Self Determination is all about making choices. The problem, however, is that not everyone knows what they want to do. But sometimes it's important to just try something new rather than just doing what someone else tells you to do or doing the same old things. How do you know you won't like something if you never get to try it? Just like a new food, its good to try it out. That's one of the reasons the concept of Self Determination and Consolidated Supports and Services is such a wonderful program here in New York. It gives young adults with varying disabilities a chance to choose their own goals, try new things to find out what they might enjoy and ultimately decide how they want to spend their time.
When Marisa first graduated from her school program and decided to use The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Consolidated Supports and Services Program, she had specific goals in mind. She wanted to take part in Special Olympics, join a gym to exercise regularly, study nutrition and learn to cook healthy meals. She also knew that she wanted a job working with fashion in a clothing store. It did not occur to her that she might enjoy the idea of working on an organic farm. So when the opportunity arose for her to volunteer at SustainAbility, a new non-profit started by another family whose daughter's ultimate dream was to work on an organic farm, I decided to take Marisa over to see it for herself. We visited for a short time and enjoyed walking around with farmer Daley, who showed us the various vegetables that were growing. When Daley asked Marisa about some of the things she liked to do with her time, she quickly responded about how she loved going to the gym.
We were only there for a short time, but when we left, Marisa was wide-eyed with excitement!
I hadn't yet realized the close co-relation between the organic farm idea and many of Marisa's already existing interests.
When Marisa first graduated from her school program and decided to use The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Consolidated Supports and Services Program, she had specific goals in mind. She wanted to take part in Special Olympics, join a gym to exercise regularly, study nutrition and learn to cook healthy meals. She also knew that she wanted a job working with fashion in a clothing store. It did not occur to her that she might enjoy the idea of working on an organic farm. So when the opportunity arose for her to volunteer at SustainAbility, a new non-profit started by another family whose daughter's ultimate dream was to work on an organic farm, I decided to take Marisa over to see it for herself. We visited for a short time and enjoyed walking around with farmer Daley, who showed us the various vegetables that were growing. When Daley asked Marisa about some of the things she liked to do with her time, she quickly responded about how she loved going to the gym.
"Oh ... if you work here you'll get enough of a workout. You won't need to go to the gym on farming days," he remarked with a chuckle in his voice.
We were only there for a short time, but when we left, Marisa was wide-eyed with excitement!
"I want to grow my own vegetables in my garden!" she said.
Not being particularly good at growing a vegetable garden myself, I didn't want to discourage her.
"Helping out on the organic farm is the perfect way for you to learn about farming!"
I hadn't yet realized the close co-relation between the organic farm idea and many of Marisa's already existing interests.
"When can I come back?" she said with animated excitement in her voice!
I planned a one hour visit in her schedule with support staff, Christina, accompanying her. Marisa, back on the farm a week later with weeding gloves and rain boots on, set to work along side Daley. When Marisa was called to leave after an hour, she didn't quite look ready to go, but I felt it was best to take it slow in determining exactly how involved she wanted to become.
A week later Marisa was back on the farm. She was so excited to go! She knew that this was a chance to learn and grow in a new direction. That had a wonderful appeal to her. What's amazing and magical to me is that even though conventional school has ended, a new classroom has begun. It's the classroom of life and all that the world around us has to offer. Yes, school has ended, but every day is still a day to learn and grow. Whether it's learning new skills by pursuing one's choices or learning new skills by trying something new, it's learning and growing with each passing day. Having the chance to make choices ensures that greater learning will take place, because by pursuing activities that one finds interesting, there will be a greater ability to learn.
We never would have realized that two of Marisa's goals, healthy eating and exercising, would tie in so closely with the farm if she hadn't tried it.
A week later Marisa was back on the farm. She was so excited to go! She knew that this was a chance to learn and grow in a new direction. That had a wonderful appeal to her. What's amazing and magical to me is that even though conventional school has ended, a new classroom has begun. It's the classroom of life and all that the world around us has to offer. Yes, school has ended, but every day is still a day to learn and grow. Whether it's learning new skills by pursuing one's choices or learning new skills by trying something new, it's learning and growing with each passing day. Having the chance to make choices ensures that greater learning will take place, because by pursuing activities that one finds interesting, there will be a greater ability to learn.
"Mom, here's a Jalapeno pepper to use in tonight's dinner!" Marisa yelled out when she returned home from the farm.
That's so nice and we'll use it with the recipe you selected for tonight. And do you want to head for the gym this afternoon?" I asked.
"I had my workout today!" was her surprising answer.
"When?" I asked.
"On the farm!"
We never would have realized that two of Marisa's goals, healthy eating and exercising, would tie in so closely with the farm if she hadn't tried it.
