It's Been Awhile! Review of "Produce: Where Hope Grows"

 

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good time to bring attention again, to a certain upcoming movie.  "Produce" is actually not scheduled to come out until next year, but screenings were scheduled at the Down Syndrome Convention (with the star present, no less!) and I was able to see it there.  It is one of those movies that could very easily get 'passed by' in the theater line-up, but it brings a powerful message, and is one that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunity.  Now, since it isn't out yet, I don't want to be a spoiler, BUT it is important to know a little about the story.

 

Produce follows the very unlikely friendship of Calvin and Produce.  Calvin is a former professional baseball player in a small Kentucky town.  His career ended when he suffered a panic attack at the plate, and since then has basically been 'skating by' in life, and in his relationship with his daughter, using alcohol to self-medicate.  That begins to change on the day he met a young man named Produce, working in the produce department at the local grocery store.  Produce has Down Syndrome.  With his upbeat attitude, persistent presence, conversation,questions and invitations, Calvin slowly begins to respond, and the two form a friendship. 

 

This friendship slowly begins to affect other parts of both Calvin and Produce's lives. The openness that Produce shares with Calvin trickles into Calvin's relationship with his daughter.  Calvin in turn with his stronger personality, supports Produce in his goals, and things he wants to learn, and in demanding respect from others.  Produce in his transparency, challenges Calvin in his fears, faith and the choices he makes, and ultimately Calvin and his daughter offer a friendship that really becomes more like a family.

 

I will be completely honest.  This movie will not blow you away by it's cinematography or writing.  It is a homegrown, grassroots labor of love.  What will without a doubt leave an impression is the obvious care with which it is done, and the heart of this story: the characters you come to know, the friendship that grows and sows life and hope in the lives of many others. It is also a strong affirmation of the dignity of each person, regardless of their ability- to see each person as a person, with their own story, strengths and weaknesses.   

 

So, in conclusion, keep your eyes open for this movie to come out in 2015, and see it if you are able!  You can follow their news at their website: www.iamproduce.com and on their Facebook page: "Produce: Where Hope Grows"  

 

          

The Function of Dysfunctional Behavior

 

 

Screaming, (excessive) crying, physical or verbal aggression, not following directions, running or climbing inside, interrupting, and yes, inappropriate language and undressing.  Have you thought of someone you know yet?  These behaviors can be disruptive, add tension and 'electricity' to any environment, and frankly, could probably test the patience of a saint.

 

I remember a horrible tantrum I was faced with in my second year of teaching- screaming, crying, kicking, the whole nine yards.  I was getting emotionally charged myself, and extremely frustrated.  Finally, almost in desperation, I asked him "what's going on... is there something you need?" Shuddering breath and tears, then "I'm hungry". After catching my breath, and marveling for a moment at what had just happened, I took him by the hand to help him up, and got him a snack. Afterward, all I could do was remind him to tell me when he was feeling hungry.   

 

I wanted to share a few helpful things I've learned along the way for approaching behaviors like these.  A helpful place to start is to distinguish the type of behavior you are observing: a "behavioral excess" like aggression, screaming or crying, a "behavioral deficit" (lack of skills) like communication, or academics, or directions or "inappropriate impulse control" like running inside, climbing on furniture or interrupting (cf. Stacy Taylor, MA, BCBS).   

 

Behavior has a purpose.  Behavior produces consequences.  There is a reason the person is engaging in the behavior, and they have continued to do it because IT WORKS.  It is communicating something that the person perhaps doesn't have the language or social skills to express appropriately. So the most important question to ask is "why".  Are they seeking attention, avoidance, access to some reinforcer, or to some sensory or physical need? 

 

SO, the first action is to make sure that any physical needs (sleep, food, water, bathroom, temperature), are met.  Also, consider any potential medical issues, like pain, sensory issues (including hearing and vision), stomach issues, or even PMS.

 

 

The consequences of the behavior either reinforce and strengthen it, or will weaken the behavior, so our reactions are very important in reinforcing the behavior we want to see, and building and keeping a good relationship based in trust. 

