How often do we seek "expert" advice or an "expert" opinion on something we are unfamiliar with or lack the skills to accomplish? We seek the opinion of a doctor when trying to determine the source of an unfamiliar pain or illness. We consult an "expert" to repair a leaky basement, repair a car, or fix a computer. We seek advice from teachers or help from tutors if our children are struggling with a certain subject.
While we look to experts to assist in problem resolution, we also seek expert advice to obtain goals. For instance, we may hire a personal trainer to reach a fitness goal or a life coach to achieve a personal goal. Sometimes, we seek an expert to learn something new and fun such as scuba diving or skiing. At times, I have sought the "expertise" of my son's computer skills when accessing social media sites.
What exactly is an expert?
Expert: a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or high degree of skill in a particular area. Having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience.
Given all this acknowledgement of "experts", why are parents often NOT recognized for their "expertise", particularly regarding children with special needs?
Valuing the voice of parents as "experts" is essential to the positive growth and development of children, especially children with special needs. Parents need to be consulted, included, heard, valued, and respected in all aspects of their child's development-especially in areas that involve collaboration, such as inclusive education.
Collaboration is key! Collaboration means to work together in achieving a common goal or objective.
Inclusive Education involves collaboration between parents, the child, educational staff, and other professionals who offer expertise that contribute to the child's success.
Parents must be directly involved in development of the I.E.P.
Communication is crucial! Educational staff need to keep parents informed during implementation and monitoring of the I.E.P. in the event concerns arise so everyone can make suggestions and modifications can be implemented to ensure the child's progress. While parents respect and value the input of the educational staff and other experts, we ask that they respect and value our input as well.
It is not enought to say our expertise is valued, it must be demonstrated!
Concern/Conflict Resolution- This is one of the most important areas in which parents' expertise should be consulted by school staff. Most often, experts are consulted to resolve problems or concerns in our daily life, school concerns/conflicts should not be considered any different. Parents provide valuable insight and knowledge about their children that is extremely beneficial to resolution of concerns. Parents' skill and expertise is particularly helpful when interpreting behavior, especially when children are non-verbal and may have limited communication skills. Parents become experts at interpreting body language, facial expressions, noises, gestures, etc to determine our child's needs, feelings, and desires. As parents, we have firsthand knowledge of many things that may trigger certain behaviors, therefore, we can offer suggestions to avoid these situations. If it is a new behavior or concern, we should explore and address it together. When educational staff, parents, and other caregivers are addressing goals together, this helps ensure the child's success.
The beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions made by educational staff impact a child's participation in school and their opportunities to learn. Failure to recognize, value and respect the voice of parents will negatively impact a child's development and inhibit their ability to reach their full potential.
Collabortion means sharing the work, sharing the responsibility, and sharing the success together!
Value the Voice of the Experts: Parents!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Cancellation of Windsor-Essex Loves Talent Showcase for April 21-22, 2012
Ensemble regrets to announce we had to cancel our Windsor-Essex Loves Talent Showcase scheduled for April 21-22, 2012. Unfortunately, we did not have enough performers to run this charity event. We sincerely thank all those who supported this event.
Friday, January 20, 2012
"NO LIMITS"
"NO LIMITS"- That's the name of the new bi-weekly magazine style program that CFTV34 has in the works. "No Limits" will be hosted by Kevin McShan, a graduate of the journalism program from St. Clair College.
Ensemble is very excited and pleased about the prospects of this new program which will focus on the positive achievements of people who have intellectual and physical disabilities. This program will also both educate our citizens as well as highlight the necessity to address accessibility challenges.
The goal of CFTV34's "No Limits" is to empower all residents of Essex County, along with the help of various agencies in the county, to provide support, training, and health care to individuals and their families.
The program format will be: FAST-PACED, FOCUSED, & FUN!
Kevin has been a valuable asset in his volunteer position on Ensemble's Election Strategy Committee which has been working diligently to raise awareness to the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Please join Kevin at an open forum on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm at Community Living Windsor, 7025 Enterprise Way, Windsor to input your ideas how to make this a better community for everyone. Don't pass up this opportunity to have your voice heard!
Ensemble is very excited and pleased about the prospects of this new program which will focus on the positive achievements of people who have intellectual and physical disabilities. This program will also both educate our citizens as well as highlight the necessity to address accessibility challenges.
