A Key May Be The Key

It seemed like a simple request. “I want a key to the front door.” Don’t most adults have a key to their home? Well, not if you have a developmental disability and you live in a group home. Staff had been told to record every request made by the persons at the home so this was recorded. “I want a key to the front door.” Oh my gosh, the discussion that happened over the next several days could have caused some strokes. “What if he looses the key?” “He can’t even put the key in the hole.” And on an don…..But finally, in a flash of humanity, Josh got a key to his home.

It was a simple request. No one really knew what an important request it was. After receiving his key, Josh got a lanyard for his key and wore it proudly around his neck (like many of the staff did). He showed it to his friends and everyone he knew and said, “My key, my home”. Those at his home and day program noticed something else too. Josh was happier. Josh got along with others better. Josh didn’t loose his temper like he had for so many years.

Yes, it was a simple request. A key. But what do keys represent? Freedom….independence…ownership….responsibility. A key was given. A ‘behavior program’ was dropped. A human being felt more valued. We are glad that Josh asked for a key and we are very glad that someone listened and understood. It may have been the key to happiness.

We were sharing the above story at a workshop for employees at an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities when a two people in the audience started looking at each other. It was one of those looks when you know there is something important they have been reminded of. One of the staff shared this story with the rest of us. “John collects keys. Lots of keys. At first we thought it was just a simple collection. Then we found out that he had been locked in a closet when he was younger. His key collection means he can get out of closed spaces. His keys mean he is safe.” Sometimes, a key is not just a key.