Rick LaVoie is, in my opinion, the all time guru of learning disabilities. Rick has written several books that zero in on understanding and educating children with learning challenges and I’ve been fortunate to attend a number of his presentations.
Part of one of Rick’s talks dealt with what he called “the Hidden Agenda.” He stressed the need for parents and teachers to instruct their children about the specifics of what may occur in new situations because most with learning difficulties do not recognize nor decipher social nuances. He suggested that an actual book be prepared for students to study prior to entering the new setting, so they are apt to look and act less awkward and fit in more easily.
Since we moved to the Caribbean, I’ve decided that I could have benefited from a “Hidden Agenda” book. I would have loved to have had inside information on:
1. Washing your hands in most public restrooms (Usually, there is NO water at all connected to the hot water faucet. Also, there is no hot water in the hot water cycle in laundromats.)
2. Drying your hands in some public restrooms (You have to wave your hand over the right spot on SOME paper towel dispensers, but the “wave hand here” sticker is worn off. I’ve rescued a number of women I found staring at a dispenser.)
3. Depositing coins in vending machines (You have to “cock” coin with your index finger and give a spin, so it has a chance of rolling all the way in. I suspect that there’s corrosion building up from the island climate.)
4. Businesses do not necessarily open for business at the posted time.
5. If you need an immediate answer to a question (Stay with the person who’s getting the answer until you get it or days may pass.)
6. Inspect ALL bread for mold before you purchase it.
7. Smile and introduce yourself by first name to everyone (This greatly enhances your island experience especially with the locals and will usually get you a cold one faster.)
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