We were lucky enough to be in the Town of Braintree which has many programs to offer. So, we pretty much tried them all…… but still, the square peg in a round hole. We met a lot of nice teachers along the way; but truthfully, changing a program was out of their hands. Plus, on top of it, they are quite busy. I am thankful for all teachers; and I am especially thankful for those willing to give their time to my son and students like him.
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center: How This Vision For A Special Needs Program Came To Be
Joanne Burke-Sherman • March 25, 2021
Dharma Dreams Vocational Center: How This Vision For A Special Needs Program Came To Be
You know your child better than anyone. No school, no doctor, not anyone knows him or her better. I think we, as parents, all have intuitive knowledge about our kids no matter what the grades are and no matter what the diagnosis is. And I know, for all of them, that they have a lot to offer this world!
So, for my son, it was as early as preschool that a teacher figured out he is different from the rest. So, the journey began. We did the core evaluation through the school which showed those areas where a learning disability exists. Then, the speech and language therapy started; and the therapist actually thought she had “solved the problem” (after just months of work) and was ready to release him from services. But the reality is, we continued many services all the way through high school and beyond, because he needed support.
Traditional academic programs were not for my son. In fact, it was just the opposite. It was like trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. It never fit. You, as a parent know, that when this happens, the stress, frustration and anger begin to manifest. And that is not fun for anyone! So, in my humble opinion, something needs to change.
Like most people in the world, my son is unique. He is a kid with a big heart, a kind soul, and quite a few challenges when it comes to academics.
Outside of school, though, my son was the kid who was always outdoors having fun. And fun, came in many ways, because he is also a worker. From a young age, he was the kid who would sit outside for hours at a lemonade stand to make money…. Because he also loves money lol! And who doesn’t?
Eventually he started selling shell figures at his table and as he got older, he created his own lawn mowing business. He also helped around our house and the neighbors with the snow blowing. He tinkered with ATV’s and motors to refurbish them, and more. As you can see, he liked to keep busy and learn how to do new things to make money. His entrepreneurial skills have been building for a while.
Inside as a kid, he would vacuum and clean and do great work. He even used to clean his brother’s room so that his brother would not get in trouble. Of course, some of this changed when he got into those teenage years and older - the rooms are not as clean….. but you get the point!
My son has a lot to offer and he does not need the academics to make it happen!
The problem with the traditional vocational schools is that they require the academics which would have created a lot of stress. So, he could never go there to learn the job skills he would have liked to learn; and as much as I pushed the school system to do more, it never happened. And I know there are plenty of special needs students that fall into the same category. They are capable of a lot more and just did not have the opportunity.
Well, I decided I want to give them that opportunity. So, the idea of Dharma Dreams Vocational Center is born. Dharma Dreams Vocational Center is an amazing place built to serve a wide variety of special needs and cognitive disabilities. Without traditional academic classes, we are able to offer job skills and career skills to help these students pursue their dreams.
We also offer holistic ways to keep their minds and bodies centered for a more relaxed and anxiety-free approach. We believe in positivity. We believe we can help students to believe in themselves. We believe we can make Dharma Dreams Vocational Center a place where students and all staff feel free to be themselves; to pursue their personal interests; and to be happy doing what they are doing.
We all have a life purpose and the desire to use our skills. Now is the chance to let your child (adult student) begin pursuing their dreams. Tell us what you like to do! We are here to help! We look forward to your input! And we look forward to the fabulous years ahead! Thank You!!
I welcome you to share your special needs school stories. Have you tried a special needs vocational school? Have you you tried something else that has worked? Please let me know!!!
What is Sustainable Landscaping?
Making A Difference In The Disability Community
Introduction In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it is crucial to prioritize our mental and physical well-being. For individuals with cognitive disabilities, this importance is magnified, as they strive to learn job skills and life skills to lead productive and fulfilling lives. At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we use a unique approach incorporating meditation and mind-body techniques, such as connecting with nature, breath work, and yoga. These all can help transform the lives of individuals with cognitive disabilities. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of these practices and how they empower individuals to enhance their well-being and cultivate a sense of purpose.
