[acb-hsp] ice breakers and topics forfacilitatingsomeadjustmentto vision loss groups

[J.Rayl]

Hi Linda,  Thank you for sharing.  I really like your ideas.  I attended a 
group where we were asked to introduce the person beside us and it was 
really a cool experience which was, actually, a lasting one through the 
entire program--it was a workshop.  What happened was that each time we 
entered the session--morning, afternoon--throughout the entire several days 
there, we had to do this, and so we could not sit beside anyone we knew 
directly or had sat beside previously.  And, consequently, people got to 
know, and were forced to include, others and they kept right on doing so 
throughout the entire week.  It was just way cool.  And fun, and we got to 
really know each other.  I still have lasting friends and connections from 
that time--and its really the only workshop that I ever have.
Another thing that I've done is, when people get into complaining bitterly 
about something like rehabilitation services or something, is get them to 
design a program, like their ideal program.  The group roleplays the program 
from the ground up.  Someone is the director, the assistant, the 
secretary--everyone takes a role, including clients.  Its not long before 
they get a real good idea of just how difficult it really is to have or run 
an effective program and they gain a somewhat better appreciation of 
whatever services they do get plus begin to take a more proactive role in 
the services they can get versus this other complacent role.
Now, I realize that is more therapeutic, possibly, but its also support in a 
way because they also do gain support--and, its fun, too.

There is a huge list of eye conditions on the AFB website and our group was 
totally intrigued by that.  AFB has a lot of other little handouts and 
suggestions for group discussion as well--like what to tell your employer 
when you are losing your vision, voocoos of tips of how to do all kinds of 
stuff, etc.


Jessie Rayl
thedogmom63 at frontier.com
www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
www.pathtogrowth.org

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Linda Samulski" <lsamulski at gddca.org>
To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals" <acb-hsp at acb.org>
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 4:50 PM
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ice breakers and topics 
forfacilitatingsomeadjustmentto vision loss groups


Hello:
 When I was  the transition counselor at the Center for the Blind in San
Diego, I ran peer support groups all of the time. I really enjoyed it.

I would always try to size up the groups a little before  starting by
introducing myself, and figuring out whether the group was more
introverted or extroverted.
Sometimes if I felt the group was progressive, I would have them
introduce the people who were sitting beside them. They were given about
twenty minutes or so to get to know their partner beside them.    One of
the first questions I would ask them is "what did they do before going
on   this journey  of vision loss. What kind of work, or hobbies did
they enjoy?  How might they re-adapt that activity so they could
continue to do it or something similar, or what would they like to learn
that is  different

I would give them an assignment that they would have to tell the group
about a movie they listened to, or a book or news report. For those who
didn't really want to talk, I would ask simple and gentle  open ended
questions.
Of course, they always enjoyed talking about themselves, and some of
them would come to the blindness part and then get lost or depressed,
but we always ended on a positive note with hope

Over the next few group sessions, they all had to come up with a
project, it could be going shopping visiting an exercise program, or
something to help the center, or whatever they chose. They had to get
outside themselves and give back somewhere. Ultimately, they all had to
come with their own personal project, or goals.  Some because they were
chronically ill, or too disabled, might come up with reading a book a
month, or calling someone every day to encourage them.
Others came up with steps for a plan to either go to work, or volunteer,
go to school, or some recreational program they could transition to.
Just thought I'd share as this was such a fun time for me to watch
people grow and adjust to their blindness.

Regards,


Linda Samulski

Outreach and Student Services Coordinator




PO Box 1692, Palm Springs, CA 92263
Phone: 760.329.6257 - Fax: 760.329.2866


Mission Statement:  Guide Dogs of the Desert improves the lives of the
blind by creating opportunities
for life-changing independence, and by conducting community and outreach
programs.






-----Original Message-----
From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf
Of peter altschul
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 10:57 AM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ice breakers and topics for
facilitatingsomeadjustmentto vision loss groups

Hi:

For what it's worth, I hate icebreakers unless they are directly
related to the work being done.

I am also not a fan of setting time limits, although they are
sometimes necessary.  Generally, if people believe they have some
control about what they're learning, complaining decreases -
amazing how this works.

Best, Peter

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