Community Forum

Community Profile: Naomi Gongola - Music and Special Education Teacher

Several of the 17 bands and solo musicians selected for the Justice Music Project (JMP) (see page 7) told Equip for Equality the story of their connections with disability rights issues. One of them is Naomi Gongola, a singer/songwriter and special education teacher living in California. Her song, "Inside the Mirror," about the endurance of kindness and spirit, is track 12 on the JMP CD.

Naomi Gongola, Musician and Special Education Teacher How did you first get involved in disability issues?

I worked as a counselor with adults at a daycare facility. For the most part, it was great. Their disabilities ranged from mental health problems to behavioral issues, and every day was a new challenge. When we would drop them off at their respective homes at the end of the day, it was sad because they were all abandoned by their families and forced to live in group homes that were questionable. Our daycare program was fun and lively, so at the very least, we gave them a break from their living conditions. The most important thing in life is to have fun ... dancing and singing and playing music and going bowling ... the perfect ingredients for health!

I started teaching about three years ago in the special education programs in California. Mostly, I'm involved with students between the ages of three and seven, but I have spent time in the post-grad classes, where the students go out into the comm unity and they hold jobs and mainstream with other young adults at the junior college. Every single human being is so different, and that truth is especially apparent while working in special education. Certain students may need assistance walking, while others haven't developed speech yet, or fine motor skills ... some have debilitating diseases, where their days are numbered, and I wonder if they'll be around next year. This happened last semester, and it was truly heartbreaking.

As a special education teacher, what do you find is the area of greatest need for your students?

Good teachers! They're a dying breed. The teachers I know are saints and give themselves fully to their jobs. Meanwhile, they're getting their benefits stripped away, and starting salaries are dropping. A healthy teacher can find the energy in the day to make a huge difference in a child's life, one that will change the child forever. However, teachers that are burnt out and "checked out" just go through the motions, and school turns into a babysitting clinic. ... It's sad.

How does your music relate to disability issues or human rights?

I bring music into the classroom on a daily basis. After we finish up with our academics, we sit in a circle for music. I play the guitar and sing songs that help with basic learning, such as colors, numbers, days of the week, etc. It is a fun way to learn important things, and the students remember me from the songs that I bring to class. One student I hadn't seen in a year came right up and sang, "The sky is blue and the clouds are white; sometimes they are gray when there's rain in sight." I melted. We involve sign language with music as well. It helps draw the kids in so they are actively participating and lets the children who don't verbally communicate have a voice within the group. One day, I will produce a children's album. ...All the parents are asking for one.

Letters

Dear Ms. Naiditch,

I want to thank Equip for Equality for assisting my brother, Joseph Pulice, and me in having him labeled as developmentally disabled this past March, 2005, so that he can receive the services through Medicaid Waiver.

It took months and the determination, professionalism and knowledge of Carmelita Garcia and Barry Lowy to accomplish this goal.

We are very grateful to Carmelita Garcia[-Kayes], Barry Lowy and Equip for Equality for giving Joe the opportunity to receive the services he needs and deserves to live his life to the fullest. Please accept my gift so that others may receive the assistance they, too, need and deserve from an organization totally committed to helping those who cannot help themselves.

Sincerely,
Rosemary Pulice
Sister Guardian

Dear Equalizer,

On behalf of our son, Paul Ores, whom you recently represented in a claim against PACE, we would like to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to you and Kevin Irvine for the wonderful job he did in restoring Paul's ridership with PACE.

Paul lost his riding privileges, which he uses to go back and forth to work, due to alleged misconduct. Mr. Irvine dealt with the problem quickly and efficiently and resolved the issue so that Paul's transportation is now restored. We cannot tell you in words how much this has meant to Paul and to us. Without transportation, Paul would not be able to go to work and the future would be very uncertain for him. Our deepest appreciation to Kevin Irvine and Equip for Equality.

Sincerely,
Louise Ores

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