|
|
|
The Arc of Washington County Influencer Analysis Identity/Title Families of persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Description Families include fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and any family member who takes an interest in a person we serve. Family members include any person identified as family by the person we serve. Guardians and conservators are also included as representing family. Issues/Goals Parents of children with mental retardation have the same goals for their children as all parents. They want their children to lead safe, healthy, valued lives of connection with family, friends, and others who can protect and nurture their children. Parents of children with mental retardation have additional needs. Parenthood for parents and relatives of persons with mental retardation is often more than a full time job and it does not end with the age of majority. Families need support networks to help them manage the extended commitment to raising a child with multiple needs. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Considering the life long nurturing needs of many persons with mental retardation, it also takes a state and a nation to help parents of persons with mental retardation raise their children and keep them woven into the fabric of life. Families are as unique as fingerprints. Attempts to provide "cookie cutter" services does little to helping families meet the emotional, educational, health, developmental and life span needs of their children. Potential Impact on our Organization The Arc of Washington County is a family-based organization of committed parents, professionals, and interested others who advocate for the rights of persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to choose and experience the many connections and places that make up ordinary life. Serving the needs of parents for the nurturing and education of their children has been and continues to be a foundation upon which this organization is built. Serving the needs of persons with mental retardation and their parents continues to be the cornerstone of service for this organization. Best Communication Channels The best communication channels are face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, and home visits; followed by written letters and reports. What Type of Information Do They Need/Want? Parents want confirmation that their children are safe, happy, and free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They want to know that their children are surrounded by caring, competent, and compassionate others who will protect their children from harm. Parents want to know about the successes of their children as they progress through the life stages of childhood to late adulthood. They want their children to be accepted and protected in the larger family of people beyond their home. They want to be notified immediately if their children are sick, injured, or harmed in any way. Parents want to be part of the team of people who comprise a circle of support and if they can not physically attend the meetings, they want to receive information about the plans and progress of the team in meeting the needs of their child. They want to have positive experiences with others that will allow them to trust the care of their children to others when they are no longer able to care for their child. They want experiences and information that will allow them to have faith in the care their children will receive when they are gone. What Outcomes do we expect from this Influencer? We expect family members to share their hopes, fears, and dreams for the future of their children with us. We want them to help us understand the likes, dislikes, goals and dreams their children have for their own future. We want their help in understanding how family life has shaped the attitudes, character, expectations, and personality of their children. We would like to know about those family and other experiences that have shaped their view of the world and their place in it. And although it is not ours to command, we want parents to love their children and remain an important part of their lives throughout their life span and the life span of their children. We want parents to encourage their children to do as many things for themselves as they can. We want them to teach their children how to reach out and contribute to life in the family, at school, and in the adult world. We want them to help their children seek and find a place of value in the world by concentrating on sharing the gifts, capabilities, and capacities their children possess. We would like parents to let us know when we are helping the family in their role as parents and relatives and when we are not. We would like parents to make suggestions to us in our efforts to help their children be a valued part of the adult world.
Release Date: 12/11/98
|
