My Rabbi, in his talk last night at Simcha Shabbat, reminded the congregants of the importance of being thankful. I had a note on my bulletin board, reminding me to be thankful. But, I do not have that visual reminder posted anymore. I removed the piece of paper, with the message. I thought I would remember. Now, when something extraordinary occurs, I recall to be thankful. But, I also need to be grateful everyday, for the small graces.
The rabbi told the story of a grandmother who told her granddaughter on her wedding day, "I hope you have many small problems."
"What an awful thing to say to me, of all days!" the granddaughter responded.
"Ah," the grandmother said in her wise, slightly accented voice. "If you have many small problems, maybe you won't have a big one."
The rabbi went on to explain--one response to minor glitches will train an individual for the serious crises. Same with graditude, if one makes being gracious a habit, then one will be ready to be very thankful for the important events, experiences, and relationships one encounters on life's journey.
The rabbi added that an alternative to counting sheep to fall asleep, one could tick off the actions, objects, and people for which one feels gratitude.
So today, two kind actions by strangers stand out--the guard at the African American Museum let my friend and I enter on one pass, not the two that are required; a man in the museum shop bought a postcard for me, when I told him the card was for my 91 year old mother, he said, "Bless her heart!"
The other day, a woman told me where I dropped my glove, and then a little girl picked it up for me. Common courtesy--yes; however, in these tense times, not so typical.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Serious Need in Our Community
There is a serious need for our special needs adult population to find meaningful employment.These are the young adults who were educated in the school system during the 1990's to early 2000's and benefited from wonderful educational experiences due to tremendous advances in special education in our schools. These are the 20 and 30 something generation--millenials--who were integrated into the community from their birth. They were nurtured in a "can do" environment.
The parents and service providers emphasized what these youngsters could accomplish and not what they were unable to do. There were social skills groups, camps, Special Olympics, tutors, entire schools, special classes within schools, and mainstreaming. Every kind of therapy imaginable was utilized and with great success. There were theater companies! Young people with special needs became models, dancers, actors, artists, and athletes. Nothing was impossible. The sky was the limit! However, the world changed and advanced. Our students entered a highly complex world, with the decline of brick and mortar stores, mechanized cashiers, ATM machines, and ubiquitous computers. Restaurants became self-serve. Less support staff wherever one looked. No one was prepared. The so-called "gifted" also searched in this confusing world. The bar for them had been set too high, as well. What career paths would they follow?
I forsaw the disaster. Students were placed too high on the bell curve of intelligence and achievement. A new category of gifted/learning disabled appeared; high functioning was the important catch phrase. Multiple intelligences, baccalaureate programs for all, honors classes for the average, and AP classes galore. No one really knew where they fell on the spectrum of aptitude, since the educational field filled with inflated grades, scores, and expectations. Schools did not encourage vocational education for anyone and the trades were ignored by high schools. But back to special needs.
My daughter is just such a young adult, adopted from Guatemala, diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Non Otherwise Specified). She has autism and cognitive issues, with strengths in verbal expression and long-term memory. Isabel is funny, creative, loyal, motivated and serious about whatever responsibility is given to her. She is a graduate of the George Mason University LIFE program. She completed thirteen years of education through Montgomery County Public Schools, in addition to a "highly selective" post-secondary program through the school system. Always the star special education student, but her skills were not adequate for the challenging, "regular" high school curriculum.
Isabel has participated in various internships, ranging from working in a restaurant to being an office assistant on Capitol Hill. Surprisingly, some of her best experiences were in a summer camp, where she had various jobs. The opportunity was facilitated by Yachad, an arm of the Orthodox (Jewish) Union. The irony is not lost on me that the most conservative wing of Judaism in the United States gives the best opportunities to young adults with special needs; they take care of their own which is something no one else appears willing to do. Thankfully, they allowed Isabel to be in their program (eventhough we are not Orthodox Jews.)
