Most of us, as a result of our injuries, are confined to our wheelchairs or to our beds. It is easy to be angry with the universe for the injustice if it has imposed upon us. We spend our lives navigating through a world designed for able-bodied people. How irritating it is to arrive at a destination only to discover that there are steps to get in the building, or to arrive at a friend's place only to discover your wheelchair doesn't fit through their door. We are unable to hike to the top of a mountain
When I think about Alan, I like to reminisce about the good and wonderful times I had with him. Though we could not communicate by normal means, we communicated through laughter and smiles. Before I started my shift at Jan's House, I would always approached Alan and tell him not to worry as I had arrived. To this day, I believe this put Alan at ease and allowed him to be himself and comfortable around me.
Michael Coss is an inspiration and nothing can hold him back. Michael is the recipient of the 2012 Courage to Come Back Award in the area of Physical Rehabilitation. Congratulations to Michael, this is a tremendous accomplishment. Simply wonderful and so deserving.
The human brain never ceases to amaze. It’s continually altering its structure, reorganizing functions and connections as a direct result of everything we do, experience, think and believe. This process, referred to as ‘neuroplasticity,’ can go on well into our twilight years if we exercise it regularly.
Alan Holmans joined the CONNECT Langley family 9 years ago. He was the first person to move into Jan's House. In many ways he became the master of this home. Alan died peaceful with his family by his side on March 10th, 2012.
Wendy Duke is a dear friend of CONNECT and she and her team at Columbia Speech & Language are celebrating their 25th year in business. Wendy and her team of 14 speech-language pathologists have been providing exceptional services to people will all kinds of communication disorders with a specialization in the area of brain injury rehabilitation and stroke recovery.
I’m Suzanne, I work at South House at CONNECT Langley. I will share with you what I have learned from my participation in CONNECT’s staff development initiative: Co-Active Coaching, Leadership and Mentorship Program and how it is changing how I work.