 

1st: Be specific as to what the behavior expectations are- and model it! 
Some people do need more modeling and help to know and do what is appropriate.
 

2nd: Be consistent.
Calm language and consequences that are consistent with your expectations takes time and practice, but they are crucial for building trust, avoiding power struggles and to de-escalate.
 

3rd: Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, and positive consequences.    

 

Put Behavior In Context

Particularly if there is a recurring behavior, take a record of four things:

• what the setting was (where, what time of day, who... etc.),
• what occurred immediately before the behavior,
•  an objective description of what the behaviors are, and
• what happened immediately after the behavior

 Knowing the setting and what happened before can help you make changes to prevent behaviors.  An objective description of the behavior helps to target specific behaviors/skills to teach, as well as appropriate behavior to reinforce.  The final step is to develop a plan of consequences for when a problem behavior occurs, and when the desired behavior occurs.  This step can take some trial and error, and input from the person and their parents, or previous teachers/care-takers on strategies and motivators can be invaluable.   


Finally, it is worth taking a few seconds to calm yourself before responding to a problem behavior or conflict.  If you jump into an emotionally charged situation without being calm, most likely what will happen is that "gasoline will be added to a fire" and not only will you not respond the way you want to, but it will escalate the situation.  So, again, it is worth taking a few seconds to breathe deeply (even if it is just as you are walking over to the situation), say a quick prayer- and even self-talk if you need to "I am ok, I am safe, I can do this" but especially breathe.  The moment to calm keeps blood and oxygen to your brain instead of your muscles (for flight or fight), so you can stay in an executive state of mind, and ready to respond and problem solve.  
Hope this helps!

Making Prayer a Sensory Experience...

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy" St. Therese of Lisieux

The most beautiful thing about prayer is that it can be so incarnational- using our bodies, our senses, and of course concrete sacramentals to aid us in our response to God, who lovingly reaches out to us.  This is especially important in working with people with special needs, including ADD-ADHD and ASD, for whom repetition, movement, visuals and tactile experiences are such an important part of how they learn best.  So here are some things that can help especially bring out this sensory, incarnational aspect of prayer...

To get started, it's always easiest to begin with things that are usually present anyway.

Dim lights and Candle Light: we all know how mesmerizing candle light is.  This is a very easy way to encourage an atmosphere of the sacred and to direct attention and focus.  It is also HIGHLY symbolic of the presence, light and knowledge of Jesus.  Artificial candles do not give the same effect, and so, with safety precautions taken, real candles are best. 

Beads: There is something deliberately meditative and soothing about the movement of running your fingers over beads.  Beads have been used in prayer for centuries, and in many different religious traditions.  The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet can be said using the same beads- and by the way, usually include other visual reminders which can be mini lessons- namely a crucifix and a medal.  The Divine Mercy Chaplet also has the beautiful image of Jesus to meditate on as one prays.  There are lots of methods for making a full rosary, or decade string, which is not only a good way to talk about how to pray the rosary or chaplet, but also personalizes it, and can then be blessed.  Here are a couple!  

How To Make Knotted Cord Rosaries
How to Make Sacrifice Beads/Rosary Decade

The Stations of the Cross: This can be found in every Church.  Not only is there a visual for each station, but movement from station to station, to 'travel' along the journey with Jesus.  Outdoor/walking Stations are also powerful in that space allows for larger, sometimes more tactile images to reflect on.  

Music: having chant, taize, or other meditative music playing softly, or available on headphones is soothing, encourages the atmosphere of the sacred, and personal meditation and prayer.



Sacred Art: We are blessed with a rich tradition of icons, statues and paintings.  Paintings are wonderful ways to communicate a story without words.  Icons are rich in symbolism and doctrine, as they are meant to be a "window to heaven" truly making present the person or event depicted.

 

Statues, especially figures that might later be gently handled, are also wonderful sensory additions to prayer, as they remind us of the presence and intercession of those who have gone before, the communion of the faithful, which also includes those in Purgatory and in Heaven.  One example is these small statues from Joseph's Studio (and carried by many Catholic book/gift shops) are beautiful, and made of resin, so they can safely be handled.  (On a side note, they also distribute the Fontanini nativity pieces, which are made of the same material.)   

http://www.roman.com/products.php?line=josephs-gifts-renaissance-general

 

Art Supplies! Some really do think, focus and express themselves better in pictures- their mind works in images, and having art supplies like paint, markers, available really is the best way to evoke a personal prayer.