The caveat with all of these job opportunities is that there were mentors to facilitate the procedure. Once the staff was comfortable, Isabel accomplished her job independently. Staff was satisfied. The site had a reliable worker, and Isabel beamed with pride. Isabel's experiences were positive and we, her parents, thought she would find a job. Evidently, not so!
Now for the real world. How do we get this model to work outside of an educational program? Who can help? How can it be accomplished? So far, in our job search, we have hit a "brick wall." We use an agency to assist Isabel in her job search. However, the counselors at this organization appear to be unprepared.
Isabel goes to interviews and the employer/manager expects her to respond as a person who is typical. Corporations, that claim they hire "the disabled" are not doing so. Maybe, the business has one person, with normal social skills and intelligence, in a wheelchair. No, that is not hiring "the disabled" for 2019. That would have been appropriate 40 years ago! All types of disabilities need to be recognized--mental illness, substance abuse, PTSD, ex-convicts, autism, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X, just to name a few. Employment of the disabled will inevitably reduce the homeless population and those on government assistance.
I do not understand why the field of adult special needs is hidden in the dungeons of Counseling and Social Work Departments. Why are University Special Education programs stopping at school age populations? If school systems, the government, and public health departments invest in babies, educational programs cannot halt with 21 year olds. There are a few exceptions, one being George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The LIFE program provided preparation for life after school; however, these positions do not translate to the world of work.
I would like to start an advocacy group for the young adults with special needs, who are capable of being an asset to the workplace. This advocacy group would explore and then implement new policies for hiring the disabled. I would love to find enthusiastic younger adults who have energy for such an advocacy group. Professionals who can work quickly, efficiently, and productively. Isabel's father and I, her mother, are in the Baby Boomer generation. We have made our mark on the world. We need help. This is not my field of expertise. Where are the creative, young journalists, writers, consultants, entrepeneurs and future government leaders out there? And, of course, educators? I hear that this generation "thinks outside of the box?" The millenials look at the world of work differently; here's your chance. These adults with special needs are your brothers, sisters, cousins, siblings of friends? You went to school with them.
Please read this blog and then think about what I have written. Thank you.
The parents and service providers emphasized what these youngsters could accomplish and not what they were unable to do. There were social skills groups, camps, Special Olympics, tutors, entire schools, special classes within schools, and mainstreaming. Every kind of therapy imaginable was utilized and with great success. There were theater companies! Young people with special needs became models, dancers, actors, artists, and athletes. Nothing was impossible. The sky was the limit! However, the world changed and advanced. Our students entered a highly complex world, with the decline of brick and mortar stores, mechanized cashiers, ATM machines, and ubiquitous computers. Restaurants became self-serve. Less support staff wherever one looked. No one was prepared. The so-called "gifted" also searched in this confusing world. The bar for them had been set too high, as well. What career paths would they follow?
I forsaw the disaster. Students were placed too high on the bell curve of intelligence and achievement. A new category of gifted/learning disabled appeared; high functioning was the important catch phrase. Multiple intelligences, baccalaureate programs for all, honors classes for the average, and AP classes galore. No one really knew where they fell on the spectrum of aptitude, since the educational field filled with inflated grades, scores, and expectations. Schools did not encourage vocational education for anyone and the trades were ignored by high schools. But back to special needs.
My daughter is just such a young adult, adopted from Guatemala, diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Non Otherwise Specified). She has autism and cognitive issues, with strengths in verbal expression and long-term memory. Isabel is funny, creative, loyal, motivated and serious about whatever responsibility is given to her. She is a graduate of the George Mason University LIFE program. She completed thirteen years of education through Montgomery County Public Schools, in addition to a "highly selective" post-secondary program through the school system. Always the star special education student, but her skills were not adequate for the challenging, "regular" high school curriculum.
Isabel has participated in various internships, ranging from working in a restaurant to being an office assistant on Capitol Hill. Surprisingly, some of her best experiences were in a summer camp, where she had various jobs. The opportunity was facilitated by Yachad, an arm of the Orthodox (Jewish) Union. The irony is not lost on me that the most conservative wing of Judaism in the United States gives the best opportunities to young adults with special needs; they take care of their own which is something no one else appears willing to do. Thankfully, they allowed Isabel to be in their program (eventhough we are not Orthodox Jews.)
