The Issue
Years ago when I was starting my career in social work, I interviewed for a position in a continuing care center for the elderly. As the director showed me around the wing for those with dementia, she proudly informed me that, “We don’t let our residents have baby dolls or stuffed animals. We are age-appropriate”. “That’s odd”, I thought as I imagined seniors with Cabbage Patch dolls and teddy bears hidden under their beds until staff was gone for the day.
As a parent of a child with significant intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I have heard this refrain too. And just as it confused me then, it confuses me now. Let me explain . . . Read full post »