At least in Florida, you are considered legally competant to make your own
decisions until declared incompetant (sp?)  which takes a court order and
yearly updates.  Many of our mentally challenged folks can still vote and
make some decisions on their care, if they have a good service coordinator.

Each state is different and Kathy Jo would need to check with the specific
laws in her state.

beth the OT

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List

Subject: Re: Striving For Independence


In a message dated 2/7/02 2:13:34 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Now, THAT boggles my mind!  The government is telling you you can't leave
> your property???? I realise they want you to be safe, but com'on, you're
an
> adult, for crying out loud!

Kathy Jo, are you mentally handicapped as well.

Richard Hudson