The caveat with all of these job opportunities is that there were mentors to facilitate the procedure. Once the staff was comfortable, Isabel accomplished her job independently. Staff was satisfied. The site had a reliable worker, and Isabel beamed with pride. Isabel's experiences were positive and we, her parents, thought she would find a job. Evidently, not so!
Now for the real world. How do we get this model to work outside of an educational program? Who can help? How can it be accomplished? So far, in our job search, we have hit a "brick wall." We use an agency to assist Isabel in her job search. However, the counselors at this organization appear to be unprepared.
Isabel goes to interviews and the employer/manager expects her to respond as a person who is typical. Corporations, that claim they hire "the disabled" are not doing so. Maybe, the business has one person, with normal social skills and intelligence, in a wheelchair. No, that is not hiring "the disabled" for 2019. That would have been appropriate 40 years ago! All types of disabilities need to be recognized--mental illness, substance abuse, PTSD, ex-convicts, autism, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X, just to name a few. Employment of the disabled will inevitably reduce the homeless population and those on government assistance.
I do not understand why the field of adult special needs is hidden in the dungeons of Counseling and Social Work Departments. Why are University Special Education programs stopping at school age populations? If school systems, the government, and public health departments invest in babies, educational programs cannot halt with 21 year olds. There are a few exceptions, one being George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The LIFE program provided preparation for life after school; however, these positions do not translate to the world of work.
I would like to start an advocacy group for the young adults with special needs, who are capable of being an asset to the workplace. This advocacy group would explore and then implement new policies for hiring the disabled. I would love to find enthusiastic younger adults who have energy for such an advocacy group. Professionals who can work quickly, efficiently, and productively. Isabel's father and I, her mother, are in the Baby Boomer generation. We have made our mark on the world. We need help. This is not my field of expertise. Where are the creative, young journalists, writers, consultants, entrepeneurs and future government leaders out there? And, of course, educators? I hear that this generation "thinks outside of the box?" The millenials look at the world of work differently; here's your chance. These adults with special needs are your brothers, sisters, cousins, siblings of friends? You went to school with them.
Please read this blog and then think about what I have written. Thank you.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Overwhelmed Undone Inundated
Thoughts for the week--
Too much happens in one week. I have to think hard to remember that the midterms were only ten days ago. And they were a success from my point of view. No wonder everyone feels overwhelmed. There have been three shootings in three weeks or two?
What happened on Monday? Oh the fires? So terrible. Another "perfect storm" of bad events coming together to create a disaster. Escape routes, PGE, propane tanks out in the open in a fire prone area. And then the trees right up to buildings, warning systems, buddy systems, flame retardant construction materials. Who ran this town? By asking these questions, I am in no way diminishing the horrible loss of life and property and present danger of toxic air. No, of course not. I care.
But, I cannot help but think of the pell mell, haphazard development that occurs all over the country. Take care of your property, clear your area. I see here in my condominium complex how sloppy and inconsiderate people are with no dire consequences. Tragedy is compounded when responsibility is relinquished. And building standards? What happened in Paradise is what we see in undeveloped countries. If a person desires to live "off the grid", they need to be prepared.
People will call me inconsiderate. My mother said, "Are you blaming the victims?" No and more no. Trees, birds, animals, and fire were here long before us; we need to respect our natural resources and lands. California is blessed with so much beauty. With the eery visions of this week--people walking in downtown S.F. in masks--I would think there is nobody left who needs convincing about what is to come.
By the way, no tragedy, but weird nontheless, there was snow in the Mid Atlantic region this week. Very atypical. Last time this occurred was on a Veteran's Day in the early to mid 1980's. Extreme climate events have arrived. The wind is much stronger in Maryland than in years past. What does that mean?
Thankfully, I celebrated Shabbat on Friday night with my community. Today I am lucky enough to take a deep breath of fresh air. And no News programs or newpapers.
