Diversity Fellow Project, Benny Kasto
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD)
I am the father of seven children, and I hope they and all children on the reservation can grow up happy and healthy.
Through this fellowship, I learned more about FASD including the symptoms, treatments, and importance of early intervention. I also learned about resources available through the Center for Disabilities.
The purpose of my project is to help people identify symptoms of FASD and encourage them to get help. To accomplish this, I read more about FASD and decided which information was most important to share. I also identified resources that are available. I worked with a graphic designer to come up with a document that could be easily picked up and taken home. I distributed this item throughout the reservations in places where children, young adults and grandparents could easily find them. I also met with the appropriate people who work for Indian Health Services; I met with both tribes as well as tribe members who come in contact with people affected by FASD.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) [download]
Project Narrative
1. Please describe your activities during your Fellowship experience. Describe your final capstone project(s).
During my Fellowship, I traveled to the Pierre and learned more about legislative efforts related to mental health issues. Last year, for example, the legislature was drafting laws related to mentally handicapped people in jail. In Pierre, I also met the social services director and learned about projects they have related to Native Americans. I traveled to Sioux Falls and met USD staff members. I learned more about their jobs and how everything comes together to help those with disabilities.
The purpose of my final project is to help people identify symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and encourage them to get help. To accomplish this, I read more about FASD and decided which information was most important to share. I also identified resources that are available. I worked with a graphic designer to come up with a document that could be easily picked up and taken home. I distributed this item throughout the reservations in places where children, young adults and grandparents could easily find them. I also met with the appropriate people who work for Indian Health Services and both tribes and who come in contact with people affected by FASD.
2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
My project will reach young parents, those who have FASD, foster parents, and grandparents of those who have from FASD. My informational document will help them identify signs of FASD and tell them where to go for help.
3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
FASD is a factor in the fact that the number of Native kids in special education is double the national average. In addition, American Indian students are three times as likely as other kids to drop out of school. As the father of seven children, and I hope they and all children on the reservation can grow up happy and healthy.
4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
Through this Fellowship, I learned so much about disabilities both mental and physical. It’s given me a whole new perspective on how I work with people I encounter through my work studies in criminal justice.
This experience steered me toward working with people rather than against them, especially those facing a criminal situation. I will see them in a more positive way rather than just as a criminal. I will consider that there might be less obvious reasons for their criminal activity.
6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
My future goals include attending law school. I would like to work as a public defender, helping people with mental and physical challenges.
7. What recommendations do you have for other Fellows?
I encourage other Fellows to follow their hearts. Find your passion and go with it. There are so many opportunities through this Fellowship, so find your passion and go with what fits you.