Sensitivity Awareness Workshop to be hosted by Shell Factory
To be able to help, comfort and guide those who have a developmental disability, or to care for someone with a developmental disability, a seminar will be held by Lisa Cronin-Miller at the Shell Factory July 13 and 14.
A popular local presenter, Cronin-Miller hosted the free seminar earlier last year in the area to a big crowd, and looks forward to this year’s event.
“My goal in presenting these workshops is to educate the community in better relating to those with developmental disabilities,” she said. “Serving at LARC has opened my eyes to how society treats those that are different from the norm. Being a voice and dispelling the myths is my passion.”
Since 1954, LARC Inc. has dedicated itself to meeting with quality and foresight the needs of people with developmental disabilities living in Lee County and their families.
“No one volunteered to have special needs. It happened at birth or at a later time due to unforeseen circumstances. When society is seeing someone in a wheelchair, using sign language to communicate, utilizing a seeing eye dog or displaying a behavior that is non conducive to what we believe typical – fear and ignorance can take over.”
This hands-on interactive program allows the typical person the experience of what it’s like to have a special need for just a moment in time, she said, and then try to complete an everyday task. Compassion and empathy replaces fear and ignorance.
“We are so thrilled to once again host these seminars,” said Shell Factory owner Pamela J. Cronin. “The content is so well developed and Lisa’s presentation style is exceptional. I have attended several times and always learn new and better ways to interact with others.”
The range of individuals that have already been through her program is wide. Over 10,000 individuals have experience the program, including students from Florida Gulf Coast University, Edison State College Upward Bound Students, the United Way board of directors, Evangelical High School students, St. Francis Xavier middle school students, Fort Myers Christian School students, the Florida Lions Camp staff and more.
“I was a guest speaker for Sharon Harrington and their 2010 annual summer conference and a guest speaker for the Pharmacy 7th annual Charities and Maladies Continuing Education Conference.” said Cronin-Miller.
“A highlight in my career was going back to the nursing staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to conduct the program for their nursing staff. This is where my daughter Rachal spent her first five years basically living.”
Rachal is developmentally disabled, and recently joined mom in an Edison student presentation. Rachal experienced countless seizures after birth.
“Rachal enables me to be a voice for her and hundreds of others with special needs,” Cronin-Miller said.
She’s conducted the program since 2003, when she created the concept and rolled it out in a pilot program at Bonita Springs Middle School. She currently serves as community relations and education director at LARC.
“We offer two days so agencies and corporations can choose two different days to send their employees.” The program is from 8:45 until 11 a.m.
Reservations can be made by e-mailing LisaCroninMiller@larcleecounty.org or calling 334-6285, extension 229. To learn more, go to sawoneheart.org orlarcleecounty.org