Welcome!

Welcome!

 Dear Readers,

I'm thrilled to welcome you to my blog, Invitations: Reading and Meaning Beyond Definition, born from a simple belief: that our ability to connect, understand, and find joy with one another transcends age, ability, current cognition, and diagnoses.

As an advocate for compassionate care and a student of pioneering approaches like those of Oliver James, Teepa Snow, Tom Kitwood and Allen Power, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of meeting people where they are, honoring their essence, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement. 

 The Power of Invitation

At the heart of this blog is the concept of invitation. Each post, each idea shared here, is an invitation - to see differently, to engage creatively, and to connect more deeply with those in our care and in our lives. When we extend an invitation, we welcome others into the human conversation, something that we all need and seek out at every stage of our lives.

 Reading Beyond Words

A central theme will be exploring how we can 'read' and connect through literature and art, even when traditional forms of engagement may no longer be accessible. We'll delve into the world of simplified classics and adaptive art, not as lesser versions of the originals, but as bridges to continued engagement and expression. The thirst for beauty and connection never leaves us.

Meaning Beyond Definition

 Here, we challenge the notion that cognitive changes define a person's ability to find and create meaning. We'll explore how emotions, sensory experiences, and personal history continue to shape our interactions and relationships, often in beautiful and surprising ways. We’ll witness dazzling third and fourth acts and moments that sometimes take our breath away!

 Honoring the Whole Person

 This blog is dedicated to seeing the whole person - not just their current abilities or challenges, but their lifelong passions, their unique personalities, and their inherent dignity. We'll share stories, strategies, and insights for nurturing these essential aspects of selfhood. Please feel free to share yours, as well.

 Creating Connections

 Whether you're a professional care partner, a family member, or someone interested in more compassionate and creative human interaction, you'll find ideas here for fostering deeper connections. We'll explore how shared experiences with adapted literature and art can open new windows to communication and understanding.

A Community of Care

 This blog is not just a platform for sharing my thoughts - it's an invitation to you, dear reader, to join in this exploration. Your experiences, insights, and questions will be integral to our conversation.

 In posts to come, we'll look more closely into specific strategies, share real-life stories, and offer practical tips for using literature and art as tools for connection. We'll explore how simplified classics can reignite a love of reading, how adaptive art can spark creativity, and how these shared experiences can transform our relationships and our understanding of what it means to care for one another.

I invite you to join me in this exploration of reading and meaning beyond diagnoses, beyond definition. Together, let's discover new ways to engage, to share, and to celebrate the enduring human spirit.

 Welcome to our community. I'm honored to have you here.

 With warmth,

Laurette Klier, M.ED, CDP, CSA, iCST