Today was just a good day at work. I sat with one of the ladies on the porch, enjoying the cool spring air. We just talked about life. Joys, sadness, spring. Then we went inside and she learned to make her own pizza for the first time ever.
I couldn’t help the joy I felt. I am so grateful to work with such amazing people.
I work with individuals that have developmental disabilities. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. The most demanding, stressful, overwhelming. Sometimes I question why I stilll work here. Some days are hard. But today was one of those days I felt so blessed to work with such extraordinary individuals.
Before working here I was nervous when someone with special needs interacted with me. I didn’t know how to act or what to say. There was so much unsurety, worry, and insecurity on my part.
I don’t think I’m the only one falling into this trap. When groups with special needs are in the community, the community reaction is usually the same. People stare. They get really uncomfortable. They watch their children more carefully. They just look nervous. It seems that noone knows how to react, even when these individuals are doing their own thing, minding their own business.
Maybe someone looks different. They might talk funny or be hard to understand. Maybe they stutter or moan. But these hearts are no different from your own.
These people are individuals with a history, life, and passions. They have their own joys and trials. They have frustrations, defeats, and successes. They are not so different from you and me.
They have the biggest hearts. Probably bigger than my own. They have such extraordinary patience.
I am so grateful that working here as enabled me to get to know the individual behind the disability. An individual is not “autistic”. Not defined by one trait that sets them apart from the norm. How might you feel, were you defined by your disbilities or setbacks? Knowing noone would look past whatever appearance they first saw?
Sure, they might have autism. Anxiety, down syndrome, or a slew of other disabilities. But they also have hopes. They experience deep emotions and feelings. They have fears and worries. They have dreams.
Just like you, they are learning to succeed. They might work so hard at what may have taken you a moment to learn. Skills and understanding might come slower, but they keep working at it.
This last year of work I have learned about diligence, devotion, and confidence in oneself. I have learned about discipline. I am learning from these individuals every day how I can be more courageous, persistent, and optimistic.
My friends that I work with here are amazing. They are wonderful, beautiful, and so real. If you ever think for a moment that people with disabilities are aloof, don’t understand the world around them, or don’t care about the same things you care about, look again. Don’t let their disability define them. Look past the stutter or one-word communication and ask them their name. Ask about their life, their interests, their dreams. You might have to ask several times. You might have to listen hard and still may not understand. But I promise you will come away knowing someone amazing. You will gain the most loyal, loving friendship. And you will find your heart grows three sizes every time you do this 🙂
