What issues do you see in your life that go unaddressed?

There are many things in our lives we’re aware of that have gone unaddressed and caused bigger problems, in the long run, be they personal or public. Oftentimes, there are many reasons we can provide for why it was not taken care of, but at the end of the day what matters is that it needed to get done and it didn’t. How do we get over the hurdle from knowing that you need to act to actually taking the actions necessary? This is a common problem for many, but if we become more aware of what’s going on around us, it tends to be easier to act.

Currently, in my life, I’m dealing with a new job at which I took over on a temporary substitute basis. There are many things to do to keep up with everything, but the students need to keep moving forward in their educations. The interesting thing that I’m finding, though, is that since all the students are on different levels it’s nearly impossible to teach them in a “traditional” manner. I’ve tried it for two weeks, and it’s not engaging for anyone. My goal is to engage them in math, but another approach is needed. By being present and listening to feedback from the older students, it’s clear that they need their instruction to be relevant. I could stick to the old ways, or we could try something new and innovative to help them create a more relevant educational experience for themselves.

Man, it is so interesting to be part of a general education environment in a rural community… the deeply rooted patterns of behavior for students, teachers, and parents and the negative impact they have on the teaching and learning environment is fascinating to observe. Now for trying to figure out the best path forward to create as much meaningful change as possible within the scope of my define duties/responsibilities… such a challenge!!

Abby, I love your positive attitude. It definitely sounds like some challenges in your situation, but it sounds like you’re looking at it as a challenge that can help you and those around of you grow. Way to go! 

I know working with families who qualify for Medicaid means that we see so many challenges in the environment besides the direct contingencies that we’ve been approved to work on. Being open-minded and accepting of cultural differences — even if we are talking about a difference in culture based on their neighborhoods and family history, rather than their color or religion — is critical to changing behaviors!

It’s definitely a tough balance to strike, but at the end of the day we are all humans acting in the service of creating a better world for as many as possible. Change takes time… we can still to good work while tolerating some things we know could be better. If we go in with an attitude of everything being wrong and needing to change everything at once, nothing will ever change!

I like your idea of “trying new ways” instead of sticking to the traditional! Have you looked at the FIT Learning stuff? I haven’t tried it (and I’m not a teacher!), but I’ve heard the owners speaking on the Behavioral Observations podcast and it sounds like an innovative approach to teaching that uses behavioral and ACT principles. 

Yes, I do know of the program! My hope is that one day the schools up here will incorporate something like it as it is a wonderful program with great results!

Here is my issue that goes unaddressed: transportation in rural communities for low income families and people with disabilities that make driving not an option.

Yes, we have some local dial-a-ride and community buses, but they are on a limited basis, sometimes only one route per day, sometimes people have to wait an hour or two for a ride after calling. Particularly for people with autism, the wait and unpredictability can be too much of a barrier. 

Yes, I definitely see transportation access as a major issue as well! In our community, the closest regular grocery store is an hour away so many end up buying all their food through the local quick-stop at which everything is double the price! 

What do you see as potential solutions within your community to address this issue?