Hi, I will be working with the ARC in a group home with adults with down's does anyone have any advice for me. I'm a very loving person who has wanted to do this all of my life but thought you had to have a degree. I'm very happy that I get an oppertunity to do this so any advice would be appriciated. Thank-you
Diane

My daughter works with Adults with special needs in there homes. I went with her once and I was in AHHH!! of how well she worked with the people. She always treated them as if they were capable of all things. She gave them the chance to try to do things on there own, which usually they did. She always kept a patient, calm, respectful tone of voice. She would ask them questions to see if they had done some of the things they were to do, example: "Did you take your medicines today?", or "Did you want to go anywhere tonight?" ect... When she wasn't for sure if they were telling her the right thing, she would proceed to check into it by talking to others , but she would keep the person involved with her, so it didn't seem like she was belittleing the person. When I left there , I had a thought,::: That if All People In this world could be so innocent, and treat people with all respect and not judge people by what they appear that they can or cannot do. This world would be a much more relaxing place.
I know you will enjoy working in your new job. My daughter can't wait to go to work from day to day. She said they make her feel so happy to be around. For her it seems like it is an escape from the cruelty of the real world, to get to be with such careing, loving, honest people. Good Luck in your new job. I am sure you will love it.