My son's police friend

[srz]

In case you ever wonder if working with severely disabled kids makes a difference.

A police officer who has spent a lot of time this past school year working with Ben while he was in the building for the DARE program seems to mean a lot to Ben. I a number of people have questioned whether getting police to interact with Ben and others in his class who are considered significantly impaired or low functioning. This is proof positive to me that this is a very worthwhile plan.

We were at the pool, he was sitting next to me. He leaned over and said “Police Buddy, Happy Friend” Not only is that a lot of words for Ben to put together on his own, it is far more significant. His language has only ever been to communicate a need, “I want cookie” or some other request. He has also been able to memorize drilled information, his name, phone number and such. This statement he made at the pool is so significant because for the first time without anyone or anything there to prompt a statement Ben commented on something he was thinking of. I know the families here know how monumental this is. The question for years has been: Can Ben remember
any information without having a prompt, person, picture or an item in sight? Now we know he can because he commented on Mike. This officer always calls Ben "Buddy". There were no police in the area and no sirens going off. It was just a thought and he made a comment on it.

I think It shows a new possible level of functioning for Ben. One that many
professionals have said he would never have. I sent this officer a card to Thank him for being part of his life and so important to Ben that he talked about him.

Also another piece. This summer we went to a neighboring town and had an officer intercept Ben on the street with his aide. Ben for the first time gave his personal information to an officer. This is the main thing that we had been working with Mike on. All in all a very positive piece for my son. I did send a letter to the officer outlining the significance of his time and effort.

Susan

[darrell]

In case you ever wonder if working with severely disabled kids makes a difference.

A police officer who has spent a lot of time this past school year working with Ben while he was in the building for the DARE program seems to mean a lot to Ben. I a number of people have questioned whether getting police to interact with Ben and others in his class who are considered significantly impaired or low functioning. This is proof positive to me that this is a very worthwhile plan.

We were at the pool, he was sitting next to me. He leaned over and said “Police Buddy, Happy Friend” Not only is that a lot of words for Ben to put together on his own, it is far more significant. His language has only ever been to communicate a need, “I want cookie” or some other request. He has also been able to memorize drilled information, his name, phone number and such. This statement he made at the pool is so significant because for the first time without anyone or anything there to prompt a statement Ben commented on something he was thinking of. I know the families here know how monumental this is. The question for years has been: Can Ben remember
any information without having a prompt, person, picture or an item in sight? Now we know he can because he commented on Mike. This officer always calls Ben "Buddy". There were no police in the area and no sirens going off. It was just a thought and he made a comment on it.

I think It shows a new possible level of functioning for Ben. One that many
professionals have said he would never have. I sent this officer a card to Thank him for being part of his life and so important to Ben that he talked about him.

Also another piece. This summer we went to a neighboring town and had an officer intercept Ben on the street with his aide. Ben for the first time gave his personal information to an officer. This is the main thing that we had been working with Mike on. All in all a very positive piece for my son. I did send a letter to the officer outlining the significance of his time and effort.

Susan

My sister is severely physically and mentally disabled and I know how you feel about this. This is a big step towards human interaction for him and it will only progress faster and faster as time goes on. Keep me post on this if you dont mind.

[Whitewolf1970]

Awwww...how sweet. It's cute and good to hear that he was able to announce it pretty good. Keep helping him. The more you help him and the more they help him, he'll be able to overcomes the limits. Little by little, he'll grow to be more and more "I can do it" person. I noticed, the special educations are now able to get the disabled children motivated not by sounds, visuals, and vocals, but by memories as well, than 1970's which the schools weren't prepared pretty well. Glad your school provides him with something to understand what he learned is making him happy.

[steelcityk9cop]

It's nice that you took the time to write to the officer's department to thank him. Little things like that mean alot to us.

[JBU2010]

Susan,
I am glad to hear the exceptional news. I work alongside one of our Community Outreach and Crime Prevention officers with a focus on DARE. I am both amazed and shocked by your post. Before even reading the post, I thought Ben might have had a brush with the police in which way he wasn't treated properly due to the officer's lack of knowledge about his condition.

But like I said, excellent news. Keep us updated!

[srz]

Susan,
I am glad to hear the exceptional news. I work alongside one of our Community Outreach and Crime Prevention officers with a focus on DARE. I am both amazed and shocked by your post. Before even reading the post, I thought Ben might have had a brush with the police in which way he wasn't treated properly due to the officer's lack of knowledge about his condition.

But like I said, excellent news. Keep us updated!

As I always say, Any day you can shock a cop is a good day. ;)

We have an excellent police department in our area with a Lt. who is dedicated to building good community relationships. DARE of course has it's own mission and purpose but that the Lt. agreed to and even encouraged this program is a true gift to all the students that this officer reaches.

Susan