Independent Living For People With Disabilities Gets $7.5 Million Boost

By Michelle Diament January 7, 2011 Text Size  A  A

Nearly 1,000 Americans with disabilities will be able to leave institutions and move into the community, federal officials said Thursday, thanks to a first-of-its-kind initiative providing both housing assistance and support services.

The program is the result of a unique partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services. Together the agencies will provide $7.5 million worth of rental assistance vouchers in addition to health care and support services to ensure that community living is truly possible.

Mother with Aspergers shares insight into autistic behaviors

An Article Found at: "Autistic Self-Advocacy Network"

"Melody is not only raising two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), she also lives with one herself. Like my 7-year-old son Ethan, Melody lives with Asperger's Syndrome. Thanks to her unique point of view, Melody often has very helpful ideas and suggestions for other parents raising kids living with ASD.


Click "read more" to complete the article 

Adaptive Technologies with RJ Cooper

RJ Cooper is a guru in the field of adaptive technology and the severely impaired, autistically impaired population.  RJ has been developing adaptive technology solutions for years and his expertise in connecting with and drawing out even the severely impaired person is phenomenal.


This coming Monday and Tuesday, December 13th and 14th, RJ Howard will be in Cass County, MI to present adaptive technology that has been developed specifically for people with special needs.  The conference is free and truly worthwhile.  The flyer is below:

               Lewis Cass Intermediate School District

61682 Dailey Road

                                                     Providing Services Today For A Better Tomorrow         Cassopolis, Michigan  49031-9648

Fax (269) 445-2981

Brookside Fax (269) 445-6253

North Pointe Fax (269) 782-7727

Web: //www.lewiscassisd.or

Lewis Cass ISD

Presents

Adaptive Technologies with RJ Cooper

*Researcher and developer for persons with disabilities since 1984

*Authored many software titles and developed several hardware adaptations

*Expertise ranges from mild to severe/profound developmental delays and learning and physical disabilities

*Lectures regularly at Adaptive Technology Conferences

*Author of column “Ask RJ” which appears in publication “Closing the Gap”

Monday, December 13:   A unique presentation will consist of his working with a variety of students with disabilities to help develop learning solutions for living.  This presentation will be held at North Pointe Center, 704 N. Orchard, Dowagiac, MI 49047 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Tuesday, December 14:  RJ will share his expertise and provide training in a computer lab with professionals and interested family members in software programs geared toward special learners.  This presentation will take place in the computer lab at North Pointe Center from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Visit RJ’s website at www.rjcooper.com.

This presentation welcomes parents and professionals.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided both days.  Computers and space are limited, so please reserve your name as soon as possible. 

***FREE***

Call or email to Register: Diane Schultz (269) 445-6250 dschultz@lewiscassisd.org.

 

Independent Living - Alternative Options

The following is an article from NPR:

What do you think -  Should a 22 year old be living in a Nursing Home???

After a year in a nursing home, Mathew Harp got his wish and moved out. He now lives in an Atlanta neighborhood with a woman who provides his attendant care.


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Kabuki Syndrome Camper...TRANSITIONS

Transitions.

For Nathan the transition from his family home to ‘his own place’ was easy, nothing to it. Nathan needed two things, his baby monitor and a dog. First he grabbed his baby monitor and put it next to the bed then told his mother that ‘every home needs a dog.’ Kabuki Syndrome Mom put a basket of stuffed dogs in the camper and the dog requirement was fulfilled, home sweet home to Nathan. What more could he need?

The transition to the camper was a bit more difficult for Kabuki Syndrome Mom. Nathan was unable to manage his medications, grooming, or schedule and what about at night, how would that go? Nathan had never slept more than a few hours a night, the rest of the night he was always up and about.

Living with Down's...real life story

Deb heard about this blog and what we were trying to do to connect, inform, and encourage parents in the area of options available to people with multiple/severe disabilities.  Deb sat down with me to share what many would call a “success story” about the life of her 36-year-old daughter, Jenny, who has grown up with down’s syndrome.

