Menu:
(About Us)
About the Communication Mentors
Communication Mentors are within and among all of us! But it is through participation in The Communication Mentors’ Course™ that their comitment, knowledge, skills, confidence, and passion is enhanced, enabling them to offer help to others. Story after story of change and empowerment has come from this focus on communication and this, in turn, has committed us further to believing that:
- everyone already communicates,
- often we as supporters and loved ones don't "hear" or fully respect what is communicated,
- we all can learn better how to more fully support everyone's communication, and
- people can find other systems and / or technology to enhance, supplement, or provide alternative means of commmunication.
182 Graduates From 18 Communication Mentors’ Courses™ So Far!
Including those whose roles are:
- Direct Support
- Supervisors/Managers
- Directors
- College/University Professors
- Administrative Staff
- Residential/Home Support
- Vocational/Employment Support
- Early Intervention Services
- Life Sharing Services
- Senior Services
- Centers for Independent Living
- Behavior Therapists/Psychologists
- Supports Coordinators
- Family members
- Speech & Language Therapists/Pathologists
- School District Personnel
- Nurses
- Trainers/Staff Development Specialists
- Users of AT
- Graduate Students
- Government Personnel
- Advocates
- Consultants
- Concerned Citizens
Where Can You Find Communication Mentors?
- Many counties across Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- South Carolina
- England
- Germany
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
- and sister / brother 'Mentors' in many more locations!
Some Outcomes To-Date
- Hundreds of people have been assisted by the Communication Mentors’ Network!
- Of those assisted, the age range = 3 mos. – 102 yrs.
Average age range = 25 – 40 yrs. - People from various ‘systems & services’ including: MR, MH, Early Intervention, Aging, Autism, Independent Living, Low Income Housing, family / friends / personal connections, etc.
- Specifically noted effects on Mentors:
Job change to do more specific communication work
Assist with AAC/AT training
Assist in assessments & ongoing support
Return to school for advanced degree/certification - Agency / County changes:
Procedures / policies developed re: communication rights & support
Increased ongoing training re: AT/AAC
Development of ongoing committees re: AT/AAC
Development of internal AT/AAC/communication initiatives including development of grants, protocols, events, libraries, collaborations, & funding - 2 Communication Mentors’ offices/AT Centers developed (1 in Sunbury, PA & 1 in Valley Forge, PA)
- 2 Communication Mentors’ Libraries with AT equipment, books, articles, videos, DVD’s, & audiotapes for Mentors to use
- Complete referral & assessment protocols & procedures
- Up-to-date Library inventories & borrowing procedures
- Database & centralized files of people assisted
- Descriptive brochures, website, business cards, etc.
- Representation on statewide AT/Communication committees, involvement in national & international AT & advocacy organizations
- Interest, information sharing, presentations, assistance, & replication in several other states
- Regular Communication Mentors’ Conclaves
- Communication Point Persons established at agencies
- Relationships & collaborations with various colleges & universities
- Communication Mentors seeking & obtaining additional expertise & credentialing
- Reciprocal guidance and support with AAC manufacturers & distributors with donations from them
Thoughts and Sentiments From Some Communication Mentors
- "an amazing, uplifting learning experience"
- "really opened more doors of opportunities for me"
- "a great adventure & a long journey for me; I learned so much"
- "I can’t believe how asleep I was before"
- "this changed my life"
- "I enjoyed the learning experience … everyone has a voice"
- " I can’t believe how simple this really is"
- "I know now that I can make a difference, a REAL difference"
- "looking forward to continue to teach what I learn, share the experiences"
- "I’ve found my voice as I’ve helped others be heard"
- "everyone DOES have a voice"
- "we have done about 18 assessments so far & have learned a lot in the process about the people we serve... at times we are absolutely blown over by the fact that we still hear ‘Oh he/she is non-verbal, they don’t communicate’. The good thing is that we are hearing it less & less often"
- "I like the fact that one by one we are helping our staff to better understand the folks they work with each day. Not that the staff don’t know their folks, actually we are helping them to bring out all that they do know & including them in the assessment process. We gain a lot of information when we sit with the individual & his/her staff & just listen. But isn’t that what’s it’s really all about anyway?"
- "the Communication Mentors’ project has allowed everyone to be on the same playing field - NO TITLES! - & I like that the person who is in need of the assistance in communication is the expert - the Mentor is only there for ideas to get out what they have been thinking..... it’s not about fixing a person like us professionals always have wanted to do... it’s about respecting & enjoying who the person already is"
- "I guess my problem is that when I start thinking about this, I have so many thoughts about the simple power of the Mentors’ project - I feel like I could write forever & still not have enough words or time to fully explain the impact of this thing.... on me, on others, on our world"
- "I just feel so strongly about people getting a way recognized to speak out & not just their needs but their opinions and desires"
- "thanks for everything & for helping me find my true passion in life"
- "I've learned to be more patient & still when I am with someone... you know that is hard for me & probably others who are always on a time schedule & others sometimes expect you to do some kind of voodoo & get the person to respond like immediately. I have learned to use the ‘Be still & know that I am here’ approach, to just be with someone & let them know you are there not just for them but with them... that’s the way in... & the way out"
- "our Mentors’ mantra to ‘notice what you notice’, well, I have noticed that communication is not only from the spoken voice. It can also be from a look, a body gesture, an eye movement, & various other things. It’s everywhere, all around us"
- "when he first experienced some form of understanding between the staff & myself that we finally knew what he was telling us, he grabbed my hand gave me a kiss & began to dance around the house. It was such a moving experience. I will never forget this & know none of us will, including & especially him"