Opinion: NYS Ignoring Challenges

The field of developmental disabilities in New York state is confronted with massive challenges seemingly hitting us one after the other and, because of this, supports for people and their families have begun to erode.

One issue is the development of new residential opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, which is lagging far behind the increased demand, particularly for adults who have been living at home for years, now with aging parents who are coping with health problems of their own. What happens to these individuals when the elderly parent is no longer able to provide adequate support to ensure safety and well-being? Additional residential development is critical and needs to be funded in the 2016-2017 budget.

Bill To Help Ease Transition at Age 22

BOSTON — With the right services, autism advocates say people with developmental disabilities can work and live independently.  But instead, they say, many of them are cut off from special education when they turn 22 and do not qualify for adult services they need from the state’s Department of Developmental Services.
“We have many children who are sitting at home, watching TV, playing on the computer, don’t have access to a day program,” said Barbara L’Italien, spokesperson for The Arc Massachusetts.

Making Lives Meaningful

Anthony Phillips, right, and Mike Skinner
clean radiation dosemeter cases
at the Michael Dunn Center.

 

KINGSTON, Tenn. -- Here's what Darnell Hamilton, 29, brings to his job site every day: A giant smile. An infectious laugh. A willingness to work.
But Hamilton also brings a set of intellectual disabilities that prevent him from holding a typical job, or working a typical eight-hour day.

Horticulture-Based Day Program Provides Opportunity for Adults with Disabilities

FARMERSVILLE, Calif. -- Tammy Beach reaches deep into a lavender bush at Herbs and More in Farmersville. She grabs a handful of fragrant lavender in one hand and cuts the stems 4 inches below the buds with her other hand.
The public is invited to cut their own bunches of the aromatic herb during the second annual you-pick lavender festival Saturday and June 11 at Herbs and More, 226 E. Front St. in Farmersville. Herbs and More grows four varieties of highly aromatic lavender: hidcote, munstead, grosso and provence.
The horticulture-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities focuses on each client's ability to participate, said co-owner Kathy Lewis.