I just learned that Dr. Lou Brown, a leader in special education and vocational rehabilitation services passed away. Years ago, I met him at a conference. An incredible person, teacher and mentor for so many.
He would say funny, outrageous things at his presentations. He had the ability to get people to think about their preconceived notions. He was also instrumental in founding the non-profit TASH About TASH - Tash.org
He helped people with severe disabilities find jobs. Even people with limited mobility. He told the audience about a young man who was blind and had other disabilities.
Everyone thought he was crazy when he got the young man a job in a coffee factory. He could smell and that was all he needed to know how to do to differentiate the kinds of coffee.
Dr. Brown believed that everyone can contribute to society through "job carving". This strategy analyzes work duties in a given job and then identifies specific tasks that could be assigned to an employee with disabilities. This was radical thinking 40 years ago.
So what do coffee beans have to do with job carving? In a word, "everything"!!!!
Rest in peace, you will be missed Dr. Brown 🙌
Keeping it real,
Donna
