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Leaving
Woodhaven to live with his mother and siblings had been a dream
of John's. People who knew and cared about John got together
for a series of meetings to plan his return home. John and his
mother determined what kind of supports would be needed to make
this happen. Continued job coaching, classes at Community College,
a Y membership and use of a computer were all part of John's
vision for his future. With a lot of support from his BSU Case
Manager and Support Broker, John successfully moved back home
after living away from his family for many years. John's participation
in self-determination continues as his vision for his future
changes and expands. Self-determination for John has been a
dynamic process, enabling adjustments in his supports as his
needs and choices change with his life experiences. |
| Everyone
wants a sense that they belong, whether it is a family,
religious group, neighborhood group or other social entity.
To live with a family with the same relgious background
and traditions was something Allan has wanted for a long
time. Allan saw self-determination as a way to make this
happen. Assembling a circle of people who cared about
him (including his rabbi), his vision took form. His supports
coordinator put his vision in the form of a written plan
and budget which was submitted and approved by the Office
of Mental Retardation. Allan chose the area where he wanted
to live. He decided to contract for help with a Jewish
organization and asked them to help locate a Jewish family
who might want to live with him in a property that he
hopes to purchase in the future. While change can sometimes
be scary for someone who has only had limited power and
say in major decisions affecting them, Allan has struggled
through the anxiety toward a life more of his own choosing. |
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| Carolyn
wanted to be supported in her own home. Her use of a wheelchair
and medical problems did not deter her and she sought a feeling
of safety through the people that support her. Carolyn interviewed
and hired the staff who come to her home daily. She planned
to have her home remodeled to make it more accessible. The most
striking change for Carolyn was the change in her circle of
supports from primarily professionals to a broader mix of people
including family friends and several neighbors. This circle
has fought for better medical care and given Carolyn a feeling
of safety in her own home. |
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