[nfbwatlk] Remarks Sent To Mary and Her Social Worker

[Bob Sellers]

Thank you Alco. I was hoping you would provide your experiences.

Bob
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alco" <amcanfield at comcast.net>
To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 9:32 PM
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Remarks Sent To Mary and Her Social Worker


Hi, my name is Alco Canfield and I worked for the State of Washington for
twenty-six years as a social worker, vocational counselor, and a rehab
teacher.  I raised by daughter as a single parent and she is now twenty-five
years of age.

I used to carry her on my back until she was able to walk.  Not liking a
harness, we agreed that if she held my hand, she wouldn't have to wear one.
I got her into swimming lessons early and she was a wonderful swimmer.  I
used to push her on a swing and when she came back toward me, she would say,
"mom", so I would step back the appropriate distance and not get clobbered
by the swing.

I did not use a play pen but baby proofed all cupboard doors.  When she was
very small, I held her hand above a hot burner and said, "Hot' "owey".  She
never burned herself.

A lot of what I am saying derives from common sense.  Everyone comes up with
their own ways of doing things.  I used to carry her over my shoulder with
one hand on her back and the other on her behind.  That way, I didn't bang
her head going through doorways.  Some people balance their babies quite
well on their hips, but I never learned that trick well and preferred my
way.

I also had syringes notched and drew liquid medicine into the notch.  I
learned that you have to put it into the side of the mouth when the child is
exhaling.  That way, my daughter had to swallow it before she could yell
some more.

I found that disposable diapers were better than any bells on shoes routine.
They make a ton of noise.

My phone number is:  (206)783-7036 should you wish to contact me.

I have retired but am soon starting a new career at Verizon Wireless.

Just remember that generally, my experience has been that we as blind people
put our hands in more stuff than most people.  Techniques are important but
the most important people in a child's life especially at the beginning are
his/her family.

As someone who helped parents relinquish and also served a foster care load,
I am very aware of what constitutes functional/disfunctional families.
While blindness is a hassle, it need not be an insurmountable barrier to
raising healthy happy children.

Good luck.

Alco Canfield


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