I find most staffers to be very hard-working. They work hard to keep group homes clean. They work hard to make sure the table is set and attractive. They work hard to make sure the beds are crisply-made up, the laundry is folded, the windows are sparkling, there is no dust on the window sills. Dinner looks perfect, too. And the frosting on the cake is evenly distributed, no corners left unfrosted, with some swirls for decoration.
If the staffers were really working hard, though, many of those tasks would not look perfect. It's not that someone with a disability can't do a thorough job or does not have high standards, it's usually that they haven't had the opportunity to practice that skill or may lack the physical coordination or dexterity to do it perfectly.
One of the hardest tasks when working with individuals with intellectual disabilities is to put your hands behind your back and let their hands do the work. It is so hard to not be more physically active while you are working. It is very hard to exhibit patience as the person practices and completes the activity by themselves. And to continue to do that for the next eight hours of your scheduled work time. But that is what this work demands.
The group homes and day programs should be a little messy. Drinks should be spilling more often. And then guess who should go get the paper towels to clean it up? Windows should have streaks. The dinner table might not always be perfectly symmetrical once set. Actually, that would be normal. That's what my house looks like even on a good day.
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