Yoga – Another Path to Recovery and Independence

We asked Jenna Ritter, founder and executive director of Dhara, to participate in a Q and A with The Signal.  Dhara is an emerging nonprofit that offers wellness practices to the public sector by introducing alternative self-healing techniques to populations that frequently are not provided such opportunities.  SUS consumers at the Dewitt, Marcy Hart and Montrose residences were participants in the  “Six Weeks to Wellness” a six-week workshop (including movement, balance and breathing) developed for people living with a mental illness who are ready to take on more responsibility for their healing.  The program is currently offered at the SUS Clubhouse in Brooklyn.

Q. What was the difference for you in working with this community and other less challenged communities?

The gratitude and respect given from the participants at SUS is remarkable.  Each one is enthusiastic to learn the practices and integrate them into their lives to the best of their ability.  In my experience, less challenged communities seem to take the knowledge shared for granted.

Q. Can you tell us how you were introduced to SUS?

Jody Silver, the Director of Consumer Affairs for the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene made the introduction.

Q. Please share more about the yoga program introduced at SUS?  How is it different?

When people think of “yoga” they usually think “exercise”.  While this program teaches gentle stretches to loosen and strengthen the body, the yoga taught here also incorporates a lot of breathwork and reflection on attitudes and behaviors.  Discussions about nutrition and stress as well as ways to bring healthy living skills into daily life are also integrated into sessions.  So, we teach yoga as a lifestyle where participants learn that they can make choices all the time.  In this way the work is about self-empowerment as well as self-healing. What’s more, because yoga is also understood to be about building community with others, sessions break participants out of their isolation and inspire them towards service.

Q. Had you previously worked with individuals suffering from mental illness?

Yes.  Dhara and NAMI-NYC Metro collaborated in Fall 2007 to develop a program called “Six Weeks to Wellness”, a workshop specifically designed for individuals living with mental illness.  This program continues to run through NAMI-NYC Metro with great success.

Q. What were some of the visible measures of success from the program with SUS?

Participants shared that they were feeling better, that headaches and body aches lessened and that they were sleeping and eating better.  The greatest sign of success is when they expressed that they wanted to continue having the program available to them.

Q. Is Yoga still part of the SUS programs?

Yes. Due to popular demand weekly classes continue to run at The Clubhouse under Nechemiah, a teacher who has been covering the classes since January.  Participants look forward to these sessions and classes are at full capacity most of the time, with up to 25 or 30 students in each session.

Q. Can you share a favorite moment or Aha! experience?

Every session offers something precious.  As sessions progress participants become a little more trusting and open, which allows for a safe circle for deeper sharing to happen.  I remember one woman who was working on her anger.  She shared with the group that over that weekend instead of getting into a fight with her boyfriend (as she always did) she chose instead to sit on her yoga mat and breathe.  When asked what her boyfriend did when she did that she said he laughed and tried to make her listen to him.  But she wouldn’t.  She said she just kept on breathing.  Eventually he left and she said she had a really great night!

I think a constant Aha! experience for everyone is when, after doing some deep breathing and relaxation after some gentle movement, after everyone slowly opens their eyes and returns to the room, the look of relaxation and peace on everyone’s face.  Wow! Breathing really does work to bring relaxation, centeredness and peace of mind!  And it’s so easy: our breath is free and available to each one of us in every moment.  We just have to learn how to use it correctly.

Janet

Janet is living with AIDS and has found the support she needs at SUS. Please watch to learn more about her story and how SUS helps those living with HIV/AIDS.

William Cox

William Cox, Jr. is featured in our ongoing look at “The SUS List” – a documentary short featuring stories of recovery from SUS consumers in their own words. In these times, SUS recognizes the need to use all tools at their disposal, particularly technology, to share its work in a more public manner and sound the call to action for service to vulnerable New Yorkers working to achieve independent lives.

Recognition of Direct Support Professionals – Are We Doing Enough?

As designated by the U.S. Senate, the week of September 14th marked the National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week. The week was set aside to heighten national awareness of the important role DSPs play in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Many agencies, including SUS, celebrated this week by praising their DSPs through recognition and awards.

Private agencies weren’t alone is the celebration. Councils such as the Queens Council on Developmental Disabilities Committee (QCDD)  on Aging, presented awards for outstanding DSPs at their annual conference on September 22nd. I was honored with the privilege of presenting 12 awards to the DSPs chosen by their agencies and had the opportunity to say thank you to these everyday heroes who act as a friend, teacher, and family for the people we serve. But as I stood in front of the room of 171 people with 12 awards in my hand, I couldn’t help to wonder, are we doing enough to demonstrate high regard for their role and value to individuals and their families?

For many years agencies such as SUS, and provider associations have joined together to enhance the status of Direct Support Professionals. The College for Direct Support Professionals , an internet-based college for DSPs, provides a tuition-free opportunity to receive college credit for courses related to disability issues. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP),  developed a national credentialing program for DSPs. Each fall, the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA) hosts a state-wide Direct Support Professional Conferences recognizing our DSPs.

Yet, the question remains, are we doing enough to support and recognize the DSPs we rely upon to ensure the health, welfare and safety of people with developmental disabilities? And if not, what else can we do?

Anne Marie Russo
Director, Developmental Disabilities Services