Advocating for Ourselves

 

One of this week's highlights was our visit to Jamestown Settlement where we were evaluating how welcoming and accessible, beyond physically, the museum is for individuals with developmental disabilities.  We were both assisting a doctoral student in her research, and advocating for ourselves!  We also had a fun visit with the therapy dogs, cooked with a new ingredient, worked diligently at Pet Supplies Plus, and even enjoyed a hike in beautiful weather!

Tuesday, November 14

This morning was spent at Jamestown Settlement as we went "undercover" to gather information about how well the museum makes individuals with developmental disabilities feel included, and how well their programming and exhibits are accessible to them.  It was challenging for our guys to think critically, but they put a lot of thought into possible ways their experience could be better, even though they thought today's visit was great! 

Since she didn't have to wear her Arc shirt today, Liz chose to wear a Pocahontas shirt!

We really enjoyed the hands-on demonstrations.  We'd like to see more of them at all the museums we visit!

It was such a beautiful morning.  A little chilly, but so sunny!

Picking up boxed lunches from Publix.  Very tasty and a great deal!

Following our visit, we met with doctoral student, Sierra, in a panel discussion over boxed lunches from Publix.  We shared with her that we felt very welcomed at Jamestown Settlement, and found the staff friendly when we asked for help.  Our suggestions to make the experience better for folks like us included having more hands-on demonstrations, getting the audio tour headsets repaired so they can be used, and trying to have more staff or volunteers available at the indoor galleries to answer questions.  We also suggested that special visiting times for the disabled community, with less crowds and more staff to interact with, would be a good idea.  

Thank you, Sierra, for giving us this opportunity.  We felt heard by you, and we're proud to assist you with your research.

Wednesday, November 15

Each Wednesday we have a core group of girls who like to shelve books in the JRES Library.  Today, it was Laura, Alexis, and Liz, who brought back a stash of Thanksgiving themed story books for us to read with the therapy dogs.  Some of the JRES staff have noticed them each Wednesday, and today, the girls earned the nickname "Wonderful Wednesday Workers!"  👏👏

Today's highlight was our monthly visit with the therapy dogs and their handlers.  We're so happy to have added new members recently, and today, we had 6 handlers and 7 dogs!  We are very thankful for their friendship and dedication to working with us each month.  Even Heike enjoys checking in with these amazing animals who bring a sense of peace and calmness to all of us!

Erik, Kate, and Patrick read with Aja, one of our newer friends.

Liz and Kevin enjoyed sharing a sweet story with Vicky and Aubree.

Caroline, Pip, and Indy were all smiles as they hung out with Alexis and Drew.

Casey popped up from under the table this month for a picture with Laura, Carol S, and Abraham!

Carol and Darby got to hear stories from Annmarie, Tessa, and Michelle.

Karen and Tessa read with Xavier, Adia, and Devin.

We were all happy to see Xavier more interactive with one of the dogs, today.  Thanks, Tessa, for being such a gentle sweetie!

We had a Thanksgiving themed scavenger hunt and learned that the Pilgrims called cranberries crane berries because the small pink blossoms that appeared on the fruit in spring reminded them of the head and bill of a crane!

Everyone shared what they learned during the scavenger hunt that they didn't know before!  What a fun time with our dogs and handler friends!

We also celebrated America Recycles Day by reusing toilet paper rolls and old pencils to make fancy bird feeders.  It was another busy day that "flew" by!  Hehe! 🐦

Thursday, November 16

Today was National Button Day and we learned that 60% of the world's buttons are made in Qiaotou, China...and they also make 80% of the world's zippers!  We tried making an old-fashioned button spinner/buzzsaw toy, and while we couldn't always get them to spin and buzz properly, we had fun trying!  Later, we celebrated Mickey Mouse's 95th birthday with videos, trivia games, and a snack.  It was a beautiful and mild day, so we got outside, too!

Welcome back, Sam, after a rough bout with respiratory illness.  We missed him for 10 days!

Kate working her button spinner while she walked!

Best dressed for Mickey's Birthday, Group 1!

Best dressed, Group 2!

Math skills, with a little luck, too!

Tessa enjoys cutting, and we appreciate her help.  These stars will become our Christmas tree display next month!

Be sure to check The Arc mailing we sent home today!  You're going to want to sign up for fun December activities, including the Holiday Dinner Dance on the 9th!  🎄🎅🤶🎄

Friday, November 17

Our week ended with one group working a productive shift at Pet Supplies Plus while the other one prepared a "gourmet" lunch!  The PSP Crew had plenty of items to stock while they also made sure that what was already on the shelves was situated properly.  They have a great eye for detail!  The Cooking Crew roasted our recently harvested sweet potatoes and then tossed them in a light and tasty citrus vinaigrette.  They were sooo good!  They also made mint infused rice with a pomegranate relish that was equally good!  The lightly sauteed chicken was just the right protein to make it a nutritious and filling lunch.  

After lunch, the weather was warm and sunny, so we traveled to Newport News Park for a walk, instead of our usual Friday afternoon yoga.  It felt good to stretch our legs after a busy morning!  When we returned from the park, it was time to start our shorter than usual weekend!  Don't forget, we are in session next week on Monday and Tuesday,  and then closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday from Wednesday-Friday.

Laura and Alexis want to remind everyone about our food, coat, and toy drive!  We are partnering with Eaton and would appreciate your donations by December 8th!  Thanks, Everyone!!

That's a wrap on another great week!  We'll be meeting on Monday and Tuesday next week, and then enjoying Wednesday-Friday as a Thanksgiving break.  Here are our plans for a fun couple of days:

Monday:  We're in a rare Monday session today and we're celebrating Adia's birthday, which is on Friday.  She asked for a Movie Day and will surprise us with her choice.  (She's been asking her friends for ideas!)  We'll prepare macaroni and cheese with baked chicken for lunch and thanks to Adia's family for providing ice cream floats for dessert!

Tuesday:  We'll talk about the Thanksgiving holiday this morning, and catch up on a few housekeeping chores.  After an early lunch, we'll meet with Christina at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for another fun lesson and art project.  Lunch on your own.  JRES Cafeteria is available and is offering Tacos, Taco Salad, or Pizza.

Wednesday-Friday:  Thanksgiving Holiday!  We'll see you back at the Arc of Abilities on Tuesday, November 28.

🎄🎅 Reminder  🎄🎅

We are having a Holiday Food, Coat, and Toy Drive in collaboration with Eaton!  Food donations benefit Williamsburg House of Mercy; Coat donations benefit Latisha's House; Toy donations benefit Toys for Tots.

Have a great weekend,

Lisa, Carol, Nan, and the AoA Gang