News & Events

WIHD Staff Testify At Public Hearing

SCOTT FOWLER

A Response to OMRDD's Five Year Comprehensive Plan

March 7, 2005
Kingston, New York

Thank you for asking me to talk to you today. Last year I was able to move into my own apartment after waiting for two years on the affordable (HUD) housing list. I live with a full time personal care assistant who helps me with my daily chores. The main problem I have with this is that there are very few male assistants to relieve my full time aide so every time he wants to take a break, it is an inconvenience. Sometimes I have to go home to my parents’ house because there is no coverage. Overall, though, I like living where I am because it gives me more freedom and I’ve made some new friends. I know that there are other people who live in group homes who would like to have the chance to live in an apartment like this but need full time supports and assistance. I know that finding a way to fund that is very difficult for them.

I also work at a movie theater but because of the economy I was cut back to one day a week. I wanted to work more and make more money so I started my own business almost two years ago with the help of Beth Mount and my job coach. I was fortunate enough to participate in the first Self Determination pilot project and so I had a van that I could use to get around for my new business. One of the problems is finding a driver for my van so that I can get to the workshops and conferences to sell my products and to sometimes talk about my journey. The good thing about having my own business is that I get to meet a lot of people and I have been able to help other people who have products that they want to sell, like poetry books and cards and t shirts and watercolor prints. I would like more people to have the opportunity to work at a job they really like and get the supports they need.

Having someone to drive me places during the week is easier than on the weekends. On the weekends I am stuck in my apartment complex unless my mother or father is available to drive me places. Right now I’m taking a course at the NWCA in MT. Kisco on Sundays and my mother drives me. I know that accessible transportation is a problem for a lot of people and I know that getting together with friends is extra difficult when people don’t have a ride.

I know that OMRDD wants to provide more individualized services and I can tell you from my own experience that having the support staff and a van has made my life easier. Still, as you can see, my life is not simple. Without my parents as a backup, many of the things that I have done would not have happened. We need to find ways to help people who don’t yet have these opportunities for housing and jobs and friends.

Thank you once again for this chance to tell you about my life.

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