What I Learned

    
       During my 3 months at Blossomland, I learned many things.

Firstly, I learned a lot about equipment and positioning. Not only did I learn the names of different wheelchairs, strollers, standers, walkers, chairs, and their working parts, but I learned how to fix them too! I am now able to problem solve through equipment issues by finding the problem, the tools to fix it, and then executing the solution.

If I don't know how to fix an issue, I know who can and how to get a hold of them.  I learned what correct positioning looks like and how to adjust equipment to ensure that a child is adequately supported.

I learned how to advocate for children and how to complete the process of acquiring funding for adaptive equipment. I learned the in's and out's of medicaid and what they see as "medically necessary."

I learned new strategies for treating everything from handwriting issues to ADL deficits.

I learned new ways to play, how to see a toy through the eyes of a child, and how to use this new found ability to motivate the kids on my caseload.

I learned how to be consistent with the students and how to be firm yet supportive at the same time.

I learned how to push the kids while respecting when they had enough. I also perfected my "Dad voice" for when a child needed redirection or a behavior adjustment.

 I learned how to work with and alongside teachers. How to speak with parents and how to listen.

These are just a few of the many many lessons and skills that I learned while at Blossomland. I will forever be grateful for my experience and I hope to always remember what learned, but most importantly, the people I met.


Cheers,
        Jairus Sturgeon

10 things I learned working with developmental disabilities

It's good to periodically review some of the lessons life teaches you... here are a few of the things I am learning as a student in occupational therapy working with kids that have severe cognitive impairments...

10. It’s good to wash your hands

A lot of the kids I work with think that putting soap on their hands and rinsing it off is enough… learning how to wash hands independently is an important skill that should not be overlooked!

9. Don’t be afraid of the obvious

I learned yesterday from a young man that it is important to choose your battles.  I wanted to have him practice putting his coat on and off…. He only wanted his coat on.  After a few minutes – I had to settle for the obvious… he was going to win this battle and his coat was gonna stay on – so… we began learning how to zip coats instead 

8. Don’t be afraid of a mess

This lesson was from the kids that I teach how to use utensils at the table.  It’s okay to be a little messy as long as you are learning… long towels work as good bibs too 

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