Deb advocated, “There is so much more available now for these kinds of kids than there was 36 years ago.  As a parent, it’s up to you to find those things out.  What kind of life do you want for your child?” Deb shared about what it was like to have your first child be diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome; the anxiety, disappointment, joys, fears, and determination one must have to overcome each obstacle.  She and a group of mom’s with children that had special needs got together and began writing letters to the state asking for them to begin programs, schools, and services for their kids. 

For this family, it took them a while to learn that “Jenny wants to do the same things we want to do”.  Jenny attends camps in the summer where she horseback rides, swims, and meets new people (all favorite hobbies for Jenny).  It may be time to change our definition of “independence”.  So, what does that look like at home?

Growing Up

When Jenny reached her 30’s and attended her brother’s wedding, something inside of her changed.  All of the sudden the woman inside her bubbled up, and the desire to “grow up” emerged.  Now, Jenny hopes to be married someday.  To prepare her for her future, her parents have transformed their walk out basement to a master suite.  It has Jenny’s very own bedroom and bathroom, living room, TV and movies, laundry, but no kitchen.  Every afternoon when Jenny comes home from working at Gateway (an employment agency for people with special needs), she vacuums and cleans her apartment, watches some TV, and when her mom gets home from work she will come upstairs to have a cup of tea and visit before dinner.  When Dad comes home, all three get to work in the kitchen for a collaborated effort in making a meal!  The only problem with this set up, is when Mom and Dad are ready to go out on a date.  They will order Jenny dinner and a movie… but she will sneak upstairs and eat food out of the refrigerator!

Independent Living for People with a Disability

There are several living options for people with special needs regardless of whether the person has developmental disabilities, a brain injury, a physical limitation or is aging.  Knowing what is available and what’s been done in the past will help in choosing the right option for you and your loved one.

Following is a list of several traditional and creative living situations that provide varying levels of disabled support.  Later BLOGs will go into more detail on these different options but here is a basic overview, please post any independent living options you are aware of or would like us to investigate in future BLOGs.

1. Keeping your special needs loved one at home is a common choice.

At home you’ll know your loved one is well taken care of, many parents feel their disabled child (now adult) is their responsibility and don’t entertain the option of living outside the family home especially if the child is severely impaired.

Keeping a disabled loved one at home requires PLANNING to ensure that you can continue giving care without burning out. Also, that if for some reason you are unable to care for your loved one, there are supports in place.

2. Community Housing-Adult Foster Care (AFC) Homes

Adult foster care homes are a common living choice for people with disabilities.  AFC homes provide 24 hours 7 days a week care for residents.

There are many different AFC homes. The functional levels of the residents determine how most homes are organized.  When looking at AFC homes, try to find one with residents that are similar ages and levels of function to your loved one.

AFC homes often have community activities and socialization opportunities for the residents.  The socialization and recreational opportunities that AFC homes provide are a major benefit that many special needs residents truly enjoy.  Check and see if the home you are interested in has these options available.

Transitioning into an AFC home can be difficult for both the parent and the young adult.  Most AFC homes will allow prospective residents stay for an hour or two or a weekend prior to moving in.  Many people with special needs try a few different AFC’s on the weekends before deciding which AFC home is the best fit.

To find out more information on AFC homes contact your county’s branch of Community Mental Health.  Not all people with special needs are eligible for this type of service, however, if you are denied; it is your right to seek a second opinion. Don’t give up without a fight!  Know your rights, entitlements, and services available to you.   The following link lists rights and entitlements for Michigan residents. Click here to see Riverwood's support & services.

Click here to go to the link to AFC options in Michigan.

Creative Options

1. Parent Run Assisted Living.

On the east side of the grand state of Michigan, a few families got together and decided to share the responsibility among them.  Together, they rented an apartment for their three sons, all with special needs.  They take turns checking in on the boys, making meals, making sure that proper medicine is given, and overall safety.