TFS Connection Volume XVII

January 2024

What does it mean to be “Special”? In the book of Genesis in the Bible, the Jewish patriarch Jacob had twelve sons. Joseph, the eleventh of the twelve was “special”. His father provided him with a coat of many colors to announce that fact. Joseph was “special” in God’s eyes as well and given gifts that required duties that Joseph may or may not have welcomed.

The population we serve at TFS are designated as “special”. Special Education. Special Olympics. Why is it so critical that this designation for this population is preserved? I cannot think of any developmental disability that is more unique than intellectual disability. It limits to varying degrees the ability to control one’s life. Nothing is more precious to us humans than that. This ability is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution as a right. To limit that right it is necessary to obtain a court order and that, only after an independent assessment by a qualified officer of the court to assure its necessity.

My wife and I have been awarded conservatorship for our daughter, Marla, who resides in one of the TFS homes in Hermitage. Marla’s order gives us the decision making assignment for both her medical and financials decisions. The court provided this extreme limitation because of the severity of her intellectual disability. One of the cardinal objectives of the Teaching-Family Model of care is self-determination. The objective is to maximize the choice making of the individuals we serve. It is critical to the quality of the lives they live at TFS.

Of “special” concern to me is the preservation in statute of the vulnerability of those with intellectual disability. Their disability is permanent. It cannot be cured. We must be practical in the design of services for those with intellectual disability so that they continue to receive the level of services they need to thrive.

Thanks,

Ralph

FT of the 3rd Quarter: Basiru Konta - Basiru started working in the field in 2006. He chose TFS because he feels like the environment is conducive for him and his family. He shares TFS is a family-oriented organization with a great team working environment, a good supporting cast and above all, has respect for everyone. Basiru is happily married with 4 kids (1 girl and 3 boys).

In his own words: Some of my favorite things about working with adults with ID/DD are going out with them to community events, teaching them daily activity skills to reach their potential, putting a smile on their face to make them feel like an important part of society. Working with individuals with ID/DD made me learn to be more patient, resilient, compassionate and understanding. I feel like the environment is conducive for me and my family. TFS is a family-oriented organization, great team working environment, a good supporting cast and above all respect for everyone. Some challenges working in this field that I have overcome: adjusting to changes, critical thinking, creativity, learning to be patient, developing teaching skills and holding myself accountable.

Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to develop myself and my family. I learned a lot in the field. This has helped me become a better person and a role model for my children and community in general.

2 important members of the TFS Team are retiring: Jackie Scarlett, our Service Coordinator, has been with TFS since 2015 and Rita Tate, QA Auditor, who has also been with TFS since 2015. Both ladies will be missed greatly and their contributions will last long beyond their tenure. We wish them the very best in their retirement!