Daily Companions, Inc. consumers recently visited the enclosed, cast-iron framed Martinsburg Roundhouse, which is situated along 1,000 feet of the Tuscarora Creek. The consumers had an enjoyable time learning about the historic site’s part in the Civil War and the great impact it had on the surrounding area.
Daily Companions, Inc. consumers enjoyed a recent visit from the Woods Ukulele Group. They kept everyone entertained with a hand clapping, foot stomping series of songs. Each member played a ukulele, one member had a foot tambourine and a kazoo. The music was so energizing that some of the consumers got up and danced.
One consumer in particular was fascinated with the ukulele. She plays guitar and found the ukulele, which is smaller and has fewer strings, very easy to play. Noting her interest, Kelly Palmer made Amanda a gift of a ukulele. She has since spent time working on her hand chords and is very proud of her accomplishments.
Mr. Palmer said he played in High School, then after retiring he joined the Woods Ukulele Group. They play 2 or 3 gigs a month, using a mix of country, Bluegrass, and modern. One of his favorites is the “Wabash Cannonball”, which he played a sang for us.
If you are interested the Woods Ukulele Group will be playing at the Ukulele Festival in Bethesda, MD in August. You can sure of a hand clapping, foot stomping, good time!
A new season is beginning. Cool, crisp nights, milder day temperatures, a kaleidoscope of colors on the landscape. What’s not to love? A change of season brings change in other forms too. For some it may be a new fiscal year, for others a new school year. Here at Daily Companions, Inc. we are experiencing some positive changes too!
Research has shown that most of us spend more time being inactive than active. Many parks, clubs, and schools host exercise and sports for the young, but as individuals with intellectual disabilities age out of school, these opportunities become increasingly scarce. Researchers are finding that the presence of exercise, as well as the support system that comes with group activity and a team-like setting, can improve health, social challenges, and the overall wellness and lifestyle of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Our new schedule for the Day Habilitation program will include more time for staying fit and active. Hours are now 9am until 3pm. Field trips, along with eating out, will be two Friday’s a month. This schedule allows time to enjoy our local parks, the Berkeley County Parks & Recreation Center, bowling, and swimming at the Shepherd Wellness Center. Music is on the first and third Monday of every month, with Yoga every Tuesday afternoon. DCI’s policy is to let YOU choose which days you would like to attend. Our Monthly Schedule will be posted on our web site by the 20th of the month. Please review the posted activities, and give us a call.
So, new season, new beginning, new schedule! Daily Companions, Inc. is committed to offering a Day Program that will benefit Consumers mentally, emotionally, and physically. Let’s start a new season for a whole, new You!
Mrs. Joan Starliper, Dietitian of WVU Medicine, paid a visit to DCI this Tuesday to help DCI consumers learn to make healthy food choices, whether eating out, eating at home, or choosing a snack. From her “bag of tricks”, she pulled out a number of visual aides to assist us. Mrs. Starliper started off speaking about potion sizes. “Today portion sizes are much larger than is healthy for us.” As an example she mentioned muffins. Who doesn’t enjoy a BIG muffin? That is generally what you get when ordering a muffin or purchasing one. However, in reality, a muffin should only be as large as the palm of your hand. In fact, using your palm and thumb are a good way to measure portions. Meat, bread, servings of other foods should really be no larger than your palm. Salad dressings, butter, peanut butter, etc. should measure about the size of your thumb, or a tablespoon.
Next, real food verses packages, pre-made, or box items. “They may be quick & easy, but if you read the ingredient list, who wants all those unpronounceable chemicals and dyes in their bodies?” She showed us cupcakes purchased some years ago. The cupcakes were still good, in that they had not gotten moldy, but they did smell pretty bad. What was in them to hold their shelf life? UGH! 
Reading the ingredient label is a good trick to deciding if a food is a good choice. We were surprised to learn that Doritos have at least 9 ingredients, including 4 dyes, whereas Fritos only has three. Then, soda! This topic caused a great deal of shock and laughter when we learned how much sugar and fat are in a month’s worth of soda! Everyone decided to be more pro-active in their food and beverage choices from now on.
Mrs. Starliper emphasized that plenty of plain water, fresh fruit and vegetables, enough sleep, and exercise will lead to maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Daily Companions, Inc. is committed to providing services for the special needs population that allows for a quality of life for the individual and their family. Individuals in a day program have the opportunity to be with their friends and interact with the community. A day program balances the amount of time that is spent in high stimulation verses quiet time. It is important that our individuals are out in the community for at least 2 hours a day, engaging in supported employment, reviewing life skills, socializing and recreation. It is just as important that there is quiet time for taking a break, working on math, English, or listening to a speaker. Accommodating the needs of individuals with special needs allows the parent to follow their dreams of employment, friendships, community involvement and activities.
Daily Companions, Inc. is committed to quality of life and addressing each individual’s personal dreams. To achieve this goal, we offer a Day Program 5 days a week where activities are scheduled. IDD Waiver consumers can look at this schedule and choose when to be involved; this allows a person-centered life where they are retaining the right to self-author their life.
Daily Companions, Inc. has expanded its services to include working with individuals that have graduated but do not qualify for the IDD Waiver Program by aiding these individuals to obtain competitive wage employment. Any individual with a special education diploma may contact our office and ask to speak to a Customized Employment Specialist.
Daily Companions, Inc. is committed to serving the special needs population in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties. We look forward to working with our elected officials and consumers, and state agencies. Daily Companions, Inc. believes that it is always better to be involved in a solution where everyone benefits.
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