LATITUDE - IN THE NEWS

Beverly Baker, Recent Work

The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning

251 W. Second St. Lexington KY 40507 

January 9 Through February 15, 2003

Opening Reception, Thur. Jan. 9, 5 to 7:30 pm

For more information

Bruce Burris or Crystal Bader

Latitude LLC (859) 806-0195

 

Lexington Herald-Leader

Marquee

 

Posted on Sun, Dec. 29, 2002

ART NOTES
 Her art disproves her 'disability'
 Carnegie Center exhibits drawings once dismissed as 'scribblings'

Next Sunday, after we've sorted through the lineups of winter and spring shows galleries have sent us, we'll bring you a selective and subjective forecast of which ones appear the most promising in the coming months.

In the meantime, here's what is interesting in the immediate future:

Beverly Baker: Recent Work, opens Jan. 9 at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 West Second Street.

"The fact that Beverly is considered by some to have a most significant developmental disability does not diminish or trivialize her efforts," writes Latitude, an agency dedicated to helping people with disabilities gain autonomy over their lives.

"Beverly Baker is an artist, period," says Latitude co-owner Crystal Bader. "Beverly uses Latitude in precisely the same way as any artist would use her own studio. We provide an assortment of media for her to choose from, and the rest is up to her."

Baker received an Independent Artist Professional Development Grant in the spring from the Kentucky Arts Council.

She had a solo show in The President's Room in the Singletary Center for the Arts in April.

Baker's mother, Wanda Baker, is quoted as saying she used to consider her daughter's drawings mere "scribblings" -- until the Latitude staff told her it was art: "People used to ask for one of her drawings, and we'd say, 'Sure, take one.' But now we say, 'Here's how much it costs.'"

Reception: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9. On view through Feb. 15. Carnegie Center phone: 254-4175. Latitude phone: 806-0195.

 
 

FROM THE HART

No Gimmicks, No Mirrors. No Tricks.

Just Life‑Changing Experiences

The Kentucky Gazette November 12, 2002

I'd like to tell you about a few talented, busy, involved Kentucky friends of mine. Last year, labels like helpless or hopeless, difficult or disruptive were hurtful. This year, they clearly are senseless. Thanks to simple lifestyle adjustments, Lexington's Charlie Clayton, Melissa Amaral and Clay Michael are not merely accepted. They're lauded. It's a miracle! A miracle that came from opportunities ‑ instead of meds, reprimands or further restrictions. 

Take Charlie Clayton, who will be Artist in Residence at Transylvania University the last three weeks of the spring semester. For three weeks, Charlie will create his own work in a studio on campus. Meanwhile, he'll be associating with Transy professors, holding workshops to show Transy students what he does and how he does it. And finally he will exhibit the work created during his tenure in a one person exhibition. All while earning an excellent stipend! 

Then there's tall, athletic, beautiful Melissa Amaral, who lately lived a very restrictive life due to a disabling event during college. Latitude, an Arts Plus project, has worked with Melissa to find appropriate technology and therapies to allow Melissa to attend college again via the internet, perhaps through Kentucky Virtual University. An excellent artist, Melissa has participated in three group shows during her year at Latitude; where she also practices movement, meditation and yoga. 

On a recent Monday morning at 10 a.m., Clay Michael sat down to write a poem. At 10:30, his poem was finished. Next, via the Internet, he shared his new poem with 10,000 to 17,000 other poets and poetry lovers on the "Poetry Comer." 

"Latitude is not just about technology" .Clay said, "After finishing a poem I can walk a block and add to a mural that Latitude, Third Street Stuff, local architects and others are creating. It's about being a part of a very real, active community." 

Latitude, an arts‑based program in Lexington, has enabled these three people to step from the shadows, into a bright new world, By doing what they are good at, and love to do, they’ve become a vital part of their community. 

