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Special volunteers
By MICHELLE JONES
© St. Petersburg Times, DADE CITY -- Guy Barnard does something that many people don't have time for these days. He does volunteer work.
He and other members of the Artists' Gardens organization, a group of people with learning disabilities, take pride in serving their community. And, their work was appreciated. "They came in with smiles and hellos," said Jacquelyn South, director of the nursing facility. "They were like a breath of spring." Barnard and the others worked once a week at the facility for three months. The center supplied the plants, and they tilled the soil. "The residents loved it," said South. "We took them out in wheelchairs and they conversed with the group." The center had a dinner for the volunteers with a menu the group selected, which included grilled hot dogs, chips, potato salad and fancy ice cream cones. The group, Artists' Gardens, was formed in August. The nine adults, who range in age from 26 to 42, live at home, in a group home or with a companion caregiver. Barnard lives at home with his parents and sister. Twice a week the group meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a small house in Dade City. Soon they will move to a building with a thrift store in the southern Hernando County community of Masaryktown. "There they will have more learning opportunities," said Rachel Keyes, an instructor who teaches them daily living skills to support their further independence. She has been working with this group since it formed. Financial support comes through state and federal sources. "We are giving a support service to assist them in their quest for an individual life," said Keyes, who has been an instructor for 10 years. On a recent Wednesday, Barnard, Tony Lamar, Siloame Faircloth, Billy Fairfield Jr., Kim Smart, Ray Amison and Sissi Makinster were working on learning the alphabet and the days of the week. Antonio Villeral, who was absent that day, is also a part of the Artists' Gardens group. Puzzles with letters and pictures helped them learn. "What is this," Keyes said as she signed the question to Fairfield, who is deaf and mute. He responded with the sign for bear. Then he pointed to a picture and signed "alligator." "That's right," Keyes responded. Jeanette Marr is Keyes' assistant, and she is as zealous as Keyes. Life skills such as washing dishes, sweeping floors and other simple jobs are part of their training. Doing the work at the rehabilitation center was a learning experience that benefited them and the center. "They work together to reach goals," Keyes said. And, they have a good time. They also enjoy grocery shopping. A visit to the bank is a special event. "All the things we take for granted are learning experiences," Keyes said. Experts say people with learning disabilities can learn; their disabilities usually affect certain limited areas and are rarely severe enough to impair their potential to live normal lives. Unlike other disabilities, such as paralysis or blindness, learning disabilities are hidden handicaps, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. They affect people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations show up in many ways, as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, attention or self control. These difficulties can impede reading, writing and math skills. Bernard enjoys coming to the Artists' Garden. "I like being with my best friends," he said. A letter to the group from Gov. Jeb Bush was a highlight of one of their gatherings. Bush wrote that he was proud of their service to the community. "Your time and hard work are appreciated." he wrote. "Best wishes for many more years of dedicated service."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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From today's Pasco Times Jan Glidewell |