 

Incense: this might be something for people to get used to, but there is wonderful tradition here,  recognizing something that is holy, of our own prayers and small acts ascending to God, as well as a pleasing smell.  This also tends toward an atmosphere of the sacred.  

 

Prayer Sensory Bins:

might include sand, water or oil, and/or or other applicable objects smooth rocks, shells, objects which invite touching, along with a scripture passage or picture to look at to lend toward making connections, relaxation, and meditation.  

 

Hopefully this gave you some ideas, and got the juices flowing... what other sensory experiences have been helpful in your prayer? 



Suicide Prevention Week

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, which (at least in the US) is encompassed by National Suicide Prevention Week.  It seemed appropriate to take a look at some of the causes and contributing factors in suicide.

In North America one of the leading causes of suicide is mental illness, in particular depression.  The greatest thing we can do to help in this area is raise awareness of mental illness.  This can be done with short articles inserted into the bulletin and on the parish website, by prayer intentions, and in homilies (I'll link to some resources for all of these at the end).  The fact is, mental illness is widely prevalent- just think of anxiety and depression in their different levels and forms alone.  It is so prevalent, and yet there is still a stigma (bias, distrust, stereotyping, fear, embarrassment, anger, and/or avoidance) attached to mental illness which keeps people from talking about what is going on, and from seeking help.  Education can help immeasurably with this, but another thing to keep in mind is the way we speak- our jokes and comments- and the less overt things which can 'stigmatize' and isolate people, such as lower expectations, avoidance, and fear. 

Alcohol and substance abuse are also contributing factors- especially when paired with another mental illness.

Other contributing factors are changes, loss and beginnings.  Changes can include moving, a new school or work, major life events (marriage, purchasing a home, pregnancy), and even seasonal changes.  Loss can be a large contributing factor- loss of a loved one, loss of a job/long unemployment, and recent disability. Beginnings can be a factor as well- the beginning of the school year, beginning of the week etc, as they bring added stress and expectations.
Being aware of these kinds of things can do a lot to help a person who is struggling.  Giving them time and opportunities to talk it out, and probably most importantly not attaching a particular time line to when that person should be 'readjusted' particularly when it comes to grief.

The final factor I'll mention today is isolation.  Whether it is because of stigma (real or perceived) or because of difficult behaviors, symptoms or fear, it is very easy for people who have a mental illness to be either completely silent about what is happening, to avoid reaching out to others, and/or to be avoided.  Feeling alone only compounds feelings of helplessness.  This is where peer relationships can be so healing.  Peers are people who have a mental illness themselves (or have a family member who does), people of a similar age and background, or really anyone with whom the person has formed a supportive relationship.  Parishes are a natural place where people can connect this way, by invitation to regular parish activities, or even by sponsoring a specific opportunity for people who have a mental illness to meet and get together.           

One last thing to remember: behaviors are a language all their own, speaking of what is happening internally even if it cannot be verbalized.  If you notice changes- erratic behavior, wide mood swings, or someone becoming atypically moody and withdrawn, sleeping more, neglecting responsibilities, losing interest in friends and activities they once loved or beginning to neglect their appearance, health, and hygiene- these are things to be concerned about and to ask about.

And of course, in a crisis, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24/7: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or 911.   

Sample Short Bulletin Articles
Sample Prayer Intentions
Homily Preparation Tips

Inclusion in the Liturgy...

"Persons with disabilities... seek to serve the community and to enjoy their full baptismal rights as members of the Church" (PS 33)

A question was brought to my attention the other day, and I realized that this person may not be the only one wondering!  The question was essentially, "Are there guidelines for persons with disabilities participating in liturgical ministries?" 

The short answer is, not specifically.  Participation of persons with special needs in pastoral ministry to the fullest extent possible is the goal and a strong 'ought' given to parishes by the US bishops.  Beyond that, the guidelines are essentially the same for persons with disabilities as they are for any lay person. 

