Bonita & Estero Magazine

SAW Workshop participants at their tasks

Sensitivity Awareness Workshop, Inc.

Sometimes, returning home to the place where you grew up is the fulfillment of a dream. And sometimes, once you return, new dreams are born and realized.
Lisa Cronin Miller knows about dreams. She grew up along the Estero River from 1970-1982, happy years that are firmly planted in her memory. She and her family moved to the Washington D.C. area, where she met and married Ray Miller in 1988. But to Lisa, Estero was always home; she dreamed of returning some day.

In 2002, that dream was fulfilled. Lisa and Ray sold everything and moved, along with their children, back to Lisa’s beloved Estero. Here, in the town where she grew up, Lisa found herself with a new dream, one born from a difficult personal challenge.

Rachal Miller and her teacher, Jill Bonnell

She became determined to enlighten typical students about their special needs peers after an eye-opening experience as a middle school volunteer. In August 2003, Lisa was volunteering at Bonita Springs Middle School’s first dance. “As I anticipated the dance I smiled to myself,” she says, “remembering my first dance at this very school in 1978. My daughter Rachal (a special needs youngster) and her Exceptional Student Education (ESE) class were invited to attend the dance along with hundreds of other typical children from the middle school.”

The music was loud and inviting, and Rachal and her classmates were bouncing and dancing as they entered the cafeteria. As Lisa and Rachal’s teacher, Jill Bonnell, encouraged the ESE children to stay together in a group, Lisa was shocked at the reactions of the other children. “They stared at us with unbelievable expressions. Some made faces and negative comments about the ESE children. Others laughed and imitated Rachal and her classmates. Tears stung my eyes as I watched in horror as these typical children had no compassion or understanding for my daughter and her ESE classmates.”

“I cannot begin to share my level of frustration,” she continues. “I wasn’t angry at the typical students’ ignorance- I felt they were missing out on knowing some of the most profoundly beautiful people that God has ever created. These special children are just like the regular kids in every way, but have a disability or label that keeps them separated and at a distance.”

As Lisa and Jill took the ESE children back to their classroom before their buses picked them up, a few of the typical boys imitated them in horrible ways.

SAW is Born
“I realized at that moment that I had to share Rachal’s story with these students,” Lisa recalls. “I believed that if they could just hear the circumstances surrounding Rachal’s life, they would look at Rachal, and others like her, in a new and compassionate way.”

Lisa suggested to Jill that what these typical students needed was an opportunity to experience a disability. This experience would enable them to have compassion for those diagnosed with exceptional needs or learning disabilities. “Jill’s excitement prompted me to formulate a concept for the Sensitivity Awareness Workshop (SAW). She encouraged me to meet with the Principal of Bonita Springs Middle School. He was equally enthusiastic, and encouraged us to schedule our first workshop.”

Changing Hearts, One at a Time
Each Workshop begins with a group of 30 to 40 participants in a relaxed setting. The Workshop Instructor introduces a DVD of Rachal’s life. (She is the inspiration for the program, and has been diagnosed with mental retardation, autistic tendencies, global developmental delays and epilepsy. She was born typical, just like most of the people in the Workshop.)

Participants are broken up into groups of 3 or 4 and given 10 different tasks that simulate a physical, mental or learning disability. After they have experienced all 10 tasks, they gather together to discuss and share their feelings.

Lisa says that Response to the Sensitivity Awareness Workshop by students, teachers and guidance counselors has been overwhelmingly positive. What began as a Workshop program for Rachal’s school has now become a full-time business for Lisa. They plan on bringing their Workshop to all 1st -to 12th graders.

Today, Lisa is building a foundation of understanding and compassion in students throughout Lee County. Just recently, the Chamber of Southwest Florida partnered with SAW to bring this life-changing program to employees and organizations throughout our region. And Lisa’s dream, to change one heart at a time, is being realized.

For more information about the Sensitivity Awareness Workshop, Inc., visit the Miller’s website: www.sawoneheart.com.

SAW of SWFL, Inc. is a Florida 501(c)3 Non Profit Corporation. All gifts of cash or securities are fully tax deductible under IRS law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
© 2003 Sensitivity Awareness Workshop of Southwest Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved.