Erik
CSI was asked to support Erik five years ago, and he moved to a CSI-supported home of four men. Erik, a young man with multiple diagnoses, had a history of physical aggression that escalated when he would get “stuck” verbally while trying to communicate. Staff quickly recognized Erik’s strengths and likes, using this input to create his Individual Support Plan. Over the past five years, Erik’s behavior has improved dramatically. He participates in various preferred activities: attending church and professional sporting events, bowling, as well as playing basketball and golf.
While Erik likes to participate in these activities, it was evident to his staff that Erik liked music and really liked to sing. He would sing songs in the shower, while riding in a car, and while relaxing at his home. It just so happened that many staff members of the home are band musicians. Robert and Damien, two staff members who have supported Erik for several years, brought their guitars to work several times over the last year so Erik could sing along while they played a tune of his choice. Erik seemed to really enjoy himself.
In early 2007, the same band members showed Erik a video of one of their performances. Erik seemed very impressed that the people with whom he worked regularly could sound so outstanding and told his staff that he wanted to make a music video of his own. Erik advised staff what song he wanted to sing -- a great tune by Waylon Jennings titled “Good OL’ Boys”. Robert, Damien and Antwoine (a third bandsman on staff) learned how to play the song and practiced with Erik. Erik already knew the lyrics, just needing to work on his rhythm and tempo. Erik was very much involved in how he wanted the song to be played.
After approximately one week of practice, Erik said he was ready. James, Program Manager of Erik’s home, set up his video camera to record the big performance. After one week of hard work, it took Erik only three takes to perform the song in the way he liked it best. When Erik watched the video he seemed so happy. He wanted to watch the video over and over. He invited his housemates to watch the video with him. They also seemed impressed. The first recording worked out so well that Erik is currently working on another hit single. In the meantime, Erik’s performance of “Good OL’ Boys” can be viewed at www.myspace.com/eriksings.