Throughout our lives, we are shaped by the people we meet
and the experiences we encounter. Sometimes, it's the small gestures that leave
the most profound impact, especially when it comes to supporting individuals
with developmental disabilities. As we celebrate Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month, I want to share a personal story that highlights the power of
these small acts of kindness and understanding.
As a mother of four children, all of whom had severe
communication disorders, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come
with navigating the world of developmental disabilities. My oldest son, in
particular, was told by a pediatric developmental specialist team that he would
never live independently. However, with the help of dedicated teachers,
therapists, and a lot of hard work, he defied those expectations. Today, at 26
years old, he is a Captain with American Airlines, having achieved his dreams
through perseverance and the support of those around him.
One of the most influential moments in our journey came from
an unexpected source. A patient I was treating taught me sign language when I
asked, expecting nothing in return. This small gesture opened up a world of
possibilities for my son. By including sign language in his Individualized
Education Program (IEP), we provided him with a visual cue that worked
remarkably well. At age 3, he "said" his first full sentence in sign
language, telling me his boot was broken. That moment, one of the happiest of
my life, was made possible by the kindness of a stranger.
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to developmental
disabilities. Before a child turns 5, there is tremendous potential to change
the course of their development, but we must be able to identify the problem
and refer the child to the appropriate resources. As a Family Nurse
Practitioner, I thought my son needed socialization at one year old. Despite my
expertise, I had no idea what the real issue was. Fortunately, a special
education teacher at a nearby developmental center recognized the signs and
informed me of an opening. This small act of awareness and concern set us on
the path to getting my son the help he needed.
Nurses, teachers, and other professionals who work with
individuals with developmental disabilities have the power to make a
significant difference through small gestures of understanding and support. By
advocating for services, providing accommodations, and celebrating successes,
we can help these individuals reach their full potential. The nursing student
with a significant stutter who was struggling with a course that included a high
stakes simulation which required the student to "think out loud" and
articulate their thought process as to evaluate their cognitive reasoning (and
not just their psychomotor behavior) recently passed the NCLEX and is practicing as a RN, after the
director of his program posted a question on a forum about faculty accommodations.
I responded with a simple idea of grounding or taping that comes from emotional
freedom technique in which a speech therapist works with the individual to
learn the technique which essentially skips the dysfluent patient ahead is a
testament to the impact of these efforts.
As we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,
let us remember the power of small gestures. A kind word, a helpful resource,
or a simple accommodation can make a world of difference in the life of someone
with a developmental disability. By working together and supporting one
another, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where
everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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