Striding Towards Independence
What is meant by striding toward independence? Vulnerable populations require extra help to participate in mainstream American life. People with mental disabilities need more time to learn, a sheltered environment to practice newly learned skills, more job coaching, residential alternatives. People with physical disabilities, require assessment, therapy, adaptive devices such as hearing aids, wheel chairs, braces, splints. People with mental illness require ongoing therapy, medication, opportunities for social interaction, appropriate gathering places off the street, housing. Family members of vulnerable populations need occasional respite, guidance and support groups. The closer in proximity these services are to their residences, the more successful they can be.
Agencies supporting independence are:
Association for Retarded Citizens-Iberville
Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation
Donaldsonville Area Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.
Livingston Association for Retarded Citizens
Port City Enterprises
St. James ARC
A PROBLEM:
· Parents, whose children are mentally or physically disabled, face a variety of challenges in finding and accessing services.
· These challenges start when a child is diagnosed and often continues through life.
A WAY TO HELP:
· United Way agencies provide parents professional counseling, help with financial planning, and respite from the burden of day to day care taking.
· These agencies increase quality of life by sponsoring inclusive recreation programs, camps, supportive residential opportunities, therapy and employment opportunities.