But that's only the beginning, folks! This fiscal year, Project ASSET‑11 (Advancing Supported Self Employment Techniques) will help five more Kentuckians with disabilities start, own and operate their own creative enterprises: 

Tim Maynard's "Speedway Hobbies" shop in Pikeville is located on US 23, the route is used by many race fans on their way to NASCAR International Race Track in Bristol, Tenn. Tim will sell plastic race‑car models and supplies; radio‑controlled models: NASCAR hats, jackets and other inventory. Family and friends are helping Tim  secure a business loan. Speedway Hobbies is approaching its Grand Opening, 

Chris Heidgerd may soon be known as Lexington's  “Community Garden Guy," the working title of his project. Latitude, Lexington Parks and Recreation, UHDI, and many other caring partners are working together to help Chris create and manage a downtown community garden. Anyone who wants to grow plants and agrees to maintain it regularly is welcome. Chris is also working on a for‑profit component to this in which Chris will be selling ~'green products" such as recycling units, green household cleansers, and the like. 

Hannah ‑Harts "Office Lunch Express (OLE!!)" will pick up orders from five or six popular Frankfort restaurants and deliver them to staff and visitors of the state Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation services. OLE!'s business plan, preliminary marketing to customers and restaurants, and logo design are all completed. Since MH‑MR is only one of five different state agencies in the same building prospects for expansion look good. 

       It took 50 years to advance from "Please Hire the Handicapped" to Sheltered Workshops, decades more until Kentucky became one of ten states given federal grants to create a Supported Employment program in Kentucky called Project ASSET. ASSET hired and trained job coaches to prepare and support people in real jobs for real salaries. Though hampered by meager funding, Supported Employment has been a wonderful way for the limited num­ber of lucky people it has touched to dive right into the mainstream. 

And now ASSET-11 will help jobless people make their own jobs. Like ASSET (Kentucky's supported employment project), ASSET-11 is coordinated by Carol Estes, for the Dept of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Cabinet for Work Force Development. 

Co-sponsored and partially funded by KY Developmental Disabilities Council ASSET-11 is guided by Supported Employment agencies. Consultant's from Kentucky's Small Business Development Centers have played a key role in developing the business plans, while UK's Human Development Institute, families and friends are helping the new business entrepreneurs get started. Everyone is united to assist in the birth arid growth of Kentucky's first five, self‑employment ventures, as well as others conceived in the coming years. (More details about these and other projects as they develop.) 

By Jane Hart:  Jane is a parent of an adult with disabilities and is chairwoman emeritus of the Kentucky Disabilities Coalition

 

Published Tuesday, February 5, 2002, in the The Kentucky Gazette  

A Mecca for artists, other creative people

Three months ago, no one knew what to do with 20-year old Charlie Clayton. All Charlie wanted to do was draw. Instead of watching TV. Instead of learning about money. Instead of games. Last October, Charlie started coming to Latitude. This is an art-based program for people whom "some other people consider disabled," as artist and Latitude co-director Bruce Burris puts it. "When Charlie's here, he's the most gifted person in these three buildings." 

Last month, Charlie showed a series of his skeleton drawings at Transylvania University's student gallery.   

Picture by Charlie Clayton

"They're cartoonish, but sophisticated," Burris says. "They have a brilliance that anyone with an art background recognizes immediately. If Charlie keeps coming here twice a week, he'll gain more recognition for his art and find more opportunities to contribute to the community. 

"This happens at Latitude time and time again," Burris says. "Everyone is involved in connecting to the community. Beverly Baker is getting ready for a show of her wonderful marking-pen drawings at the Singletary Center. UK professor Arturo Sandoval collects Beverly's drawings. Many professional artists would love to be in her place. When she has exhibits and people admire her work, Beverly is thrilled. Her parents are thrilled that she is giving to the community. 

"We want to see what interests people," Burris continues. "What they want to do, what they can contribute. When we agree what that is, we figure out ways they can merge into the larger culture. We don't use art as a craft to keep people busy. We use it as a way to open up their world, to explore and connect however they can. Everybody is creative. I believe Latitude artists are more creative than most people." 

Crystal Bader, Latitudes other co-director, is a 27-year-old therapeutic recreation specialist. Caught up in Burris enthusiasm about the potential of people with disabilities, she joined him as assistant director of the Lexington art program he founded, Minds Wide Open. 

A year ago Bader and Burris left Minds Wide Open to form Latitude. Bader wants Latitude artists to "experience spontaneity, not a usual factor, in their lives." 

Burris calls her "a critical thinker, who is kind and works like a horse." 

Since last October, Latitude has been based at Mecca, a dance studio and community arts center in downtown Lexington. Latitude also offers a day of enriched programming at an adult day-center in Frankfort and in Lexington.  At Mecca, people are offered supported employment based on their interests and those of the businesses within a five-block radius of Mecca. 

