Helping hands in community program get a wagging tail_
Central Michigan University[센트럴미시건대학교,미국대학교정보]
More and more, humans are learning to appreciate man's best friend for giving more than face licks and being willing walking buddies. An innovative service-learning program at Central Michigan University called Connections that Count has acquired a therapy dog to help emotionally support children with special needs.
The puppy, affectionately named Norah Francis, will accompany Joan Hogan, CMU faculty member in the department of counseling and special education and Connections that Count creator, to weekly events hosted by CMU.
Norah Francis, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, joins about 45 CMU students to provide companionship for local children with special needs and their families. The goal is to encourage important social skills, motor skills and learning, something Norah Francis can do without saying a word.
"She just loves everyone, and the kids respond because they feel that support from her," Hogan said. "They don't get any judgment from Norah Francis, only acceptance."
Previous research on dogs in the classroom suggests that they can be used to calm fears, relieve anxiety and even teach skills. Special education students can often feel frustrated or misunderstood, and Hogan believes Norah Francis helps to bridge the gap between general education and special education because she treats everyone the same. Children in special education programs need to know that they have something to contribute, Hogan said.
"These events help kids learn what they can do and accept what they can't," she said. "If they spend some time each week with their CMU friends and Norah Francis and build the confidence to try something new, then we have accomplished something."
About Connections that Count
Since Connections that Count started in 2002, the impact of the community outreach program started in Mount Pleasant has rippled to counties around northern Michigan. In addition to an activity such as bowling or swimming, the weekly events always include a balanced meal provided by six local restaurants. The events are supported by a contribution from Meemic Insurance.
Students from a variety of majors across CMU – including business administration, psychology, medicine and education – play host to more than 35 children from communities around northern Michigan. Hogan also has seen the events change the lives of of kids in special education programs and CMU students alike.
"Students are always surprised at the impact they can make when they spend time with these youngsters and their families," she said. "But when they have the experience of working through obstacles with these kids and seeing them triumph at the end, they know they're doing something that counts."
The children and families also have unique experiences and learn many skills along the way, according to Holly Hoffman, chair of the department of counseling and special education.
"Not only do you see these families finding one another and really forming a community on their own, but the kids are getting one-on-one attention with a focus on teaching them important life skills," she said. "On the other side, CMU students are getting unparalleled hands-on experience working with these kids, families and the community."
