We are celebrating our second year of existence by hosting our second annual benefit concert this month. Milestones like this, however small, often provide opportunity for reflection.

Four years ago, MCC Manitoba made a decision to respond to society's growing concern regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. MCCM's response was the development of the FASD Program which was to provide supports for families living with FASD. What inspired this response was the stories told by families - stories of a lifetime of struggle, isolation, despair, and injustice. Today the FASD program supports 8 adults living with FASD, there are 40 families who have connected with our support in some way, and the program has conducted 25 FASD awareness workshops in a variety of communities.

Those of us involved in the FASD Program during these last two years have learned by experience what we had previously only read in literature. We have seen that the brain differences experienced by the adults we support create difficulty with adaptive behaviour; meaning that these individuals can't function as well in society as others and they need assistance to help navigate their world - find places to live - make appointments - and get along with neighbours. We are understanding now that these individuals have trouble with language, meaning that they often misunderstand our conversations and we have to be as concrete and visual as possible when we are interacting with them. These individuals tend to have short attention spans and

so we are now choosing environments in which to interact that don't have a lot of competing stimuli like busy traffic flow or bright overhead lights. They also have trouble reasoning, predicting the future and understanding the consequences of their actions. This means we need to constantly explain the bigger picture to help them make the best possible decisions. Lastly, they experience memory difficulties and we are learning to be patient when their performance is inconsistent from day to day.

Probably the biggest learning for the FASD Program has been a growing understanding that most individuals living with FASD have no outwardly visible signs of their brain damage. Yet, we continue to see that society expects these individuals to function like those of us with a "normal" brain. It seems our biggest task is to help communities understand that the behaviour they see is not a result of individual defiance but rather a result of brain differences. Would we expect someone living with paraplegia to climb 8 flights of stairs? Likewise, should we expect someone living with brain differences to function "normally"? Communities that have made this paradigm shift from "won't" to can't" are welcoming places for families and individuals living with FASD. Join our journey to greater understanding and begin providing the "wheelchairs and the wheel chair ramps" that individuals living with FASD need in order to navigate their lives.

Program Update written by:
Jewel Reimer
Program Director

Russ Hilsher (28 yrs old) was bornLac Seul, grew up inNorthern Ontario, and moved to Winnipg in his teenage years.has always worked hard to establish a positive life for himself, despite some criminal involvement and substance use.has made tremendous gains in the last year and a half and fulfilled several life dreams.

Heliving on his own and managing well with assistance from support workers, posted reminders, a co-signed bank account, a well located apartment, etc. He is employeda positive, structured, understanding, and culturally appropriate work environment. His employers provide him with manageable tasks and hours of work, as well as empowering opportunities to shareexperiences living with FASD. This ideal work situation was specifically developed for Russ and was made possible by the understanding staff and Executive.Director at Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre who agreed to adapt their office to suit Russ' needs and accommodate his on-site supports.

Russ is in a healthy relationship with his partner of four years. Together, they have recently begun to parent their beautiful 4 month old daughter Lexxus.Russ acknowledges that he can become stressed when babies cry, he is always accompanied by a support when he's with his daughter. This way he can take the necessary time-outs that he needs if he becomes overwhelmed. This arrangement is working well and Russ spends time with his daughter on a daily basis. Russ is a very caring, devoted father and he has said that Lexxus is his biggest motivation to maintain a positive lifestyle.

Russ attributes his success to three key ingredients: daily routine, structure, and 12.5 hours of daily support. The consistent support he receives throughout the day helps to reduce opportunities for interaction with negative influences and activities; his supports help Russ to see the ‘big picture' and to problem solve his way through otherwise overwhelming situations. Russcontinues to work very hard each day topositive friendshipsand social activities with the help of those who support and care about him.