AS new parents of a disabled child we chose to keep our Miriam with us despite the ''friends'' who, after her birth, felt it necessary to suggest she should be sent to a ''home''. Was she not beautiful enough? Not normal enough? Miriam had a stroke in 2001 just before she turned 40. She could no longer work in a sheltered workplace, she could no longer go to her art class at Queen's High School, but she was accepted into the Community Learning Centre's class for adult students with special needs at 158 York Pl.
I remember Miriam's homecoming after her first day there. She was enthusiastic, keen to show what she had done that day. This enthusiasm and keenness has never changed in all these years.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday are special days. Each time Miriam returns from the centre, she shows me her diary which has been filled in meticulously by the staff. In this diary, three days a week, she records the highlight of the previous night - what we had for dinner, who has visited us - so she can tell the class about it.
Wednesdays are special. Before noon, the staff teach the students how to prepare and cook lunch and this process is particularly worthwhile in developing independence since the students are involved in making choices about what will be prepared.
As parents, we delight in seeing Miriam's enjoyment in her learning, her pride when she shows us her completed craft project. Last year, the students made beautiful heart-shaped cushions which they were proud to donate to the Cancer Society.
Twenty years ago, the learning centre was set up by a group of parents with the dream that their disabled children deserved a place to continue learning after their main schooling was completed. Supported by the Ministry of Education through Logan Park High School, it has been the only class for adult students with special needs of its type in New Zealand, making it a prototype, a source of pride. Now change is afoot. Last year, we were told that the learning centre no longer qualified for government funding. Teacher Trudy Scott and several parents have tried to find the means to continue this amazing work but it seems their efforts have been in vain.
The Community Learning Centre might have to close its doors.
For us, as parents and full-time caregivers, it has meant so much to know our daughter has been occupied in a constructive way by Trudy and her team of valuable helpers. Now we must wonder and worry about the alterations to our lives. How will we, in our mid-70s, manage if the classes no longer exist? We cannot leave Miriam at home by herself any longer. And what will Miriam and her fellow students do all day, isolated as they will be at home? Where will they find the acceptance they need beyond the perimeters of their homes?Will they ever again experience being part of a team, sharing the excitement of a completed project? What will make them feel worthwhile?Trudy and her staff have achieved extraordinary work with this class. Their devotion, patience and compassion to Miriam and her classmates cannot be measured in dollars.
The rent for January and February of the rooms in King Edward Court was paid by a generous benefactor. But Trudy and her staff this month intend working without pay in the hope a miracle might happen.