The goal of CFTV34's "No Limits" is to empower all residents of Essex County, along with the help of various agencies in the county, to provide support, training, and health care to individuals and their families.
The program format will be: FAST-PACED, FOCUSED, & FUN!
Kevin has been a valuable asset in his volunteer position on Ensemble's Election Strategy Committee which has been working diligently to raise awareness to the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Please join Kevin at an open forum on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm at Community Living Windsor, 7025 Enterprise Way, Windsor to input your ideas how to make this a better community for everyone. Don't pass up this opportunity to have your voice heard!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A New Parent Consultant at Ensemble
Hello Everyone!
My name is Michelle DiCarlo and I am the new parent consultant at Ensemble. While I am new to the position as a parent consultant with Ensemble, I have been working as a volunteer with Ensemble for almost two years. I joined their Election Strategy Committee to raise awareness to the challenges people with disabilities and their families face on a daily basis. One of the key messages of the committee has been to dispel the myth that all people with intellectual disabilities are receiving support. Windsor-Essex County has almost 300 children on the waitlist for services and over 400 people waiting to receive additional support. The public needs to be aware of the stresses faced by families raising children who have disabilities. We need public support to address these issues as they are community issues which require community solutions.
My son, Nicholas, has both physical and intellectual disabilities. Nicholas has been my greatest teacher and source of inspiration! My goal for Nicholas is to ensure he has every opportunity to reach his fullest potential in his own way and in his own time. To accomplish this goal, I have come to realize that this is not just an individual or family effort, but a community effort. In order for Nicholas to have the same opportunities as other children, he needs assistance through social support programs. This is a concern shared by many families here in Windsor-Essex County, across Ontario, and throughout Canada.
It is on that note, that I decided to enroll at the University of Windsor to become a social worker so I may offer a greater contribution to this community. One of the core principals of social work is social justice. Inclusion is one of the aspects of social justice as this not only benefits an individual, but an entire community too. So much more can be accomplished when we all work together.
Working together is a core value of Ensemble, after all, the French word "Ensemble" was chosen for its meaning "all together." I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work at Ensemble as it provides a wonderful learning opportunity since I will be able to work directly with families and Ensemble's extensive community partners.
I look forward to learning from everyone as well as sharing my experiences and knowledge.
Together, we can accomplish our goals.
My name is Michelle DiCarlo and I am the new parent consultant at Ensemble. While I am new to the position as a parent consultant with Ensemble, I have been working as a volunteer with Ensemble for almost two years. I joined their Election Strategy Committee to raise awareness to the challenges people with disabilities and their families face on a daily basis. One of the key messages of the committee has been to dispel the myth that all people with intellectual disabilities are receiving support. Windsor-Essex County has almost 300 children on the waitlist for services and over 400 people waiting to receive additional support. The public needs to be aware of the stresses faced by families raising children who have disabilities. We need public support to address these issues as they are community issues which require community solutions.
My son, Nicholas, has both physical and intellectual disabilities. Nicholas has been my greatest teacher and source of inspiration! My goal for Nicholas is to ensure he has every opportunity to reach his fullest potential in his own way and in his own time. To accomplish this goal, I have come to realize that this is not just an individual or family effort, but a community effort. In order for Nicholas to have the same opportunities as other children, he needs assistance through social support programs. This is a concern shared by many families here in Windsor-Essex County, across Ontario, and throughout Canada.
It is on that note, that I decided to enroll at the University of Windsor to become a social worker so I may offer a greater contribution to this community. One of the core principals of social work is social justice. Inclusion is one of the aspects of social justice as this not only benefits an individual, but an entire community too. So much more can be accomplished when we all work together.
Working together is a core value of Ensemble, after all, the French word "Ensemble" was chosen for its meaning "all together." I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work at Ensemble as it provides a wonderful learning opportunity since I will be able to work directly with families and Ensemble's extensive community partners.
I look forward to learning from everyone as well as sharing my experiences and knowledge.
Together, we can accomplish our goals.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Eric's inspiration lives on!
I was walking down Yonge Street in Toronto this morning as I made my way uptown to a meeting. As I waited for the light to turn green at a crosswalk, a commotion erupted at where I was headed across the street.
All of a sudden a police car came to an abrupt halt in the intersection, blocking the sidewalk and the curb cut. A fire truck arrived on the scene too. They were tending to a person who was passed out on the sidewalk, right at the intersection!
