40 Years of Stories : On Community Perspective of Disability – Circa 1990

In thinking about the negative perspective that community can have, I am reminded of an experience I had when my children were young.  We had stopped by a McDonalds for a quick meal one Saturday afternoon, when I had noticed the van pull into the lot.  It had some writing on the side, with a large yellow smiley face.  Then they entered.

First the lead staff, and then 4 nicely dressed, but shuffling people followed.  Finally the last staff member brought up the rear.  I immediately had the image of two shepherds and their flock.

They sat down near us and the 2 shepherds got things set up and took orders.  They went for the meals and returned to oversee the lunch.  I couldn't help notice that other people in the restaurant noticed.  I heard the hushed voices of parents telling their children not to stare; that these people were "crippled."

As I saw this unfold, I noticed that there were both good and bad aspects to this obvious group home community outing.  I am sure the staff felt this was a nice day out in the community, and certainly there are good things about getting out.

On the other hand, there were also some real negative images about this outing.  People who appear strange, clustered around shepherds hovering over them, a well marked van that announced their deviance, their apparent inability to order, even with a simple McDonald's menu, all these things, in effect have hidden negative images.

Until Next Time... 

Al

40 Years of Stories: Introduction

In 1973, I walked through the doors of UCP of Pittsburgh, thinking that this would be a good job while I worked on my MSW at the University of Pittsburgh.  I figured that once I completed my studies I would get a real job.  It has now been 40 years and as I look over my shoulder at the experiences and opportunities that have unfolded I am dumbfounded.

What follows are a number of stories from these wonderful years.  Many of these stories have been told or chronicled in some of the books and articles I have written over the many years.  Each story is not only true, but so instructive to me in the philosophy we have developed at CLASS and the perspective that is so important in building a community where each belongs.  Each story starts with a philosophy we embrace and attempts to illustrate its implementation.  Further, each story is cast in the era of its unfolding. So, I hope that you enjoy this look back over the past 40 years of my career and the wonderful events that helped shape my view on life, community and social capital.

Until Next Time... 

Al