First, I'm interested in learning more about the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Their vision is to support those that are disabled and that live in the state of Tennessee to live rewarding and fulfilling lives. Their mission is "Through person centered practices, persons with intellectual and
developmental disabilities experience optimal health as a cornerstone
for quality of life." (Payne, 2013) This organization offers many services in order for disabled people to live in quality homes, be employed, develop meaningful relationships and it teaches them how to become a part of the community in which they live. It seems like a very positive and helpful organization. Through the website, training is available. I would be interested in working with children and/or adults with disabilities. The website didn't list qualities that were important for the job but a few I'd say would be important before getting hired are: Honesty, leadership skills, and reliability.
The second organization that I'd like to learn more about is The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. (Tennessee voices for Children) "TVC has progressed to become a statewide and national source of
referral, support, and advocacy for families and the systems that serve
them." (2013) A big part of TVC's mission is to make the public aware, educate the public, provide training to the public and give technical assistance to communities statewide. Under the "Volunteer Opportunities" link on the website, there were none available. This was another website that also provides training. I think it would be fun to be a child's voice, to make a difference, and to help in the community in anyway I can to support children and families. In order to fulfill any job here you would have to be educated, have a love for people, be able to communicate and like to volunteer.
The third Organization that appears to get my interest is The Tennessee School of the Deaf. The purpose of this school/organization is to provide children an educational program. "Students are equipped academically, vocationally, physically,
emotionally and morally to meet the daily challenges presented by
society." The website had many tools and resources along with many links to click but there was no option that had information about jobs. It would be neat to work with children who are deaf, especially since I'm new at learning sign language recently. What a rewarding job that would be!In order to have any position in this field you would have to know sign language, have experience with children/families, and have a love for all types of people/children.
References:
Payne, D. (2013). Department of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.tn.gov/didd
Children's mental health week. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.tnvoices.org/events/childrens-mental-health-week
Tennessee school for the deaf. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.tsdeaf.org/
Your genuine interest in each organization comes through in your post. Your sincerity would surely be a desirable job disposition. May it always be a part of your work!
ReplyDeleteStacy,
ReplyDeleteI am also interested in working with students with special needs because it is a needed capacity to work in and I enjoy the special kids. How did you become interested in learning sign language? Was it hard? Good luck on your future endeavors.
Yolonda
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI work for an organization similar to the DIDD. The organization I work for is called The Resource Exchange and it is committed to creating independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. Your interest in special education is a great one! I have a degree in special education and have worked in the field for nearly 10 years. If you have any questions or I can be of help in anyway please let me know.