John and Other People with Disabilities

There is so much we can all learn about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  I learn something new every day. Here’s one story:

Over the last few months, I’ve needed to visit one Angels’ Place home multiple times.

On my first visit, John didn’t want to engage with me.

A few visits later, he simply said hi.

Later, he showed me some of the things he had been doing on his iPad

And a visit later, John offered to make me a cup of coffee, shared his private stash of International Delight coffee creamer, and we had a nice talk about Tom Brady, and how much he loves his Angels’ Place housemates.  

In that one setting, here are three things I learned:

1. Like all of us, our residents want to have relationships.  Sometimes it takes a while to establish trust, but our residents are capable of great relationships.

2. If they can, our residents want to do things themselves.  Before you do for them, let them accomplish things themselves.  If they ask, teach or show – and help them learn to do it themselves.

3. Many of our residents want to hug and show affection; others are very sensitive to touch… even a gentle, well-intended touch of an elbow could be disturbing.  So be aware of the individuals’ preferences.

There is so much to learn – and we are all learning every day. 

We hope you will take some time to learn more about the people with disabilities who intersect with your life.


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