Farming with a Developmentally Disabled Crew - The Awkward Stumblings of a Neophyte
Amongst the scads of things I have learned in the last 7 months working with adults with developmental disabilities, there are at least four lessons I just have to write about -
- “Paul” might be given a request by a supervisor, and enthusiastically comply one day, but it does not mean it will carry over to the next week, or even the next day.
- Change, any change, rocks their boats in a big way.
- Some of the best life lessons…… I am learning here on the farm… from my developmentally disabled crew
- It is easy to fall in love with people with developmental disabilities!
Some back-story- It has been suggested that I am a non-judgmental, impartial sort. This is perhaps true, though certainly not when it comes to transnational food corporations or the growing mass of entitled influenza……plenty of opinion and attitude to throw around there. On the other hand, when it comes to what I perceive as an underdog of any sort, welfare parents in poverty, the failing elderly, drug addict prostitutes or what have you, I tend to approach slate blank, benefit of the doubt, face value. In that same spirit and stride, I have approached my work with the “guys” who work at Colchester Neighborhood Farm, through our day programs at New England Village. To me they are not labels or clients, they are simply my staff! That said, though I have 15+ years experience working in social service programs, my entire experience with developmental disabilities was from a volunteer position at the Association for Retarded Citizens ( a high school graduation requirement), err…..decades ago! So arriving at the farm to take over as Farm Manger for New England Village …..Well, let’s just say I really had no clue about what I was about to dig into.
Part One
Back to lesson #1 and “Paul” –
When I began managing the farm there were two dysfunctional wheelbarrows; one plastic with a wide crack clear across the bottom, and the other rusty like a 200 year old plow, and both sporting semi flat tires. So I made an “investment purchase” of a brand new nice shiny black steel wheel barrow. Of course I want to protect this farm investment, so it will serve the farm for many years. Subsequently I instructed a young man I will call ”Paul” who works on the farm (He uses the wheel barrow often) on the importance of caring for our tools, this wheelbarrow in particular. This directive included the need to wash our wheelbarrow out after moving manure, compost or what have you. I also showed "Paul" how to prop it in the correct position to drain after washing so there will be no rust in the future. “Paul” demonstrated he could do this entire procedure, and enthusiastically agreed to my directive to do this EVERYTIME he uses the wheelbarrow. So the next day much to my dismay and frustration, I find a crap splotched (yes, literally) wheel barrow in a very non-tilted position, with a dirty shovel in it to boot. Ensuing conversation follows-
Farm Manager - “What is this? Paul you agreed as to how we would leave the wheelbarrow at the end of the day!”
Paul - “I did!”
Farm Manager – “Right, you did YESTERDAY! But this is today! Why is the wheelbarrow dirty today, you know how to clean it?”
Paul - “Sorry boss, I did not know you wanted me to do that today too.”
Oh, I have so much to learn…….
