was fired from her job at an office because she was too social > > and > > talked to everyone! They did not complain but the boss thought that > > enough > > work was not getting done while she was socializing and being a bagger > > would > > be perfect for her because you CAN work while you talk and most people > > enjoy > > talking to you (and having you bag their groceries rather than doing it > > themselves). > > > > Darlene > > > > On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:58 PM, Darlene Benoit > > wrote: > > > > > Judie - > > > > > > I am sorry that I offended you, I know people who work at Walmart, not > > > because it is the only thing they can do but because they need to work > > 3rd > > > shift so they can be home with their kids during the day when they are > > out > > > of school - sometimes my mouth (fingers) go faster than my brain. I > > never > > > meant to offend - but sometimes I unwittingly do. And you know what, I > > > purposely change lanes in the grocery store if there is a friendly > > bagger > > > there and knowing Christi, she is most likely the most cheerful bagger > > they > > > have. > > > > > > Darlene > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >> > > >> > > >> Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger > and > > I > > >> am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job > > >> possible. I > > >> certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied > to > > >> job > > >> development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a > > different > > >> > > >> path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > > >> exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your > > kids > > >> to expose > > >> them to as many options as you can find. > > >> That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > > >> groceries " ! > > >> > > >> Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high > > >> school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college > > courses > > >> as > > >> we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, > > >> that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, > > and > > >> both > > >> her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't > > think > > >> of > > >> herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > >> > > >> But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She > > also > > >> volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary > > school > > >> where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose > the > > >> volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her > > time > > >> off.) > > >> > > >> Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if > you > > >> ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are > > available > > >> to > > >> share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last > > >> several > > >> months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a > > hundred > > >> times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a > bagger, > > >> and > > >> if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > > >> accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I > > couldn't > > >> bag > > >> groceries.) > > >> > > >> Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > >> > > >> > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 What is wrong with bagging groceries? My daughters wanted that for their first job (when they can go to work). Is something supposed to be wrong with that? In my opinion, if you have ANY kind of job these days, then you are in the elite crowd. Jobs are hard to come by. She is one of the lucky ones. > > Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and I > am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job possible. I > certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to job > development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a different > path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids to expose > them to as many options as you can find. > That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > groceries " ! > > Christi is " smarter than that " too. She is " just a bagger " with a high > school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses as > we could get. But she earns over $9 an hour, and in today's economy, > that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, and both > her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't think of > herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She also > volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school > where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the > volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her time off.) > > Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you > ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available to > share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last several > months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno. They've earned a hundred > times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, and > if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I couldn't bag > groceries.) > > Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2011 Report Share Posted May 13, 2011 Agreed, . And to anyone who may have thought I was offended, I was merely annoyed by the references to being " just a bagger. " I know no one would intentionally belittle any of our kids! Judie, mom to Christi, 31 and several others ___________________ > What is wrong with bagging groceries? My daughters wanted that for their > first job (when they can go to work). Is something supposed to be wrong > with that? In my opinion, if you have ANY kind of job these days, then you are > in the elite crowd. Jobs are hard to come by. > She is one of the lucky ones. > > > > > > > Ok, now I have to say this: Christi is a lowly grocery store bagger and > I > > am sorry you have all made it sound like the most humiliating job > possible. I > > certainly agree that the world of work needs more creativity applied to > job > > development, and had Christi's life decisions not taken her on a > different > > path (being a bona fide housewife) I would be applying my energies to > > exactly that. And I think you are certainly doing the best for your kids > to expose > > them to as many options as you can find. > > That said, please: have some respect for " just the option of bagging > > groceries " ! > > > > Christi is " smarter than that " too.  She is " just a bagger " with a > high > > school diploma and a GPA of 3.9 in as many units of real college courses > as > > we could get.  But she earns over $9 an hour, and in  today's economy, > > that's helpful. Being a bagger plays to her strengths in personality, > and both > > her boss and the customers love her. She loves her job, and doesn't > think of > > herself as a " lowly bagger " I assure you. > > > > But all that inclusive education we fought so hard for paid off. She > also > > volunteers with me at our regional trauma center and at a primary school > > where her favorite task is assisting the Spanish teacher. (We chose the > > volunteer aspect because it gives us the flexibility of choosing her > time off.) > > > > Her reading and performing skills are wonderfully developed, and if you > > ever need a polished inspirational speaker, she and Austin are available > to > > share their love story, " How's Married Life? " as they have in the last > several > > months in California, Dallas, Houston, and Reno.  They've earned a > hundred > > times more than $9 an hour for their appearances. Not bad for a bagger, > and > > if that were " all " she could do, it would still be a good thing, an > > accomplished position in my book. (I was a dental hygienist and I > couldn't bag > > groceries.) > > > > Judie, mom to Christi, 32 and several others > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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