Chris Heidgerd of Lexington came to Latitude interested in trash and finding a job, not in art. He drew houses quite well. "We knew a great gift store two blocks from us, Third Street Stuff," Burris says. "So we suggested to Chris that he might make some greeting cards. He did. When they sold out, we took more up (to the store). Now he has a contract with Third Street Stuff to sell his cards, and he's started drawing garbage trucks. He's out in the community; working and using his interest, trash.

"Latitude is helping Chris with research into ecology and recycling, helping him define his point of view on trash. We're learning what he can do. If he wants to, we'll find ways for Chris to share his opinions on these issues in a letter to the editor, a poem, his art to have some give and take with the wider community. How can he go farther? His limits are out of sight." 

Latitude artists have contributed to three poetry festivals, numerous performances, radio readings, community wall murals, parades, festivals, solo and group public art exhibits. 

Bader talks about Tim, whose pleasant campus bike ride was interrupted by a collision with a car. Tim went through many surgeries to make his physical impairments more manageable. But his brain injury made it harder to manage an independent life. In and out of institutions, Tim was socially marginalized. He began brushing up on social skills when he came to Latitude nine months ago.

 In nine months, Tim has formed friendships during regular visits to local coffeehouses and has volunteered at a local arts agency. He took ceramics classes and showed his work in a group exhibition. He's had a photograph and an editorial published in a local newspaper. He visits art galleries and attends receptions.

 "I feel honored to be in this field," Bader told a Lexington Herald-Leader reporter. "Its hard work ... that really has a reward. We're giving people what they need, community exposure and self-esteem. We believe in the potential of all people." 

"Crystal and I believe that every single person at Latitude can contribute in an amazing and real way, can give more than they take," Burris agreed. "That's why we made Latitude for-profit, to get away from the charity thinking. How can we find and where can we place the small but brilliant thing this person can give to the larger community. These folks are outside-the-box thinkers. Who's going to benefit from this thing she does so well? Someone who has a high-tech or an architectural firm? A gift shop? We know there's someone out there who would thank us for the discovery. They don't know how to look for it. But we do. 

"We want to train staff when they first come into the field, before their minds are made up," Burris continues. "Have them spend a week with Latitude before they go into a job. We want to provide that shock of recognition, then guide them through the steps. Folks in Latitude write a novel. And we get to read it as they write it. If they lead us to a tree, we have to find the reason. What does this tree represent to them? Growth? Timber? Carving? Writing on paper made from wood? Of all the things that this tree represents, what interests you most?   

Picture by Charlie Clayton

"They take us on a journey. They're guiding us, if only we'll listen. It's like reading a novel or looking at a painting. This does not take a genius. We believe that everyone can learn to figure this out. Whether they will or not is up to them. Then, when they are placed at an agency, they can call fellow Latitude alumni to share resources and support each other. That's how we can change things. That's a way to go. I'm not talking about now, but maybe sometime in the future." 

Bader and Burris encourage people to call and visit Latitude, at 209 North Limestone St. in Lexington, within five blocks of eight restaurants, two coffeehouses, five art galleries, City Hall and the Lexington Public Library. Reach them at (859) 806-0195 or bru41@msn.com.

Jane Hart of Frankfort is the parent of an adult with disabilities and is chairwoman emeritus of the Kentucky Disabilities Coalition, which she chaired for eight years.

 
Published Thursday, January 10, 2002, in the Herald-Leader

She's got a can-do Latitude

Recreation therapist helps disabled connect with community, their own talents

By Barbara Isaacs
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Crystal Bader was working as a recreation therapist with a Lexington adult day care organization when she heard her calling -- loud and clear.

It was the voice of Lexington artist Bruce Burris, who was then at Minds Wide Open art center, an arts program for the disabled that he founded.

``I stepped off the elevator, and there was this loud -- and some people might say, obnoxious -- voice,'' Bader said with a smile. ``He was just full of enthusiasm -- he was exciting, he was positive. I knew I stumbled onto something great. It was all about seeing the potential of the people he served.''

Bader, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, soon became assistant director at Minds Wide Open. Then, nearly a year ago -- the anniversary is Jan. 26 -- she and Burris left Minds Wide Open to create a new program, Latitude, which strives to offer creative direct care and community inclusion to those considered to have a disability.

