Cutting Edge Tools!

In this weeks toolbox I wanted to save the link for Elder Hollands talk, "Like a Broken Vessel" so I can always refer back to it and remember his wise council. Not only does it help me remember how real all mental illnesses are, but it also helps give me that eternal perspective in it all. That the Lord has a plan for every one of us and that plan is so incredibly individualized.

Another link I found extremely useful for this weeks activities in which I used to help me with the Application Submission was this article about helping children with ADHD focus. I feel like it really gave me some good points to focus on and to add to my tool box for future reference. This will be especially useful as many people, even those without ADHD or ADD, can have problems focusing. I am excited to use this information in my future endeavors (even if those endeavors are just with my own children.)

From our readings I found the above information to be of the most use and something I want to always be able to use in the future. These simple facts can go a long ways, especially if I need it to help educate coworkers on the basics of mental illnesses.

Something I loved from one of our classmates posts last week was this video called "The Power of Teamwork - Funny Animation." She also had this to say about the video, "This video can be used to teach people the importance of teamwork in the work environment, when we work with people with disabilities. It takes teamwork to figure out just the right way to work with those we serve, whether they have disabilities or not." What more can I really say about it? I am really excited to now have this video to share with others as I go throughout my career and teach the importance of teamwork and looking out for everyone.

Now, to talk about something I have learned from past experiences, I can think of no better thing than my experience as an ABA instructor with an incredible little boy with autism. The biggest thing I learned from that experience is how important patience is, giving positive reinforcement, how important a routine can be, and how much those with disabilities can teach. Those are just a few of the things I learned, but there was so much more. I honestly know and believe that those with disabilities are there to help teach those around them, to which I am very grateful for.

Finally, through my practicum this week I learned how key it is to be proactive with your work. You can't let a day go by or you'll get behind.