Shabbat Shalom.
Karen Levi
Too much happens in one week. I have to think hard to remember that the midterms were only ten days ago. And they were a success from my point of view. No wonder everyone feels overwhelmed. There have been three shootings in three weeks or two?
What happened on Monday? Oh the fires? So terrible. Another "perfect storm" of bad events coming together to create a disaster. Escape routes, PGE, propane tanks out in the open in a fire prone area. And then the trees right up to buildings, warning systems, buddy systems, flame retardant construction materials. Who ran this town? By asking these questions, I am in no way diminishing the horrible loss of life and property and present danger of toxic air. No, of course not. I care.
But, I cannot help but think of the pell mell, haphazard development that occurs all over the country. Take care of your property, clear your area. I see here in my condominium complex how sloppy and inconsiderate people are with no dire consequences. Tragedy is compounded when responsibility is relinquished. And building standards? What happened in Paradise is what we see in undeveloped countries. If a person desires to live "off the grid", they need to be prepared.
People will call me inconsiderate. My mother said, "Are you blaming the victims?" No and more no. Trees, birds, animals, and fire were here long before us; we need to respect our natural resources and lands. California is blessed with so much beauty. With the eery visions of this week--people walking in downtown S.F. in masks--I would think there is nobody left who needs convincing about what is to come.
By the way, no tragedy, but weird nontheless, there was snow in the Mid Atlantic region this week. Very atypical. Last time this occurred was on a Veteran's Day in the early to mid 1980's. Extreme climate events have arrived. The wind is much stronger in Maryland than in years past. What does that mean?
Thankfully, I celebrated Shabbat on Friday night with my community. Today I am lucky enough to take a deep breath of fresh air. And no News programs or newpapers.
Shabbat Shalom.
Karen Levi
Monday, October 29, 2018
Fall 2018
Fall 2018
The dark is what I hate most.
Unable to see I fumble lost.
Damp cool air
In the lair.
Most do not care.
Their thumbs move over
Maybe hover.
The keyboard
Oh Lord
There is death
Anywhere.
Still the petty care.
What to wear.
Want my steak rare.
You realize child
Even if you are mild
You are in harms way
Everyday.
Stop your thumbs.
Step over the bums.
Come with me
To be
A fighter
For righteousness
For loving kindness.
Burn the bullets.
Burn the bombs.
Let them in
Amidst the din
Just like your kin.
These words stumbled out. I know very little about poetry.
I have never liked fall. I try to appreciate the colors, but this year the fall is dull, grey green, dried up leaves. Nothing to like for me. My inner state matches nature this year. The air is cool and it is dark early. The wind blows all the time. And then there is senseless death. As if it isn't enough that people die of disease and accidents everyday. Someone has to make it worse.
The dark is what I hate most.
Unable to see I fumble lost.
Damp cool air
In the lair.
Most do not care.
Their thumbs move over
Maybe hover.
The keyboard
Oh Lord
There is death
Anywhere.
Still the petty care.
What to wear.
Want my steak rare.
You realize child
Even if you are mild
You are in harms way
Everyday.
Stop your thumbs.
Step over the bums.
Come with me
To be
A fighter
For righteousness
For loving kindness.
Burn the bullets.
Burn the bombs.
Let them in
Amidst the din
Just like your kin.
These words stumbled out. I know very little about poetry.
I have never liked fall. I try to appreciate the colors, but this year the fall is dull, grey green, dried up leaves. Nothing to like for me. My inner state matches nature this year. The air is cool and it is dark early. The wind blows all the time. And then there is senseless death. As if it isn't enough that people die of disease and accidents everyday. Someone has to make it worse.
Monday, October 22, 2018
October 21, 2018
Eve Ensler and Anne Lamott
I had the pleasure of hearing these two women speak last night at the Strathmore Arts Center. They are both gifted writers and speakers. Eve and Anne are the angels that have stepped into our world to inspire us and keep us moving forward. I do not give this accolade to just anyone. Both women have trudged through the muck, more than once, to reappear renewed and cleansed, after a shower, of course. Each word they speak is wrought with meaning. There is no extra verbiage--no uhs, yeahs, you see's. Eve and Anne speak honestly and openly. Not only do they speak, write and act to present their views, they also give tirelessly of themselves to other women around the world or in their neighborhood.