"Ahh...life in Toronto!" I thought.
Since the situation wasn't a matter of life and death, we were able to cross the street without hesitation. When I got to the police car, I walked around without any problem.
On the other side of the cruiser, there was a lady who was using a wheelchair. Since the police car was blocking the intersection, she was having some difficulty in getting around the car. As I walked passed her, we both shook our heads in disgust.
I took two steps passed her and then quickly turned back. "Just a minute," I thought. "This lady needs help."
When I returned to her spot, she was still having difficulty. The oncoming cars were not slowing down or stopping, or giving her enough room to go around the police car.
I asked her if she needed some help. She said "yes." I explained to her that I had a son who used a wheelchair and that I understood her position. She smiled at me with gratitude. I told her that I would walk with her and give her some room to move.
As soon as the light turned green, we executed our plan. All it took was 3 steps from me to get her across. 3 small steps..that's it. Not too much to ask, is it?
We both looked at the police car and said that he could have pulled ahead, to the side of the road so that he wasn't blocking the crosswalk. But...he didn't think of it. He didn't think of what the barrier that he created for the lady in the wheelchair.
I realized it because I lived it and was happy to help out. I am going to write a letter to the Toronto Police Department about this.
It's up to us who understand what is needed to explain it to others; to raise awareness and to educate them.
I'm doing my part and I hope you will too!
I got a tear in my eye as I said goodbye to the lady. I thought of my son Eric and how all of the things he has taught me, live on. Bless you Eric, and "thanks for making the world a better place."
All of a sudden a police car came to an abrupt halt in the intersection, blocking the sidewalk and the curb cut. A fire truck arrived on the scene too. They were tending to a person who was passed out on the sidewalk, right at the intersection!
"Ahh...life in Toronto!" I thought.
Since the situation wasn't a matter of life and death, we were able to cross the street without hesitation. When I got to the police car, I walked around without any problem.
On the other side of the cruiser, there was a lady who was using a wheelchair. Since the police car was blocking the intersection, she was having some difficulty in getting around the car. As I walked passed her, we both shook our heads in disgust.
I took two steps passed her and then quickly turned back. "Just a minute," I thought. "This lady needs help."
When I returned to her spot, she was still having difficulty. The oncoming cars were not slowing down or stopping, or giving her enough room to go around the police car.
I asked her if she needed some help. She said "yes." I explained to her that I had a son who used a wheelchair and that I understood her position. She smiled at me with gratitude. I told her that I would walk with her and give her some room to move.
As soon as the light turned green, we executed our plan. All it took was 3 steps from me to get her across. 3 small steps..that's it. Not too much to ask, is it?
We both looked at the police car and said that he could have pulled ahead, to the side of the road so that he wasn't blocking the crosswalk. But...he didn't think of it. He didn't think of what the barrier that he created for the lady in the wheelchair.
I realized it because I lived it and was happy to help out. I am going to write a letter to the Toronto Police Department about this.
It's up to us who understand what is needed to explain it to others; to raise awareness and to educate them.
I'm doing my part and I hope you will too!
I got a tear in my eye as I said goodbye to the lady. I thought of my son Eric and how all of the things he has taught me, live on. Bless you Eric, and "thanks for making the world a better place."
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Ensemble and Community Living Essex County - Celebrating 11 years of partnership!
I didn't really know what I was getting into and I don't think that Community Living Essex County knew either!
It was 11 years ago that myself, parent leader Marilyn Godard and Nancy Wallace-Gero, Executive Director at Community Living Essex County, had the vision to strengthen and enhance the leadership and involvement of families in Essex County. Our initial discussions were very exciting and the passion for working together was invigorating!
That's how Ensemble, a French word that means together, was born!
The expertise of parents was valued and the concept of "parent consultants" was invented. What came after that was a relationship based on true partnership and sharing of expertise. Together we created successful projects like Include Me, which was used as an international training tool. We initiated The Ring of Friendship, stories and artwork from elementary school children about friendship and inclusion.
We developed My Life, My Decisions, a tool for people and families to use before they write their personal plan. Together we have hosted Conferences, workshops and seminars. We have reached beyond our typical scope of support to others in community, like multicultural organizations (Crossing Cultural Barriers) and faith based groups. We have solid relationships with school boards and government funded agencies and have created projects like "Did You Know...", a video for professional development for educators. Next year, we will host the 2nd annual "Windsor Essex Loves Talent Showcase" a fundraising event that engages schools, families, and local business to raise money to support children and youth to be included in community activities and events during the summer months.
