I'm taking a Customer Service course for my degree in Business Management (AA) and I wanted something simple for Summer, so I went with an elective in Business: Customer Service. We've been in four weeks now and I am sporting an "A". As I have been taking one course a semester (8 weeks), I always think the subject I'm taking happens for a reason.
Last week if you watched my video on youtube about my saga and inclusion with a summer camp for Grace you know what's happening, or at least my feelings about the whole thing. Studying and learning more about Customer Service (i have always said customer service is my forte), this whole experience with Summer Camp leads me to believe that regardless of what we think, at some point we need to have empathy for our 'customers' because one way or another we are all "Customer Service Workers."
This camp organization prides themselves on having an 'inclusion' department. I have to research that and send a letter. If you haven't watched the video, the short of it, I believe they didn't answer or follow-up my request to meet prior to camp starting to learn more about Grace and her capabilities; but saw her as a child with disabilities that "they didn't have the staff to help with her needs" (I was emailed that a couple of times). Mind you, I was sending a personal care attendant with Grace to camp. So, what would the camp counselors need to do different but just include Grace in the activities.. I guess that was too much work.
This is where inclusion happens. Maybe they need to be trained on what inclusion means instead of being fearful of a disability. Grace is a typical little girl who loves the phone, pretty nails and right now, cup o noodles!! She can put a smile on anyone's face just with her smile and her laugh. Being an only child she is around alot of adults, obviously us her parents but also her caretakers. Although she's non-verbal she understands 100% of what you are saying to her.
Even today, Wednesday - five days after my blasting three emails, a talk with a director from out of Town (who was supposed to get back to me on Monday & hasn't .. poor customer service), I haven't heard from anyone. Sad. Why would I want to send my child there now?
But wait.. yesterday (tuesday eve), I did hear from the Camp Lead Person, who texted me to say .. 'hey if you don't update or delete the account that Grace isn't coming, you're going to get charged. this is the way you delete it..'.. Oh, Thanks, MANDY! You can educate me on how to delete my account, but not be willing to meet with me to learn more about my daughter and what 'camp' can look like for her? Interesting!
Well, it is what it is! Grace will have a better summer with her caretakers and going on the swing! And I am not done with this organization.. I'm as always just gathering my thoughts.. before I put them on paper.
Inclusion - Capabilities vs. Disabilities; and if nothing else the courtesy to provide Customer Service so that people want to come back to your organization!!
thanks for reading!
pattie
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