Three months ago Latitude began offering a ``day habilitation'' program based at Mecca, 209 North Limestone, a downtown dance studio/community arts space. Latitude offers flexible, ongoing services three days a week; its 10 clients can drop in for a few hours or for as many visits as they like. It also offers enriched programming at area adult day programs, including Lexington's Close to Home and Frankfort's Everyday Matters. It also can add additional clients.

At 27, Bader is now co-owner of a business and is working in a challenging field, something she never likely imagined for herself.

``I feel honored that I've been led into this field,'' Bader said. ``It's hard work, but it's work that really does have a reward. Lexington can't do without us. We're serving people and giving people what they really need -- community exposure and self-esteem. We truly believe in the potential of all people.''

Latitude, as its name indicates, offers a wider vision than just exposure to the arts, though that is also a main component. ``Latitude's focus is on finding a person's story and connecting that person to the community,'' Bader said.

She is already deeply connected to the people she works with, as they are with her.

``She's genuinely caring and kind,'' said Melissa Amaral, 32, who was working on a watercolor painting at Latitude on a recent morning. ``She's always helping me.''

Burris, Bader's Latitude partner, said Bader brings some important skills to the program.

``I think she's a critical thinker, which is all too rare in this field,'' Burris said. ``And she's kind. And she works like a horse. Those things sound boring, but they're not.''

Bader can easily list several achievements: Chris Heidgerd, one of Latitude's clients, recently began creating greeting cards with a house motif that are being sold at Third Street Stuff. One of the men Latitude works with in Frankfort, Charlie Clayton, has a show of skeleton drawings at the Transylvania University student gallery running through Monday.

She hopes to have Latitude clients ``experience spontaneity'' -- something that is not often offered in the structured settings where many disabled people live. Bader admits that offering the opportunity for spontaneity takes a great deal of energy as well.

``The door is the key to the community,'' Bader said. She and Burris often take the group everyplace from galleries to the public library to coffeehouses.

``The response is activity versus inactivity, interest versus disinterest. I really think we've created something people will remember 10 years from now.''

Mosaic speaks volumes about young artisans

By DAVE LAVENDER - The Herald-Dispatch, Huntington, WV, Friday, Aug. 17, 2001
lavender@herald-dispatch.com

HUNTINGTON -- Before her Tuesday night tennis match at Ritter Park, Lois Cloke stopped to stare for a while at the plain green wall base of the tennis courts.

It’s not some wacky pre-match ritual. It is just that the plain green wall isn’t plain green any longer.

It is a beautiful, colorful flowing mosaic created by a dozen youths in the ArtWorks and Operation Right Choice program.

The youths, ages 11 to 18, have been working for a week and a half on the project, which is a joint effort of the Huntington Housing Authority and the Huntington Museum of Art.

Viewed from across Fourpole Creek, the shards of mirror placed among the mosaic’s sea of tile glitter and shine like scattered diamonds in the spotlight of the orange evening sun.

"Visual eye candy," says Crystal Bader, one of the adult helpers, eyeing the flowing marble (as in shooting marbles) -topped mosaic.

Up close, you can see the colorful mosaic made up of a rainbow of colorful crushed tiles depicts a story that the youths wrote collectively. 

The story, "My Life," depicts among the healthy life images: a happy home (with a rainbow tucked inside), an apple for good nutrition, a diploma to depict education, a car to represent travel and experiences and a face to represent future. Folk artist Bruce Burris, of Lexington, Ky., has been overseeing the project with Marshall University art professor Jonathan Cox. Those two artists have been teamed up since last summer with the group for an ArtWorks project at the museum. That project produced a colorful 17-foot aluminum wheel sculpture that is mounted onto the brick wall side of the museum.

 

Tim Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch

This is one of the mosaics being created by members of Operation Right Choice and ArtWorks programs

 

Tim Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch

A large smiling face overlooks Joseph Bailey as he works on a mosaic on the wall by the Ritter Park tennis courts. Bailey and others have designed and created the large mosaic

 
A second ArtWorks project, Building Blocks, a 29-foot-tall, four-sided stacked cube steel sculpture by the 6th Street Bridge, won the young art students national recognition from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment. The Huntington Housing Authority and the Museum of Art received a National Merit Award for that project.

