12 • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5,2002
Left: The happiness Nicole McCune, Ottawa graduate student, brings to Michelle is obvious when the two take time out to play around. Nicole has only been with Cottonwood for a few weeks but a strong bond has already developed between her and the women.
Above: While packing for a trip to New York, Connie became frustrated after misplacing her new hair brush. Nicole reminded Connie to stay calm and not panic. Connie eventually found her brush.
Lending a helping hand
Photos by Aaron Showalter
Cottonwood, Inc. is a company that provides care for people with developmental disabilities. They manage several houses in Lawrence that provide a stable residence for their clients. Although the type and severity of disabilities with which they deal varies typically the clients have some degree of mental retardation and/or Downs Syndrome. Cottonwood provides assistance with day-to-day living and teaches clients ways take care of themselves.
Nicole McCune had been
with Cottonwood for about two months at the time of the photos, but she has worked with a developmentally disabled population for about nine years.
She developed a strong rapport with the four women who lived in the house where she worked. Whether she was keeping one of them focused on the task at hand, or correcting a mistake made, or just joking around and being a friend to these women.
She is a graduate student in social welfare.
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Left: Pat tires easily and often needs a nap to regain her strength. The house cat, Tigra, is closest with Pat, and keeps her company as she rests in her room.
Above: When traveling, the group clusters around Nicole, who leads them through the task at hand. Here, the gang reviews its shopping list at WalMart, a regular shopping spot.