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Independent Living as a Young Adult
As people move into young adulthood, it is natural that they look for opportunities to live independently of their families. However, that process may be more complicated for young adults with disabilities who may lack the skills, experiences, or confidence to take that first step. Recognizing that challenge, Enable developed a one year curriculum and support services which provide young adults with their first experience living alone within a fairly structured environment.
Class participants live within the same apartment complex allowing them to build relationships with each other as well as other tenants. The young adults participate in group activities three times a week and also receive individual support to work on daily living skills. The curriculum includes group activities that focus on inclusion, choice, independence, safety and full participation in one's neighborhood. Enable staff provide support seven days a week, but no agency office or sleepover staff are available at the apartment complex. Supports are gradually faded as the individuals develop the skills and confidence to live independently.
At a ceremony of achievement, four young men celebrated their graduation from the program and successful transition into independent apartment living. It was an exciting, but emotional evening with many laughs and a few teary eyes. "When the program started, I made a lot of bad decisions and you taught me how to make the right ones. If I wasn't in the program, I wouldn't know how to live on my own," said Jon. Joshua agreed, "It gives you responsibility."
The four graduates offered Useful Tips for Independent Living as a Young Adult that demonstrated the range of information they have learned through the program. Advice such as "don't open the door for people that you don't know" and "turn the music down late at night so that you don't make the neighbors upset" led to nods of agreement from the audience. Their practical sides emerged with tips such as "always get the Sunday paper because it has coupons in it that will save you money." The room erupted with laughter when they suggested, "if your room is a total mess, close the door if you invite someone over." Jon summed up his experience by telling the staff, "You taught me about how to get my life back to where it should be, by taking it inch by inch."
Enable's Young Adult Program is funded by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) under the New York State Options for People Through Services (NYS-OPTS) program. This is the first class of young adults who have graduated from the one year program. For additional information, please contact Nancy Andrieu at (315) 410-3321.
Photo: Jon, Joshua, Cid and Brian at the Italian Fest
This item was published on 16-Mar-07
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