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Life In Darkness Changed By Modern-Day Miracle Worker
 When
Sarah first came to United Cerebral Palsy, she was affected by multiple
severe disabilities including blindness. Inside her head, confusion and
frustration wielded blades of turmoil. She was a young woman struggling
to find her place in this world. But, luckily, she was a young woman
with a caring family who took a step to help her situation.
“She was much like Helen Keller in the movie The Miracle Worker,”
says Kay Carroll, administrative coordinator at UCP. “We were unable to
communicate with her.”
So much has changed for Sarah since participating in the United
Way-funded Adult Life Skills program at UCP, where she works directly
with Lisa Flugstad, life skills trainer.
In the Beginning...
When the two first met, Sarah’s communication skills were limited to
screaming and crying. It was hard to reach the world she was in.
“She could say ‘yes’ through motioning,” Lisa says while signing the
word. “And she would express ‘no’ through the extreme outbursts.”
The Adult Life Skills program helps clients like Sarah tackle the
symptoms of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental illness, spina
bifida, mental retardation, autism and head injury.
Clients are encouraged to participate in activities such as arts and
crafts, music, sensory stimulation, story times and gardening. Other
individualized services include physical and occupational therapy, daily
living skills, dietary education and personal care.
The staff-to-client ratio at UCP is approximately one-to-four, which
allows for plenty of one-on-one attention for clients.
That kind of attention is what works for Sarah.
At mealtimes, Sarah was often known to throw her food and scream. But
Lisa helped her with basic table manners.
“Sometimes I’ll take her to McDonald’s and explain to her if she
behaves and we have a great time, someday I’m going to take her to a
nice restaurant,” Lisa says.
Like Keller and Sullivan
Perhaps most amazing is the further parallel to The Miracle Worker.
Lisa serves as Sarah’s Annie Sullivan, helping her with daily struggles
and also teaching her to communicate with others.
“We’ve taught her a little sign language. It takes a great deal of
time, but it has such an important impact on her,” Lisa says. Just like
Keller and Sullivan, Sarah puts her left hand on Lisa’s mouth as Lisa
speaks and signs letters into Sarah’s right hand.
Sarah has even started verbalizing some of the letters.
“She is a lot happier now,” says Kay. “She sets her own goals by
letting us know what she enjoys doing.”
“Sarah has so much to offer. She has an incredible sense of humor,”
Lisa says. “She’ll do silly things and I’ll giggle and she knows it.”
“She hears and understands
everything,” adds Lisa. “I’ll be across the room joking around and
she’ll just burst out laughing with us. She is very, very bright.”
Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is
helping our community. |
