An important component of the On Lok's model is to encourage participants in its programs to actively engage with their community as their authentic selves, sharing their talents, skills, and experiences with their own peer and across generations.
On Lok PACE participant Don Knipschield, a former reporter and editor, recently presented "Sign Language," a collection of surprising insights about living with hearing loss, inspired by the signage that most of us come across every day, but may not normally stop and really think about.
Writing has always been an important creative outlet for Don, who has sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and wears bilateral hearing aids. He previously authored a blog, Don's Café, a trove of poems and thoughtful observations about life, composed in his unique voice.
Wanting to share his work with others, he approached Activity Therapy staff with his idea for a presentation. Activity Leader Jane Wong played a key role in the project, helping him adapt the work, originally on paper, into PowerPoint slides that could be more accessible and visually engaging to other participants.
"What you learn about yourselves can be shared with others. People can make use of it by sharing their experience and articulating it," said Don.
For On Lok, supporting Don and other participants' self-expression is all about creating a place where people feel they can express themselves and do what brings them joy. The goal is to foster relationships and engagement in ways that honor each person's life story and their unique contributions to the world.
