Seed plantings, mindfulness exercises on a beautiful spring day
Inez McDannell, a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP), made the start of spring personal for the people supported at the Helen Kaplan Center (The Center) with a hand-on celebration of Earth Day, Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, and National Stress Awareness Month.
She organized an afternoon of activities, where men and women who reside at the Center, could spend time outside planting wildflower seeds in cups, with the opportunity to watch the flowers grow over the coming weeks. There were also puzzle pieces to color, representing a well-known symbol of autism awareness, as well as mindful activities like aroma therapy and sensory toys.
“It’s a good opportunity to just be together,” Inez said.
With music playing in the background and occasional dancing, people supported and staff enjoyed the activities together.
Times like these, when people supported and staff get outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, offer opportunities for everyone to reconnect with friends from other houses on campus.
“If our program were measured by the quality of life of the people we serve—and by the dedication, commitment, and compassion of our staff—it would undoubtedly be off the charts,” said Marta Garavito, Director of The Center. “The happiness and sense of calm reflected on the faces of the people we support, along with the care and dedication shown by our staff, truly capture the heart of what we do every day.”
To prepare for the event, Marta and Inez gathered materials from around campus and went shopping for supplies like flowerpots. Leading up to the event, Inez shared invitations and educational pieces with staff on autism awareness and stress management.
“We just want to help the staff, too,” Inez said. “Stress is a big factor in this field, and we want to give them tools to help them be able to handle the stress that comes with the job.”