To give a more "official" [read longer] answer , I looked to the US Bishops Guidelines for Celebration of Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (CS), as well as the Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities (PS).  I also looked into Christifideles Laici (CL), the document by Pope St. John Paul II, which resulted from the synod of Bishops on the vocation and mission of laity in the Church and the world, and even a little canon law.     

I'll begin with some of the Bishop's thoughts on inclusion in liturgical celebrations in general:

"It is essential that all forms of the liturgy be completely accessible to persons with disabilities, since these forms are the essence of the spiritual tie that binds the Christian community together." (CS Introduction)

Keep in mind, the bishops are not talking specifically about liturgical ministries at this point, but about the accessibility of the liturgy itself.  In this regard, the wording as it continues is quite strong:

"To exclude members of the parish from these celebrations of the life of the Church, even by passive omission, is to deny the reality of that community." 

Wow. 
They go on to acknowledge inconsistencies which have arisen, and are still being faced- including the availability of sign language interpreters and the general physical accessibility of buildings.  Much of the basis for these inconsistencies is not what you might think, and the bishops address that too:

"[Inconsistencies] arise from an uncertainty about the appropriate application of Church law towards persons with disabilities. Others are born out of fear or misunderstanding. Still others are the result of a studied and honest acceptance of the realistic limitations of a parish's or diocese's available resources." (CS Preface)

Here the Bishops actually do make a recommendation, that in the case of limited resources, a parish might pair up with a neighboring parish or parishes to provide what is needed.

"parishes should encourage persons with disabilities to participate in all levels of pastoral ministry (e.g., as care ministers, catechists, etc.)." (CS general Principals #5) 

Now we get to it.  Short and sweet.  And here is another:

"Parish sacramental celebrations should be accessible to persons with disabilities and open to their full, active and conscious participation, according to their capacity"
(CS #3) 

The phrase I am looking at in particular here is "according to their capacity."

Now for a little bit of law... before I do though, a caveat: I do not profess to be a canon lawyer, so I will keep my commentary to a minimum and primarily clarifying.  Also, this is not an exhaustive list-  I wanted to point out a few canons that seemed pertinent and apply, I might add, to ALL laity, not just persons with disabilities.

Can. 228 §1. Lay persons who are found suitable are qualified to be admitted by the sacred pastors to those ecclesiastical offices and functions which they are able to exercise according to the precepts of the law.
 [any lay person who is found suitable (proper/appropriate) by the priest is qualified to be admitted to the Church offices and service allowed them by canon law]  

Can. 230 §1. Lay men who possess the age and qualifications established by decree of the conference of bishops can be admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.
[Lay men who are old enough, and meet the prescribed qualifications may be admitted to the stable (permanent) ministries of lector and acolyte (service on the altar)]
                       click HERE for more information on the qualifications.
 

§2. Lay persons can fulfill the function of lector in liturgical actions by temporary designation. All lay persons can also perform the functions of commentator or cantor, or other functions, according to the norm of law.
[just want to note a couple of distinctions here: a lay man or woman can act as lector on a temporary basis- it does not have the same binding nature of a permanent ministry]
 

§3. When the need of the Church warrants it and ministers are lacking, lay persons, even if they are not lectors or acolytes, can also supply certain of their duties, namely, to exercise the ministry of the word, to preside over liturgical prayers, to confer baptism, and to distribute Holy Communion, according to the prescripts of the law.        [emphasis added]

Can. 231 §1. Lay persons who permanently or temporarily devote themselves to special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation required to fulfill their function properly and to carry out this function conscientiously, eagerly, and diligently.

[a long way to say, you must receive training for any liturgical service you take part in]

 

Ok, you still with me?  I want to return to Canon 228 for part of our answer.  Read it again, and note who admits a person to a liturgical service.  At the parish level it is the priest.  So, the clearest way to view participation in liturgical ministries is as a service provided by the laity when need warrants it, and at the discretion of the pastor. 

