My Mission
My mission at Uni-Diversity is to provide needs based and solution oriented services that support, accept and include all people as they are, through an approach focused on individualized independence, success and belonging.
Having been in the same career for over 24 years, and now having the experience of being a caregiver for my father who has Alzheimer’s, has allowed me to see common denominators and recurring issues that arise within the special needs, education and human services fields.
Many services do not necessarily consider the basic humanity and diversity of people, including neurodiversity, which is fundamental for identifying and meeting needs. This affects how the individuality and the dignity of the person requiring support is addressed.
Oftentimes, the recommended services function within given structures that:
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are restricted to predetermined hours
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have insufficient resources
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use traditional systems and teaching methods that do not necessarily apply to neurodiverse minds
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require production of performance based results, rather than functional ability and personal gain for the individual receiving services
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use generalized application of tools, strategies and techniques
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uphold strict roles and responsibilities of support providers and/or educators
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focus on alleviating the immediate solution, without considering the long term impact
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offer sheltered environments rather than natural environments in which to learn
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lack effective services for older age groups and some categories of needs, such as non-speaking individuals
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hinder the building of functional real life skills and actual independence
Furthermore, across all domains and environments, many people providing support (including parents, caregivers, as well as many professionals) have not had the opportunity to gain necessary skills that ensure the effective application of distinct techniques. Through no fault of their own, they lack the knowledge of what to expect in certain situations or of specific diagnoses and are therefore unequipped to address the needs of the individual requiring support effectively and/or without an impact to their own well-being.
I strive to genuinely address the need for support and solutions
by offering outside-of-the-box services based entirely on specific needs.
My approach has been developed specifically to ensure individualization in each situation. I intend to offer an effective and change-inducing service that builds understanding as well as skills, for both the supporter and the individual requiring support. This means focusing on providing the necessary theoretical knowledge, coaching, and hands-on experiences specific to all implicated individuals within each distinct environmental structure, culture and belief system.
I IMMERSE MYSELF IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, SEEK INFORMATION AND AIM TO FULLY UNDERSTAND
WHAT YOUR REALITY IS AND THEN DIRECTLY TAILOR MY INTERVENTIONS TO YOU.
I address individual needs through my personal holistic approach, including techniques and strategies based in my understanding of various models including but not limited to;
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Social Thinking and Zones of Regulation
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SACCADE
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Core vocabulary (and other AAC)
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ABA
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IBI
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TEACCH, and
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sensory systems