I've always been on my own since college, except for a year during grad school
and during my mother's last illness. I don't think I could live with another
person; I'm too set in my ways.

Kat

On Friday 07 November 2003 06:35 pm, you wrote:
> I live on my own & love it ;)!
>
> Cindy C
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
> From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
> Date: Friday, November 07, 2003 03:05:11 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Empty Nest / soccer mom
>
> Hi Betty.
>
> I don't think parents ever stop worrying about kids with disabilities. BUT
> you have to start preparing us when we are young to be independent. I know
> there
> is disparity in services
> throughout the USA, but then you should look to model programs or
> legislation
> and say, we need that in our area. The Lanterman Act in California, for
> instance, created the opportunity for people living in institutions to live
> in
> their communities, and have the support structure they need to not only
> help people with developmental disabilities, but to also give their parents
> peace of
> mind in their old age.
>
> I know of many people with severe disabilities who live in their own
> apartments with the help of dedicated staff. They get money from in-home
> support
> services as well as Regional Center pays an agency of the person's own
> choosing
> with additional support. Granted if somebody has severe mental retardation,
> then
> additional help and support is carefully given, however even those with
> cognitive disabilities can make many decisions about their own lives. Like
> what to
> make for meals, what they want to do on any given day, who to spend time
> with.
> etc.
>
> Mag, 47, with quad athetoid CP/fibromyalgia, arthritis, djd.
> .