Covered in a day’s worth of dust and specks of grout, Burris said he is proud of what the kids have created.

"The kids designed it, and I think it really stands out as a piece of art," Burris said, working on an Italian fountain design that surrounds the court’s drain where storm water tumbles down and out after a rain. "The cool thing is that it really is a first-class piece of art."

The youths have been working from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. daily since Aug. 9. Some have returned later on some days to work, wanting to see the project done.

Quenlan Pleasant, 15, of Huntington stopped by on his bike to let Burris know he would be back later on Tuesday evening to do some more work fitting the jagged tile into the greater picture like a puzzle piece.

Pleasant said he just couldn’t stay away.

"It’s interesting," he said. "It keeps me active and out of trouble. It’s something to do."

Burris said he was inspired by the youths’ dedication, especially in last week’s searing heat.

"The most incredible thing is that they were coming," Burris said laughing. "I think I was the only one that had seen a mosaic. But after the first day they saw the images taking shape and they got excited."

Bob Swan donated some of the tiles. Some were bought and about $300 in materials was spent on the mural, which is set to be finished today. The presence of the mural, which runs about 30 feet down one side of the tennis courts and about 10 feet in the front, is felt.

The endless ribbon of Ritter Park walkers have stopped to smile, ask questions and even join in. Two, Shelley and Nancy Muth, have stayed and are now coming each day to help.

"It’s opening minds," Burris said. "It is rekindling old art flames that have been dying for people. It gets people talking."

 

Sharing gifts

People 'thought to have disabilities' show their ability to create

Philip Case, State Journal Columnist

Susan Riddell Photos

The State Journal, Spectrum, June 10, 2001

Danny McNabb and Hannah Hart applaud Angela Elders after she reads her poem at a recent rehearsal.

They say it every time ... every time ... they refer to those of our fellow human beings on this planet to whom we once referred as "retarded," and then "mentally challenged," among other things even less complimentary. 

"These folks are people just like us,'' said Bruce Burris, "and they're ‘people thought to have disabilities.’” 

Burris and his associate, Crystal Bader, say - no, they insist - it's just plain wrong to "label'' people. After all, we all have some sort of "disability,'' and we’re supposed to be "normal."   

Burris and Bader are the founders of "Latitude," a company that works with "people thought to have disabilities." While based in Lexington, the pair comes to Frankfort a day and a half each week to work with clients at Everyday Matters on Broadway, a program operated by  Kelly Hawkins, Virginia Brislin and others that seeks to keep people out of institutions and in their communities. 

 

 

Joe McNabb, above listens as Bruce Burris offers suggestions to poetry readers. Below, Hanna Hart reads her poem as Crystal Bader helps her with certain words.

Today at 4:30, some of the fruits of their labors will be offered to the public as their students of Latitude and Everyday Matters read original poetry at the Coffeetree Cafe, 235 Broadway.   

I heard some of the poems as they practiced last week. Their work lent a great deal of weight to the notion that these folks are thought to have disabilities. 

Formerly associated with Minds Wide Open in Lexington, Burris and Bader formed Latitude a few months ago. 

Latitude, according to a recent article in Lexington's Ace Magazine by Mark Heidinger, exists as "... a mobile think tank aimed at collaborating with various programs in the Central Kentucky area to provide outlets for expression for individuals considered by some to have a disability.'' 

Gathered around tables at Everyday Matters, people thought to have disabilities do artwork, laugh and talk, write poetry, and enjoy each other's company. When I dropped in they invited me to join them at a table and view some of their work. 

"We appreciate the new perspective they bring to each day,'' said Bader, almost 27, a recreational therapist with a degree from Eastern Kentucky University. 

Burris, described by Ace as an "artist/activist,” is either 45 or 46. He's been around, having come to Lexington seven years ago after 20 years or so in San Francisco. His wife is the Aging Services Coordinator for Fayette County. 

Burris veritably bubbles with excitement when he talks about Latitude and what it can offer. 

"The problem." said Burris, "is that people who work with people thought to have disabilities just don't see what's there. We want to show; the world the great potential and abilities in these folks.''  

It was Burris' enthusiasm that first attracted Bader to his program. 

"I got off an elevator one day at a place where I was working and here comes this man down the hall waving his arm’s, all excited about what he was doing," she said, offering an element of calm to, the obviously compatible duo. ''I knew that was the kind of' person I wanted to work with.   