 

That being said, questions and tough calls do arise.  So should something come up, my best advice is to first speak with your pastor, calmly expressing your concern(s) and also listening with openness.  This can be a key moment for building a relationship!  

Welcomed: A Starting Place for Ministry to and with People with Special Needs

"We love the church and genuinely want to serve and be a part of it... We need the church. We need the body of Christ. We need our children to have a place at the table."

These words come from the mother of a boy who has a fairly severe sensory disorder, which makes it, literally, a painful experience to go to church.  Judging by the response her post received, it is clear that they reflect the feelings of many, many others. 

One of the first, and most important things we can do is to let these people and their families know that they are known, welcome in the Church, and that they are not alone.  Just to have the desire to include and serve these families and their loved ones is a message of hope.  These people and their families are called no less to be fully part of the Church and to participate actively in her work.  Once begun, it soon becomes clear that far from being simply an object of service and charity, there is a person who has an immense wealth to share and teach.

“… the bearer of a handicap is not simply an object of the Church’s love and service, but active and responsible participants in the work of evangelization and salvation.”

•Christifideles Laici 54

I am a firm believer that pictures speak 1000 words, and our most recent Popes have witnessed beautifully to this welcome and gift:  

“You are not alone, separated, abandoned or useless. You have been called by Christ and are his living and transparent image”  - World Day for the Sick 2013

 

“spread a culture of encounter, solidarity and hospitality towards persons with disabilities, not just asking for the proper social services but also encouraging their active participation in society.”

- Wednesday Audience June 11, 2013

 

"In the light of Christ's death and resurrection illness no longer appears as an exclusively negative event; rather, it is seen as a "visit by God", an opportunity "to release love, in order to give birth to works of love towards neighbour, in order to transform the whole of human civilization into a civilization of love"                                                               (Apostolic Letter Salvifici doloris, n. 30).

 

 

Pope St. John Paul II was a witness to his own words, being present and visible in his struggles, work and prayer, forgiving his attacker while in recovery from an assassination attempt and finally as his own body was giving way to illness.

Embracing the child within: openness and freedom

Some of the most 'open' people you'll ever meet are children and people with special needs.  There is a sense of transparency and willingness to experience and do and learn that most of us lose, at least to some extent. Why is that? 





Part of the reason is that most of us build up defenses of cynicism and antagonism, to protect those parts of us which we feel to be vulnerable.  For some, unfortunately, this comes from experience.  For others it even might come from education, among other things.

What do we have to fear that we are building defenses against?  The first thing that comes to mind is being hurt.  If you open yourself to someone, there always seems to be the possibility that trust could be betrayed.  Unfortunately that can and has happened all too often.  On a deeper level, if we are open, vulnerable in that way, it means we also have to be open to change- change in our perspective, our thoughts and words and actions- the very way we live.  The word here might be "conversion" or metanoia, which simply means turning (usually from something) toward God.  In relation to God, and opening ourselves to Jesus, maybe we are also as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI suggests, "afraid He might take something away from us..." (cf. Weddell 157).  This is scary, it is dangerous and feels out of our control.

Yet, there is an amazing freedom in the lack of inhibition you will find so often in children and many people with special needs.  At our dinner dance, all we have to do is turn on the music and there is a full dance floor.  There are the ones who will wear just what they want- and they rock it!You may hear some uncomfortable- and sometimes funny truths and questions, and you WILL know what they are feeling (even if the 'why' takes a little bit of digging to uncover).

 



When you are dependent on others, you are vulnerable in a way many of us don't experience until we are older.  This takes trust.  When a person LIVES in vulnerability that way, I have also noticed a tendency to be more open, understanding and compassionate to others.  When you live your life (at times very acutely) aware of your own weaknesses, that awareness can translate into a quicker understanding of those of others.

I imagine this is at least part of the "child-like" spirit we are meant to embrace.  Sherry Weddell presents some great ways for us all to help foster openness (cf. p. 163):
-  practice non-judgmental truthfulness
-  ask thought-provoking questions
-  help connect the dots:
   in the person's own words as much as possible, help them see God's work in their lives
- ask God for help, or even a sign
- pray for openness
- pray, acknowledging openness