Community Issues: Difference between revisions
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'''Examples of | '''Examples of problems members have faced in society''' | ||
Stephanie, the director of The Stevens Center, spoke to me about some examples of the problems that the members have while out with the so called "norm" society of Carlisle. One problem Stephanie has heard about is about the small grocer store up the street purposely changing the prices on items that the members buy because the manager of the store does not think the members will notice nor does he think anyone would believe them if they accused him. Stephanie also told me about why it was so important that we (students from Dickinson) were helping out at the center. A couple of years ago, at the main square in town, there were several Dickinson students in a convertible type car that were stopped at a light. One of the current members was sitting on one of the benches in the square and as the car was driving off, one of the kids in the car spit at the member sitting on the bench and yelled profanity. She said this incident had, and justifiably so, painted a bad picture of Dickinson students. I hope we were able to change the image that the members had of Dickinson students. | Stephanie, the director of The Stevens Center, spoke to me about some examples of the problems that the members have while out with the so called "norm" society of Carlisle. One problem Stephanie has heard about is about the small grocer store up the street purposely changing the prices on items that the members buy because the manager of the store does not think the members will notice nor does he think anyone would believe them if they accused him. Stephanie also told me about why it was so important that we (students from Dickinson) were helping out at the center. A couple of years ago, at the main square in town, there were several Dickinson students in a convertible type car that were stopped at a light. One of the current members was sitting on one of the benches in the square and as the car was driving off, one of the kids in the car spit at the member sitting on the bench and yelled profanity. She said this incident had, and justifiably so, painted a bad picture of Dickinson students. I hope we were able to change the image that the members had of Dickinson students. | ||
Revision as of 13:28, 5 May 2005
Clients/Members
Cultural assumptions
There are also many issues that come along with an organization of such from the community in general. First of all, this center is technically labeled as a mental rehabilitation center from the outside world because many of the members here have a diagnosed mental disability. Because of this, many of these members are sterotypically labeled as crazy, violent, lazy, and that they are of little worth. To shed light on a more personal note, I said from day one of this service learning that their "disability" was going to jump out at me...when in fact, some individuals I met barely gave any leeway for me to believe they were mentally disabled. I had my own assumption due to the cultural stigma of what disabled individuals are like. I questioned what I would talk about in conversation with these individuals, what topics should I avoid (i.e family), and whether or not I should talk about my life with them. I assumed that these individuals were unable of carrying an intellectual, adult conversation, and I assumed that if I told them about my life at Dickinson, I might come off as a snub, and I certainly did not want to do that! Contrary to what I believed, these individuals proved me otherwise. Many of them were interested in my life, my college career, my family, and my physical deformity. Also, when I told them about my life, I did not feel as if I was coming off in a inferior way, but I felt as if I could relate to them in some way or another. It is very clear to see also that the media does not help to alleviate this cultural assumptions either. In a way, media picks on these individuals. Yes, every now and then we get an impacting movie such as A Beautiful Mind, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape, but for the most part the media represents the negativity surrounded by these cultural assumptions. They may not technically add to the cultural stigma but they certainly do not try to represent these individuals in an culturally accepting way.
Examples of problems members have faced in society
Stephanie, the director of The Stevens Center, spoke to me about some examples of the problems that the members have while out with the so called "norm" society of Carlisle. One problem Stephanie has heard about is about the small grocer store up the street purposely changing the prices on items that the members buy because the manager of the store does not think the members will notice nor does he think anyone would believe them if they accused him. Stephanie also told me about why it was so important that we (students from Dickinson) were helping out at the center. A couple of years ago, at the main square in town, there were several Dickinson students in a convertible type car that were stopped at a light. One of the current members was sitting on one of the benches in the square and as the car was driving off, one of the kids in the car spit at the member sitting on the bench and yelled profanity. She said this incident had, and justifiably so, painted a bad picture of Dickinson students. I hope we were able to change the image that the members had of Dickinson students.
How we can solve these problems
Overcoming prejudices and falty notions is a very difficult task in any domain, but specifically that of healthcare when most people who encounter disabilities in fact know very little about them. While the media and "norm" culture do not help dissipate these stereotypes, we as individuals can. This can be achieved in doing something as simple as correcting people when they refer to the townies who roam the square as "crazy." By encouraging awareness and sharing our positive experiences with others, we can help change the negative images associated with disabilities.
Agency
Problems the agency faces
Unlike many other agencies, Stephanie Faron, the Center's Director, is happy to say that money is the Center's last problem. She is very proud of Cumberland County because they stand firmly behind the Center and what it has to offer the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, it is the misconceptions of the Carlisle community that have caused problems for the agency. There is constantly a stigma associated with the building; Stephanie feels that many members of the community do not take her or the Center seriously. Recently, the members of the Center have had a problem with a local store owner. This person raises the prices of goods when the members buy items, refuses to let certain members enter the store and is constantly disrespecting them.
Potential ways to overcome the problems
The problem of discrimination is a difficult one to solve, particularly concerning those who have prejudices or preconceived notions based upon the media's portrayal of those with mental disabilities. The best course of action would be to speak to the store owner and explain the situation rationally, illustrating to him how his actions are hurting the members.
Concerning additional fundraising, the Stevens Center could request money from the local government, because the service they provide is useful for people in the community. The Stevens Center could also have fundraisers and accept donations.