“I thought ' what an enthusiastic man!’” 

Bader said Latitude is all about realizing "ability, not disability.   

"We see the potential in all people and want to help others recognize this."   

It's unfortunate the whole world doesn’t  view dealing with others who aren’t exactly like us in a similar fashion, celebrating the heterogeneous nature of this Creation instead of constantly seeking homogeneity. 

Like any teachers, Burris and Bader tryu to bring the best out of people thought to have disabilities, especially with writing poetry. 

First of all they listen. 

"Then we ask questions and allow them to tell their stories,'' Burris said, "it must be their story and it takes support to get it out of them."  

''Poetry,” added Bader, “is a wonderful  way to tell a story without coming out and saying it (in prose). It's very positive; very realistic.” 

And, of course, the arts provide a "release," no matter if that ''art” is visual or word-oriented. 

"The dam just breaks,'' said Bader. 

"We want to help these people thought to have disabilities take their gifts and show them to the community,” said Burris. "This is not about disabilities, it's about talented people." 

Here’s a poem that will be read today: 

“You are cute and beautiful

you are very pleasant

It’s hard to figure out

Just something strange

Just one of those things

Just something I’ve never done before.

I sky

Fly high

Try to fly high in the sky

You are very pleasant

It’s just the way it is.”

 

People with disabilities?

I must agree with Burris and Bader:

They’re only thought to have disabilities.

 
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - ACE MAGAZINE

A Little 'Latitude'
New program meets unique artistic needs
By Mark Heidinger


Crystal Bader and Bruce Burris have been busy bees...

If you're wondering what happened to artist/activist, Bruce Burris (well-known for his accomplishments at Minds Wide Open), he's been busy with a new venture - one that promises to have as wide an impact as all Burris's efforts.

Chances are, you've never read any poetry by Barbara Moore. In fact, she's quite new to the trade. Not so much by choice, but by situation. As an individual considered by some to have a disability, Barbara hasn't been given many opportunities to speak, or be heard. Well, things are changing. Thanks to the endless efforts of Minds Wide Open creator Bruce Burris and his associate Crystal Bader, Barbara has already begun to experience the benefits of Latitude, Lexington's latest vehicle to empower, connect, and enrich individuals and communities within Central Kentucky and beyond.

On Monday, April 16th, Burris and company will publicly unveil Latitude at Lynagh's Music Emporium hoping to raise both awareness and start-up costs for this much-needed program.

Latitude's Mission

After amicably parting ways with Minds Wide Open several months ago, Lexington artist/activist Bruce Burris and recreational therapist Crystal Bader began the groundwork for Latitude. In its current form, Latitude exists as a mobile think tank aimed at collaborating with various programs in the Central Kentucky area to provide outlets for expression for individuals considered by some to have a disability. In its fully realized form, Latitude will serve as a prominent voice in a national dialogue influencing local, regional, and national communities with an emphasis on empowering and listening to each individual's story. In discussing the potential benefits of Latitude, Burris says, "We must motivate both sides to connect the fragmented parts." Helping others become proactive is great. A receptive audience is even better.

So far the response has been promising. In just eight weeks, Latitude's collaborative efforts with Everyday Matters, a day program serving those thought to be disabled, have led to a public poetry reading at the Kentucky Coffee Tree Café in Frankfort, Kentucky. Two months ago, no one had heard the stories of Hannah Hart, Amanda Jones, Clifford Gritton or Barbara Moore, at least not from their perspectives. By encouraging and providing opportunities for these individuals to tell their own stories, Latitude and Everyday Matters enabled five previously 'silenced' individuals to tell their own stories.

In discussing the wonders of unrealized potential, Burris exclaims, "Thirty random people with 'disabilities' show up at a recreational art program. Three will have the ability to have an art career! Thirty refined MFA students? Maybe one will have a chance. 'Disabled' individuals have the unique ability to live outside the box; they've developed this skill out of necessity."

However, thinking outside the box, Burris explains, is a skill that can be learned. By enabling those considered disabled, the community's collective identity grows. "Right now we are all losers because we haven't heard these stories yet. But by becoming aware, we can reconnect with the community." Barbara Moore writes, "Wings/ They can fly anywhere" but "Opened black eyes mean/ Nothing nothing." Awareness is everything.

