Josh, Marcus, and Josh all have had positive work experiences, however, each of them have faced challenges with finding employment placement as well, with varying levels of current success in that area.
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Here on The Road we love to share stores about adults who find their creativity! Allie has done just that! She's also the first (alphabetically) on our list of adults who have their own businesses! Today's post was written by Allie and her Dad and on Friday we get to talk to Allie on our BlogTalk Radio show! Be sure to join us and welcome Allie and her family to The Road!
Check out Allie's website and Facebook page. Originally posted 5/2/14 by Stephanie Holland as the introduction to May's Job Month discussion. ADD YOUR VOICE TO OUR SURVEY A few weeks ago, there was a "landmark" decision about sheltered workshops that may end up signalling the end to all work opportunities that are deemed exclusive. I wrote about my initial thoughts in a previous post: Legal actions forced de-institutionalization and inclusion in schools. This IS a good thing - but not appropriate for everyone. Now, states and private companies are afraid of lawsuits and that is hindering their ability to provide services for those who really need them. Since then, we've had a discussion online in an IDSC group, and gotten more input from other parents. I've also created an online survey for anyone who is the parent/guardian of an adult with Down syndrome to share their thoughts.
We've gotten 21 responses so far and the results are mixed. The survey asks about personal experience and thoughts about whether "sheltered" environments are exploiting our loved ones and should be eliminated. So far, 7 people think yes, they are bad in every sense and better alternatives should be created. However, 14 respondents aren't so sure that this is the way to go. Karen posted this originally at the end of May, as the Workshop discussion was picking up steam. To catch up on Josh's experiences thus far, check out his Facebook page Just Joshin' Ya. Work - in this house - The purpose of this post is not to debate sheltered workshops, but to give those who are interested, insight into the vocational process we have experienced with Josh. His "resume" of sorts.
These are OUR OPINIONS & OUR EXPERIENCES, nothing more and nothing less. I will start by saying that Josh will never be allowed to stay home on a daily basis unless he is sick. I have to work, dad has to work, big brother has to work, AND Josh has to work. Plain and simple, Josh has to work just like the rest of us. Even if he were to be home all day long WITH a list of chores to be accomplish everyday, he still would go crazy (as would I). His mind is very active and he needs something to occupy it. So, work, in this house, is a requirement. You first must understand how the process works here in our state. Every state is different. Any educational or vocational program we design for Josh is paid for by the city that we live in until he turns 22 years old. Josh only turned 19 yesterday, so we continue to work with the city to develop a program for Josh. Hello Friends,
A few days ago President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. If you're interested in a PDF of the bill summary, just let me know and I'll shoot you a copy. I wrote a brief post here on The Road We’ve Shared about a month ago about Sheltered Workshops and it can be found here. This week I posted a more complete rant, as I lovingly call it, in three parts. 1) Why Sheltered Workshops Work? 2) What Forces People Into Sheltered Workshops? 3) What is the Answer to the Sheltered Workshop Question? Well, that’s enough light reading for today J Please do keep us at The Road in the loop of what you know and learn and also please share any way/where you think we should be adding a voice. And remember that all points of view are respected and valued here on The Road. Originally posted 1/7/14 by Walkersvillemom Christian Royal has a gift. His pottery is beautiful and functional. It has the hallmark of true artistry, a unique look that expresses what he wants to say about the world around him, his Charleston, SC home. His passion and attention to detail is obvious in his work which is currently being sold in seven stores near his home and will soon be available on-line. Christian’s story is one of an artist who is experiencing recognition, respect, and the beginning of a profitable career as a craftsman. It’s a story that many artists, young and old, would envy: the ability to recognize your gift and use it to create art that people enjoy and want to buy, collect, and share. Like everyone else, there is more to Christian’s story than what he does for a living. There’s the story of his family, his geographic location, his hobbies, friends, and life experiences. There’s also the fact that he happens to have Down syndrome. Ok – so I’m late to the party. I know. I’ve been watching and chewing and watching and reading and frankly I’m overwhelmed by 1) The conflicting output of regulations from state to state to federal to state 2) The many overgeneralizations about both workshops and the clients who choose this option 3) The lack of compassion for those who actually appreciate the role of sheltered workshops 4) The lack of communication with those most vulnerable and 5) My own insignificance. The mandates begun from state to state are similar, but not the same. In my home state of Nebraska, change is still pulsing under the current and as yet has not crashed upon us. However, now that the federal government is involved, change is more than an undercurrent. |
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