Some highlights for me:
l. Our mothers did not have the knowledge and vocabulary we have today to identify and act
when abuse occurred. Just like the generation of today has tools--awareness, confidence,
knowledge-- we did not have.
2. Women who refuse to hear women who have been abused and/or support Trump--the Predator- In-Chief"--most probably were abused themselves and have not seriously worked through their
own trauma regarding abuse.
It was a pleasant evening and time well spent.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Why Do Middle Aged and Older Females Think Little Girl Hair Styles Look Good?
I know I am being trivial and many women will disagree. But this is my opinion.
What is with women who wear their hair in messy pony tails or very tight pony tails? Why do women with grey hair think they should still have long hair? Do women who pull part of their hair up with a clip or barette really think this looks good? Buns are fine and can be very elegant; but, ladies, leave the messy buns for the very young. Leave pony tails for the young. The youthful hair style does not work, especially with grey hair. Be sophisticated, elegant, chic, edgy but not a little girl. We were little girls, but we aren't any more. Let's be realistic, sensible, graceful. We can be liberated women who persist in all we do and still carry our age with confidence and beauty.
The same goes for leggings; that type of pants belongs in the gym, as lounging wear, or with a tunic. But that's it. Leggings do not substitute for pants. Again, what a little girl can wear is not what we can wear. Thankfully, there are so many stretchy jeans and pants now that finding comfortable pants is not a problem.
By the way, I am guilty of wearing leggings too frequently and workout clothes everywhere. I have changed my habits. Now that I am showing my age, it is time to dress the part. Otherwise, I, too, will look like a "little old lady" in teenager's clothing. Not a pretty sight.
What is with women who wear their hair in messy pony tails or very tight pony tails? Why do women with grey hair think they should still have long hair? Do women who pull part of their hair up with a clip or barette really think this looks good? Buns are fine and can be very elegant; but, ladies, leave the messy buns for the very young. Leave pony tails for the young. The youthful hair style does not work, especially with grey hair. Be sophisticated, elegant, chic, edgy but not a little girl. We were little girls, but we aren't any more. Let's be realistic, sensible, graceful. We can be liberated women who persist in all we do and still carry our age with confidence and beauty.
The same goes for leggings; that type of pants belongs in the gym, as lounging wear, or with a tunic. But that's it. Leggings do not substitute for pants. Again, what a little girl can wear is not what we can wear. Thankfully, there are so many stretchy jeans and pants now that finding comfortable pants is not a problem.
By the way, I am guilty of wearing leggings too frequently and workout clothes everywhere. I have changed my habits. Now that I am showing my age, it is time to dress the part. Otherwise, I, too, will look like a "little old lady" in teenager's clothing. Not a pretty sight.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
L'Shana Tova--2018
I met three little girls on my walk today. One was
fair with freckles on her nose and blond. She celebrated Christmas. One was
biracial with many braids in her hair, light brown, and celebrated Christmas.
And one was dark brown with black hair and celebrated Chanukah. That is our
country now. It is browning and one never knows who is what religion or ethnic
background or actual race. I could have
met a redhead who is Muslim. But that is whom I met today. When I approached
the bench, I thought that the blonde girl was Jewish and the dark skinned girl
was Muslim or Sikh or Hindu. See what I know? It is how it is and should be now
in the waning days of 2016. No orange haired charlatan who is a snake oil
salesman can change our reality. We have been great. The people are strong. And
those that are afraid will have to change. After pondering and reading and
thinking, I still believe that this is the crux of the matter at hand.
So my grown-up holiday wish is for those who are
afraid to see that we are actually all right. And to stop being afraid and to
stop listening to scary people. Change is never ending. Best of everything
and let there be light, in the dark places. Karen
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