Being a part of the community within Creative Options Regina (COR) is immensely exciting. The organization aligns with the same morals and values as me. I believe Gentle Teaching has impacted my outlook on life. Gentle Teaching has taught me to be patient with others and myself, how important it is to treat others with dignity and respect, and how to have an enriched life and be content with what you have.
Patience is a virtue. I’ve learned that all individuals, regardless of disability, learn differently. Just as some people can be audio or visual learners, everyone has their own quirks of how they learn best. Being patient with someone when they don’t understand a concept is critical. Being able to sit down and actively listen to the needs of someone displays that there is a genuine relationship between the two people. I’ve learned that there is often deeper meaning to the words that we choose and the topics that we choose to share. Everyone has real issues and having a set of eyes and ears to pay attention and listen closely means more than words can ever tell.
Gentle Teaching has taught me how to treat others. Since I began supporting at COR, I have noticed that many people view others who have a medical condition or intellectual disability as different. I believe this happens when people do not have frequent exposure to these societal differences which brings their focus on the differences between themselves and others who possess these conditions or disabilities.
These differences are often viewed in a negative undertone. Having frequent exposure to individuals who possess these traits has shaped me to be an even more optimistic person. This is because I’ve learned that it is easier for most people to notice the differences between themselves and others. Everyone wants to have something in common with one another to achieve a sense of belonging. Throughout time it has been proven in our human biology that we as a species thrive in groups. Everyone wants to belong.
No one should be held back based on something that is out of their control. The list of commonalities between myself and the individuals that I support is a lot greater than our differences. Gentle Teaching has taught me that the outlook on someone’s life is in the eyes of the beholder. If you are looking for differences, you will find them. If you are looking for commonalities, you will find them.
Gentle teaching has taught me how to have an enriched life and be content with what you have. It brings me genuine joy, knowing that I am a part of an organization that is making strides to integrate our community as one. Until the day that I started supporting at COR, community has never been more important in my life
J.J.,
COR family member
Sexuality and Disability Conference featured on CTV News Regina
