The "Problem" That''s Not Going Anywhere

On Monday, we covered Mental Institutions in Disability Studies class. We talked about in the early 1900s and even earlier, there were places where people with disabilities and illnesses people couldn't understand or deal with were slumped together. These places were known as "Asylums for Idiots". The most populated location was in Orillia, and there was even one here in London Ontario. Every parents of disabled or ill children, world be convinced that if they were placed in these asylums, they would be rehabilitated and no longer a problem to society The caretakers would  delegate them into intelligence groups like Idiots, and Insane.  The residents were subjected to religious practices under the pretense that they would result in positive changes.  The government reports would indicate that the conditioners in which the residents were living were top-notch, but they were overpopulated, and the activities that supposedly were part of the "healing" process were producing nothing but blank stares. I realize that in the past people were less educated, and their  intentions were good, but the system was very flawed. My teacher ended the lecture by saying how far we've come, and that those attrocities have ceased to exist... I beg to differ!

They come in a different form! People aee much more educated in illnesses and disabilities than in earlier centuries, but not everybody involved in the fields puts it to good use. I have, for thr most part, a good set of workers. However, there are some that you can instantly tell are in the job for the wrong reasons. The most common being that the job is easy... WRONG! The job is so far from easy, that if you better quit while you'e ahead!  It's unfortunate, because these people usually have good intentions, but then they get  scared by the most essential needs like using the bathroom and taking showers. This often results in uncleanliness and infection, which can lead to worse.Some people take the job forgetting that it is self directed care. No matter how many times you tell them that a task is done one way, they'll do it how they see fit. I know not every helper or caretaker is like that, and top of the hat to those ones; but this is nearly 2013, we live emong society because we are a part of it. We are not an easy job, we are not a problem, and we are NOT going anywhere!


Karli

Lessons Learned & Lessons Taught

It seems like every year, the Education System is jeopardized in one way or another.  The latest decision to halt extracurricular activities leaves me reeling, even as I sit safely (for now) at Western. Extracurricular activities played a big part in my early years of school, and even still in my current school life. Some of my first friends were made at before and after school programs, I remember hoping that my mom was late so I stayed long enough for snack time or homework help. I was too busy enjoying the program to notice that someone had to be up at 5 to have the place open for 7, or stay late until every kid was home. As i look back now I am very thankful. My ALL time favourite activity was the MUSIC program! I took part in choirs and musicals for many years, until highschool (and fear of the boy in band I liked, hearing me sing) killed my will. To this day that is one of my biggest regrets, because I missed the chance to be taught by an amazing woman, Angela Southern. I could tell you that despite not a single moment spent in her music room, the magic she works with music still inspires me today! I believe that   that these experiences should not be threatened, and I salute those who provide them!

Now I’m going to talk of my experiences more generally. I can remember several strikes/ threats of them. The first I recall was in 97, the strike actually did happen. I didn’t mind so much because my teacher WAS actually lazy and not supportive of my disability. After a while though, my mom’s attempts at teaching became rather sad and empty. The second I can remember was grade 8. While everybody was worried about how the pending strike would affect the Wonderland trip, I was worried for my favourite teacher Bill Panopoulos, who had quite seriously earlier that day, given a lecture to the class on how “THE WORLD WILL NOT SPOOOOOOON FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED YOOOOOOUUUUU!” Though I will always laugh at its extra stressed delivery, it’s a lecture I won’t soon forget. I have a SUPER soft spot for EA’s. They make sure kids get all the extra help they NEED! I can tell you I learned more in a 20 minute bathroom break with them than ANY teacher could EVER teach! They were my safety nets, helped me grow, learn, deal with heartbreak, death and loss, saw me laugh, cry, triumph, and fail... So when EA’s strike, it’s a direct blow... When the system is jeopardized, the learning opportunities may seem squashed, but you can never squash the student teacher relationship! I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I gave Dave Semple, the man who sparked my love for English, a black and white still of his prized motorcycle. I went about as red as my hair as he hung it up, and it’s STILL there! I won’t forget Linda Harvey-Rioux who sparked my creativity through technology; or how Judy Carter spent a class and a half trying to help mw grasp poetry and was the first one I went to when I FINALLY got the ramp we needed. I never expected that today, I would be having tea and cookies with my grade 6 teacher, and she would always be there when I needed an ear, or someone to share ideas with. Whatever happens, I hope it is settled soon, and thank you for the lessons I was meant to learn, and those I never expected to...

 

 

Karli

Ain't no Love like King's Love!

I haven't written here in a while, so I guess I better start up again...

School is back in session, and I'm sure I'll have a lot to say in this year.  However, let me use this post to explain the most amazing, yet exhausting week that was Orientation Week.  At first, I was really nervous, because my Sophs made such an impact on me last year; and I wanted to do the same for the incoming frosh.  I had no need to worry though, because I was working with a great team, and I have never seen such a friendly and talented group of frosh.  Though the mornings were early, and the nights were late, I would definitely do it again.  The days were filled with cheering, dancing, chatting., playing games, and eating Nutella, which became my new favorite food spread.  The cheering came loudest from King's, and thanks to my friend Shaidon Woods,, and the energy demonstrated by the Sophs and  frosh alike, King’s was able to take home the Spirit Award. I really enjoyed the whole week, I had 2 all-time favourite moments.  The first was Shinerama Day, because I take charity very seriously, and it was heartwarming to know that so many people were united for a good cause. My second favourite part was the King’s talent showcase. I was able to debut my “sit down” comedy routine, and turn a basic hobby into laughter. What I was most impressed with, was the froshes’ wonderful talents, If the talents and personalities I’ve seen are any indication, I’d say that the future of King’s is bright!

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Karli