The Unknown Program

Special Olympians

With budget cuts slashing our kids with disabilities therapy programs, and some of our adults being taken off the developmental disability waiver, there is also the new My Voice, My Choice program.  For you faithful readers, you may be tired of hearing about this new self direction program, but many have not.

I was at the Idaho State Olympics last weekend and met many parents who had never heard of self direction.  They have the same complaints, but no one telling them that there is an option.  Especially in the small towns, the word is not getting out about My Voice, My Choice.  If they did know about it, they probably would have a hard time finding a support broker, or any friends on the program.

Isolation is one of the biggest problems for adults with disabilities.  They are herded into developmental centers and group homes.  Unfortunately, for many, it is glorified babysitting and the clients do not develop to their full potential.  These days, you can find many adults with disabilities who are out there doing amazing things with or without the program.  These people have a good support system that advocates for their right to be a contributing member of the community.

Changing the way we handle adults with disabilities will take effort from the community and from the adult’s support system.  Those of us who raised these kids know that each step of development requires patience and teaching, but it doesn’t stop when they are 18.  If they are to learn to be a contributing adult in a community, they must be taught (more than just daily living skills).  My Voice, My Choice does just that.  I told two moms to check into it and consider being a support broker for their friends in these smaller communities.  Self Direction can help to change the way we see adults with disabilities in the community.

IdahoSelfDirection.com is a new network established to connect those people on the self direction program to feel less isolated.  It is designed to introduce the participants and care givers to each other and to facilitate activities.  It can be used all over Idaho by any of the members of this program.  Again, getting the word out to everyone is the hard part.  If you have comments or questions about this new network, please write to idahoselfdirection@gmail.com or go to the website.