Hi Everyone,

Devina thought this would be orientation week. She had no idea just how serious Corey is about working in a culinary environment!

Day 2 was another success. The greatest comment came from Dr. Cole Galloway to Caitlin as they watched Corey restocking forks and spoons, “I love watching her smile”.

Notes for the day;

Walking achievement;

1st try:(secured in the harness but not holding the forearm cane)Corey used her right hand to guide/brace/balance on the counter-tops as she walked from the back of the cafe to the front counter.
2nd try: Holding/walking with a cup in her LEFT hand, she used her right hand to guide/brace/balance along the counter-tops to serve a customer
3rd try: Holding/walking with a cup in BOTH hands she walked directly across the center space of the cafe…3rd times the charm!

Socialization; Corey’s shift is during the lunch rush. She met several of the ‘regular’s’ that frequent the cafe. She introduced herself and engaged in conversation with many of them. Everyone was very welcoming.

Cognitive/Visual achievement;
Corey made her first salad. Caitlin was lucky enough to be her customer.
Corey’s new glasses are truly helping. Not only can she see clearly, she is not complaining of the usual daily headaches. Corey is learning the register. With verbal ques from her co-worker, she managed the computer touch-screen with ease.

Corey (speaking to Caitlin) that will be 6.49 please
Caitlin handed Corey her a mix of currency and coins
Corey carefully counted and entered the amount received and when the drawer opened, she placed each dollar and coin in the correct section without any verbal ques! This may not seem like much but if you remember, I mentioned yesterday Corey didn’t recognize the front of any currency. Well, she also has not been able to recognize or identify any coins! Is it a new connection or the glasses? We don’t know and quite frankly…we don’t care.
After the sale was complete she closed the drawer, smiled at Caitlin and said, “All done”!
Caitlin laughed out loud. “This feels like we’re playing store but it’s for real…with real money”!

Standing achievement; 90 minutes and she walked out to the car after the end of the shift!

Tomorrow is the last day of her first week. Devina wants to take some videos of Corey working on specific tasks to use as a comparison to achievements we expect to see in the next several weeks.

This cafe is an amazing experience not only for Corey but for our family. One of the best parts of this experience is watching Corey’s confidence build as she works/stands and walks in the cafe knowing she cannot fall and can do anything that is asked of her.

We are so excited and will continue to share our notes with all of you, xoxo