People with disabilities are eligible by law to stay in high school through the age of 22. That's a good thing for those who are still learning and doing well in the school environment. But there comes a time when we all must leave school eventually and go out into the world of work. This must be daunting for people with disabilities, and confusing regarding what choices to make by their parents.
Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne (IPFW) recently sponsored a Transition Fair on their campus for young men and women who will be soon leaving high school. The Walb Memorial Union, pictured above, was a nice, spacious venue for the event. Many area providers of services showed up with their display booths to talk about what they can contribute to this endeavor.
The Autism Society of Indiana was represented by a parent of two boys with autism. This cheerful mom put a face on the real concerns of more and more diagnoses of this affliction. The Center for Disease Control reports that 1 in 88 children in the U.S. has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's five times more common in boys (1 in 54) than girls (1 in 252). Scientists are trying to zero in on causes of autism, and sound an alarm on the number of toxic chemicals in our environment leading to a possible causation. These chemicals include lead, mercury, PCBs, pesticides, engine exhaust, and flame retardants.
Infection and inflammatory response by the woman's body during pregnancy, age of father, and genetic factors are all being studied as possible contributors to autism. I saw the great mom answering questions and providing literature at her booth while her lively sons bounced balls off lockers in the college hallway. One look at this mother and it was obvious what a terrific, brave parent she was, and how well she was standing up to the job the universe had given her. We must all be more aware, and stand up to help as well.
LIFE Adult Day Academy was there, a place on Homestead Road in Fort Wayne, which has been in business since 2010. It does creative skill development without relying on large group work activities; something at which not all clients are able to be successful. Bevaun Graves, the Academy Director was there, and I was impressed at how he had broken out of the big agency approach and had created his own program. Sometimes you meet someone who seems lit from within and exudes a peaceful passion; I could be wrong but that was my impression of him.
Advocacy Links was represented. For a time in our state there was one case management service authorized by the state system; now that system has been opened up for competitive providers and smaller companies, and individuals are getting in the game. It's good for consumers and parents to have more choices out there.
Bethesda Lutheran Communities, a faith-based organization, had staff available to talk about the respite care they provide at their facility on Vance Avenue in Fort Wayne. They had photos displayed of private bedrooms and their activity area, which have all been furnished with new flat screens and DVD players. A nice big kitchen as well made the place look like an inviting place for a disabled individual to stay.
Goodwill Industries hires people with disabilities, and I enjoyed talking to their staff. Although I said our family couldn't really use their vocational services, the rep went out of her way to thank me when I said I donated things to Goodwill and shopped at their stores with my daughter. The woman said without those donations and shopping from folks such as us, they wouldn't be able to provide the employment programs. I also told her Goodwill has a great television advertising campaign. Most TV commercials are annoying, made with huge budgets, but the local Goodwill ones are clever and look like they could be produced on a shoestring. It's all about talent and good writing, is it not?
A transition planning handbook was provided by the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services to help families figure out what they need to do as a child ages through high school and turns age of 18. A simple checklist like this helps a parent make sure they have covered all the bases. The things that need to be done simply don't happen automatically.
Of course the big agencies were represented, and many of these do a great job. We locals know who they are, so I won't take up more space about their services here. I will say I admire people who go into this type of work; in many cases our society doesn't seem to honor them and the sacrifices that they make for others, but these good people continue to strive on tirelessly and selflessly. You caring professionals - you, and your charges know who you are and the great jobs you do. Hats off to you. Namaste.
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