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| Resources and Training |
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Fishing and Catching: Dan Yashinsky and son
Kristi H: "Studies show that PWS affects your height and weight, and that the hypothalamus gland, which controls emotions, temperature and tells you that you are full, does not work. But it is much more than this. It is like a big black cloud that follows you wherever you go, and every once in a while, more often than not, it will rain on your parade. It is very hard to see other people who are overweight and they get to eat what they want and live their own life. And then there is me, who is not near as huge. Other people always want to put in their two cents worth and live my life for me. What is worse is that I have my dietician and doctor in Toronto whom I have always liked, but now they act like they know me better than I know myself and it hurts because all they have is facts; they do not have reality." (August 2005)
Respect and Dignity: All adults with disabilities want to be treated with respect by the people who assist them. They are not helpless children and should not be treated as such. It is difficult, sometimes, to remember this when a 35 year old man is having a "trantrum" in public; but responding in a parental, rather than an adult fashion will only fuel the fire. Respect means acknowledging that this same 35 year old man, who, in one instance can act like a two year old, also has 35 years of experience in the world and has adult feelings, dreams, hopes and ambitions. Your quickest shortcut to establishing a good relationship with the residents you serve is demonstrating respect for each one as an individual - not just one of the groups to be "looked after."
Dignity is about acknowledging each person's individuality, supporting and enhancing their status in the world, and building on strengths rather than harping on deficits. Aldaview Services