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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
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"We need to try differently rather than
harder." |
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- Diane Malbin
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2006 annual report
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program provides support
for adults and families living with FASD and FASD awareness training
for a variety of community groups. FASD has often been called an
"invisible" disability because the majority of individuals
who are alcohol affected do not have any outward physical signs
of their brain damage. This being the case, society fails to adjust
their expectations for these individuals and as a result these individuals
spend their life time failing to "measure up." Experiencing
this message of failure and constant rejection from the world around
them is devastating for these individuals and families living with
FASD. Society clearly needs to learn about living in new ways; ways
of listening to these families, ways that value diversity of ability,
ways that modify expectations and environments, and ways that allow
each individual to experience Christ's peace and community. In a
succession of small and deliberate daily choices, the FASD Program
staff and volunteers attempt to live in new ways by embracing a
complete paradigm shift. This shift moves us from thinking these
alcohol affected individuals are choosing not to behave to understanding
that these individuals have brain differences affecting their ability
to meet our expectations.
In the last year, the FASD Program has provided support for up
to nine adults living with FASD. This is an increase of three program
participants since this time last year. Each of these individuals
represents a unique set of strengths and weaknesses and we adjust
our support accordingly. Interventions typically involve assistance
with housing, money management, the justice system, health care,
employment, nutrition, and accessing any other available resources
like a volunteer circle of support. Most of the time interventions
are aimed at harm reduction. However, when a program participant
achieves some stability we can support the achievement of goals
that look beyond mere survival.
There are 50 families on the FASD Program's contact list. Approximately
15 of these attend a regular support group hosted by our program
in Steinbach, and we remain in touch with the rest of these families
through newsletters and phone calls. In April, the Steinbach families
held a multi-church event to which they invited various church representatives
to hear their families' stories. This was helpful in raising FASD
awareness and hopefully will also increase the support each of these
families receive from their own communities.
For individuals and families living with FASD, living in new ways
requires support and understanding from their whole community. In
the last year, the FASD Program has also been involved in advocating
for these individuals by presenting FASD to eight different community
groups, hosting the program's annual FASD benefit concert, getting
involved with other community groups working toward the same end,
and by dialoguing with several government representatives.
Jewel Reimer, Program Manager
Advisory Committee:
Irmie Nickel
Brenda Penner
Orly Frisesen
Al Wieler
Kathy Enns
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