Ensemble was a huge influence in convincing Community Living Essex County to learn about planning with Personal Outcomes and the importance of providing all support based on each person's individual goals and dreams. Now, it's the only way support is provided.
A group of 7 moms got together to write a book called "Special Kids, Special Parents" that shares stories, tips and comfort for parents that have children diagnosed with a disability. Our local Pediatric department is consulting us on developing a culture of Family Centered-Care. Our municipality has asked us about accessibility and what it means to parents.
What's the secret to our success? A true commitment to working together, sharing ideas, being honest, being open to learning and most of all, passion, and truly working for the people and families we support.
It has been an awesome journey so far and we are looking forward to many new and exciting adventures to come!
It was 11 years ago that myself, parent leader Marilyn Godard and Nancy Wallace-Gero, Executive Director at Community Living Essex County, had the vision to strengthen and enhance the leadership and involvement of families in Essex County. Our initial discussions were very exciting and the passion for working together was invigorating!
That's how Ensemble, a French word that means together, was born!
The expertise of parents was valued and the concept of "parent consultants" was invented. What came after that was a relationship based on true partnership and sharing of expertise. Together we created successful projects like Include Me, which was used as an international training tool. We initiated The Ring of Friendship, stories and artwork from elementary school children about friendship and inclusion.
We developed My Life, My Decisions, a tool for people and families to use before they write their personal plan. Together we have hosted Conferences, workshops and seminars. We have reached beyond our typical scope of support to others in community, like multicultural organizations (Crossing Cultural Barriers) and faith based groups. We have solid relationships with school boards and government funded agencies and have created projects like "Did You Know...", a video for professional development for educators. Next year, we will host the 2nd annual "Windsor Essex Loves Talent Showcase" a fundraising event that engages schools, families, and local business to raise money to support children and youth to be included in community activities and events during the summer months.
Ensemble was a huge influence in convincing Community Living Essex County to learn about planning with Personal Outcomes and the importance of providing all support based on each person's individual goals and dreams. Now, it's the only way support is provided.
A group of 7 moms got together to write a book called "Special Kids, Special Parents" that shares stories, tips and comfort for parents that have children diagnosed with a disability. Our local Pediatric department is consulting us on developing a culture of Family Centered-Care. Our municipality has asked us about accessibility and what it means to parents.
What's the secret to our success? A true commitment to working together, sharing ideas, being honest, being open to learning and most of all, passion, and truly working for the people and families we support.
It has been an awesome journey so far and we are looking forward to many new and exciting adventures to come!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Parenting Tip: Play with The Olympic Spirit!
My 9 year old son asked me this question "what do you have to do to be on a travel baseball team?"
I replied by saying that it usually starts with a real love of the sport. That it takes a good amount of practice and that it's important to want to practice and work hard to develop a skill. I also mentioned that it's really important to enjoy what you're doing and to have fun.
"Oh" he replied. "What does it take to get to the Olympics?" he asked. "Do you have to try out?"
I re-emphasized what I had said earlier about playing on a travel team, about hard work and dedication, having fun, having a love for the sport...and so on. "That's the Olympic Spirit" I said. I went on to explain that it's important to have that spirit even if you're not on a travel team; to try your best and be willing to learn and practice what you learn. It's about putting your heart into it and having a desire to do it.
I told him that it didn't matter to me whether or not he played on a travel team, but the way he played was more important to me.
"Play with the Olympic Spirit!" I said....and the results will come.
I replied by saying that it usually starts with a real love of the sport. That it takes a good amount of practice and that it's important to want to practice and work hard to develop a skill. I also mentioned that it's really important to enjoy what you're doing and to have fun.
"Oh" he replied. "What does it take to get to the Olympics?" he asked. "Do you have to try out?"
I re-emphasized what I had said earlier about playing on a travel team, about hard work and dedication, having fun, having a love for the sport...and so on. "That's the Olympic Spirit" I said. I went on to explain that it's important to have that spirit even if you're not on a travel team; to try your best and be willing to learn and practice what you learn. It's about putting your heart into it and having a desire to do it.
I told him that it didn't matter to me whether or not he played on a travel team, but the way he played was more important to me.
"Play with the Olympic Spirit!" I said....and the results will come.
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