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thoughts, suggestions??
This will probably be really long and difficult to understand, so just bear with me please..
Most of you know the backstory with my brother so I wont go into all that detail again. Anyways, he is in his first semester at BRCC. He has always had an aide with him throughout elementary and high school, and I honestly believe that this has helped him in extraordinary lengths, but it has also handicapped him to a fault. He relies on others to help him, and this is where many of his problems start.
He is totally a routine person. Well the guy that is his roommate is the one that assists with daily routines, but because he is going to school as well, he isn't able to help him alot with his in-class routines. Gatlin has two aides that are supposed to be going with him to class and helping him with recording notes, remembering important announcements, etc.. The first guy has been doing well, the second aide is the first guys girlfriend and hasn't been worth a sh*t.. she misses classes she is supposed to attend with Gatlin, doesn't get half of the information she should, and has many empty promises when she says she is coming to help Gatlin study for a test/ work on an assignment, etc..
My poor mom is like at her wits end with all this, because she is trying to juggle my 11 yr old sister with softball, going to classes with Gatlin when one of the two aides cant make it, and then trying to work her part time job and take care of her home and family. I have been on the phone with her for the past hour, and I feel so bad for her.
Since Gatlin is the student here, I told her that she first needs to sit down with Gatlin and explain what he needs to be doing on a daily basis for his classes, since no one has done that. Gatlin needs to have routine and stability with his classes and right now that he is very far from that, he is lost. I suggested making a calendar of assignments that are due on a weekly basis for each class, as well as a daily & weekly checklist to assure that Gatlin is checking his email and grades for any new updates. I also told her she either needs to fire the second aide, or have a come-to-Jesus meeting with her, because she is only hindering Gatlin at the moment, not helping.
Is there something you can think of that would help to improve the situation? I truly believe that Gatlin is smart enough to pass college, but with no foundation for his routines, he just can't function to his full potential.
Re: thoughts, suggestions??
Homegirl is definitely in need of a come-to-Jesus meeting. If she doesn't want to go to class and do the work that's fine, but it's not fine when she has an obligation to someone else. She needs to get it together or be replaced.
I think your mom should also speak to your brother. None of this is his fault, but he's a college student now. He needs to step up (as well as he is able) and be responsible for himself. I also think daily, weekly, and monthly checklists are a great idea. These should keep him on task and let him know if he's forgotten something or is falling behind.
Also, do his professors know his situation? I think getting them on the same page would be very helpful if your brother ever needs to clarify something after class or schedule a meeting during office hours.
Let me first say how much I applaud your family for rallying behind your brother and helping him get into college. I think it's awesome how supportive you all are of him.
I think that your last paragraph is absolutely correct. Without some kind of routine in place, G won't be able to help himself which is the purpose of all this. Needing a routing is just a human trait and has nothing to do with his disabilities. It might take a little bit longer for him to actually get into one but I think that will do wonders for everyone involved.
Roomies GF needs to be fired. I'm not sure how that will affect G at home so that probably needs to be taken into consideration but like you said, she's only hindering him and your mom doesn't have time to waste on that crap. See if Aide #1 can recommend someone since you guys are satisfied with him.
I really hope it works out. I'm sorry I don't have better advice. But I am here if you guys need anything.
does you brother have a learning disability?
i would think that the professors should know about it.
oh and Britt, i thought of you this morning because your uncle walked in the building in front of me in his 1970s get up!
yes, and he is registed with the Disability Services at BRCC and everything. His professors are all aware of his disabilities, but its only so much they can/ are willing to do.
I hate that. As if things aren't difficult enough.
I agree with Jamie. I don't know if BRCC's disability services does this, but at LSU they will find a note-taker. The note-taker is required to go to every class and then help the student with the notes, important dates etc. The note-taker is a volunteer who gets something form the school (at LSU it was $150 or being in the first group to schedule classes).
Since I went to every class, I always volunteered as a note-taker (and I always got to register before everyone). Every other note-taker I knew was a very responsible student. If that's an option, that may help him stay organized.
Being a SpEd teacher, I know that as great as the accommodations are in school, sometimes we offer way too many. Then students become so dependent on them, it is hard to go from having a lot of accommodations, to basically nothing. I think that it will just take sometime for him to get used to it. College is a completely different atmosphere, but if he has been successful and made it all the way through HS, I bet he does the same with college, it may just take him longer to adjust.
I suggested making a calendar of assignments that are due on a weekly basis for each class, as well as a daily & weekly checklist to assure that Gatlin is checking his email and grades for any new updates.
This is a good idea, it will help him stay organized and gain some independence at the same time. I can understand how he can feel lost if he is so used to everyone helping him and then this girl isn't doing her job.
I agree with Shoe too, it's so fantastic that you and your whole family are behind him and encouraging him to go to college. Most people don't go to college let alone ones with learning disabilities. He sounds like a fantastic kid and I bet he will do very well as soon as he gets into his routine.
is it possible for your mom to hire an "assistant" outside of BRCC to help him out? sort of like a professional organizer or something? i'm stumbling on the wording, but hopefully you get the idea.
someone who is a little beyond typical college age and who can carry a little bit more responsibility and can check in with him once a day or so to make sure things are getting done.