Disabled or Unique?

In the context of Latitude, 'disabled' interestingly begins to lose meaning. It certainly doesn't seem to apply in the case of Barbara Moore and those associated with Everyday Matters. Burris beams, "No one gift from one person is greater than another. We are all connected, and we all lose equally when individuals aren't all given the chance of expression." The passion with which Bruce works is evident in his words. Enthusiastic by any measure of the term, Burris, along with Bader, doesn't mind devoting his time, energy, soul and money to Latitude. In his opinion, "We should all expect to give to the community. We shouldn't expect a pat on the back; assume that you're doing the right thing."

Latitude's Fundraiser will be held at Lynagh's on Monday, April 16th from 7:30-11:00 PM. Admission is $5.00. Info, 859.254.6736. The fundraiser will include a silent auction sponsored by Isle of You, Mecca, and 3rd Street Stuff, as well as song and dance by Catawampus Universe, Club Dub, Rakadu Gypsy Dancers, and the Flamenco Dancers.
l Angel

By Barbara Moore

She looks neat

With all the colors on her

Different colors

Red pink blue orange black

Wings

They can fly anywhere

A bird is like an angel

They both can fly anywhere

Opened black eyes mean

Nothing nothing

Her hands are shut

That is all I know
 

 

 

 
 
Published Thursday, January 10, 2002, in the Herald-Leader

She's got a can-do Latitude

Recreation therapist helps disabled connect with community, their own talents

By Barbara Isaacs
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Crystal Bader was working as a recreation therapist with a Lexington adult day care organization when she heard her calling -- loud and clear.

It was the voice of Lexington artist Bruce Burris, who was then at Minds Wide Open art center, an arts program for the disabled that he founded.

``I stepped off the elevator, and there was this loud -- and some people might say, obnoxious -- voice,'' Bader said with a smile. ``He was just full of enthusiasm -- he was exciting, he was positive. I knew I stumbled onto something great. It was all about seeing the potential of the people he served.''

Bader, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, soon became assistant director at Minds Wide Open. Then, nearly a year ago -- the anniversary is Jan. 26 -- she and Burris left Minds Wide Open to create a new program, Latitude, which strives to offer creative direct care and community inclusion to those considered to have a disability.

Three months ago Latitude began offering a ``day habilitation'' program based at Mecca, 209 North Limestone, a downtown dance studio/community arts space. Latitude offers flexible, ongoing services three days a week; its 10 clients can drop in for a few hours or for as many visits as they like. It also offers enriched programming at area adult day programs, including Lexington's Close to Home and Frankfort's Everyday Matters. It also can add additional clients.

At 27, Bader is now co-owner of a business and is working in a challenging field, something she never likely imagined for herself.

``I feel honored that I've been led into this field,'' Bader said. ``It's hard work, but it's work that really does have a reward. Lexington can't do without us. We're serving people and giving people what they really need -- community exposure and self-esteem. We truly believe in the potential of all people.''

Latitude, as its name indicates, offers a wider vision than just exposure to the arts, though that is also a main component. ``Latitude's focus is on finding a person's story and connecting that person to the community,'' Bader said.

She is already deeply connected to the people she works with, as they are with her.

``She's genuinely caring and kind,'' said Melissa Amaral, 32, who was working on a watercolor painting at Latitude on a recent morning. ``She's always helping me.''

Burris, Bader's Latitude partner, said Bader brings some important skills to the program.

``I think she's a critical thinker, which is all too rare in this field,'' Burris said. ``And she's kind. And she works like a horse. Those things sound boring, but they're not.''

Bader can easily list several achievements: Chris Heidgerd, one of Latitude's clients, recently began creating greeting cards with a house motif that are being sold at Third Street Stuff. One of the men Latitude works with in Frankfort, Charlie Clayton, has a show of skeleton drawings at the Transylvania University student gallery running through Monday.

She hopes to have Latitude clients ``experience spontaneity'' -- something that is not often offered in the structured settings where many disabled people live. Bader admits that offering the opportunity for spontaneity takes a great deal of energy as well.

``The door is the key to the community,'' Bader said. She and Burris often take the group everyplace from galleries to the public library to coffeehouses.

``The response is activity versus inactivity, interest versus disinterest. I really think we've created something people will remember 10 years from now.''