Cheryl French opens the door with an uneasy smile on her face. Being shy, new people, especially a new person with a camera, causes her to withdraw slightly, but the familiar face of Independent Living Specialist Debbie Skasick eases the situation quickly. Debbie has been working with Cheryl since June 2014 on skills training – a service provided by Heartland Independent Living Center.
Why is Cheryl, a 37-year-old, putting herself through learning all of this? It’s all for her son – Abraham. Abraham is 13 months old and Cheryl hopes that by the time he is going through school she will be able to help him with his homework because of the work she is doing now.
The two sit comfortably at the dining room table, while Abraham plays quietly in his Pack ‘n Play and talk with each other before diving into a review on singular possessive nouns – a topic Cheryl is finding difficult.
“It makes it so I can read and write again,” said Cheryl about the skills training Heartland is providing her.
“In grade school, they just wanted you to know your name and address,” Cheryl said. “They didn’t teach me anything.”
Now Debbie is trying to fill in the pieces of Cheryl’s missing education, working through The Complete Book of Grammar Punctuation Grades 3 to 4 - a grammar book that Cheryl already owned. Along with working through the grammar book, Debbie gives Cheryl spelling words and other worksheets as homework.
Debbie’s teaching style is to constantly reassure Cheryl that she is doing the work right and to make Cheryl, who seems to lack a certain confidence in her ability to complete the work, understand that she is capable of doing the work on her own.
Cheryl has a learning disability and was previously being assisted by Millicent at Pathways until they referred her to Heartland.
“In grade school, they just wanted you to know your name and address,” Cheryl said. “They didn’t teach me anything.”
Now Debbie is trying to fill in the pieces of Cheryl’s missing education, working through The Complete Book of Grammar Punctuation Grades 3 to 4 - a grammar book that Cheryl already owned. Along with working through the grammar book, Debbie gives Cheryl spelling words and other worksheets as homework.
“I think she is actually doing very well,” Debbie says. “She’s comprehending and understanding a lot and when she doesn't she asks a lot of good questions so we can learn together.”
Debbie walks Cheryl through the first few problems to make sure she understands the concept that possessive means ownership.
“We won’t move on till I know you get it,” Debbie reassures Cheryl.
After answering a particularly difficult question, Debbie tells Cheryl, “You’re awesome! You are awesome.”
Debbie’s teaching style is to constantly reassure Cheryl that she is doing the work right and to make Cheryl, who seems to lack a certain confidence in her ability to complete the work, understand that she is capable of doing the work on her own.
In between visits, Larry Wehmeyer, Cheryl’s boyfriend, helps her with learning and the work assigned.
“I can’t say enough about you guys coming out here,” Larry says. “I know it’s a long drive, but it really means a lot. God bless you.”
An hour, even after arriving early, goes by in no time. The difference in Cheryl’s ability is already evident. Cheryl breezes through several practice sheets on singular possessive nouns – the same concept which gave her trouble not two weeks before.
Debbie leaves Cheryl with practice work in plural possessive nouns to work on between visits; as well as, her spelling words and sentences.
Debbie loves providing skills training to individuals.
“I love it because I feel like I’m making a difference for them,” Debbie says. “I’m making them feel more confident in being independent.”
Heartland Independent Living Center is a nonprofit, community based organization that serves individuals with disabilities in their quest to remain independent in their own homes. Services include in-home assistance, home modifications and ramps, adaptive equipment, transition assistance from institution to home, and dental services. Heartland meets accountability standards and holds the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal of Approval. For additional information on their services contact Heartland at 573-437-5100, or visit their website at www.heartlandilc.org. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heartlandilcenter.