[Iabs-talk] Wanted to introduce myself and share about my experiences living at Friedman Place in Chicago

[Sam Nelson]

Hi Everyone, 

 My name is Sam. I'm24 years old and totally blind. I'm originally from MA,
and moved  this past June to Friedman Place,  a residential community for
blind  adults ages  22-elderly in Chicago. 

 Friedman Place is one of two supportive living communities in the country,
the other being Mary Bryant in Springfield. 

 Since moving to Friedman my life has dramatically changed in a positive
way.  Here everyone has their own apartment, yet there is staff availale
24/7if needed. Laundry and housekeeping services are optional. There are
microwaves in our apartments, but beyond that we can't cook for ourselves as
we eat in the dining room. 

 Certified Nursing assistants help with daily things such as medication
reminders, doing our nails, going for walks, or just hanging out and talking
with us. There are a variety of activitys provided including:    bingo,
other card games, a movement class, line dancing, a support group, e
exercise classes, and others. I feel as more younger people move to the
facility, the types of activitys will reflect that. 

 The nursing services are available daily, though not 24 hours. This is not
a nursing home, so people with severe medical issues probably wouldn't be a
good fit. I think the best fit for Friedman is someone who feels they want
or need to live in a community environment, with a caring group of peers,
and security and support from staff. Staff are very client centered, in that
residents plan how they want their lives to go. It's a great place to come
and have a solid  homebase  to grow from. There are many oppurtunities in
the city for volunteer or payed work, education, and socialization. 

I feel that with the mix of older and younger residents, it really is like a
family. I'm a sensitive person who in the past has isolated a lot. Here I
feel I have a purpose and have solid friendships for the first time in my
life. 

 There are only two other people in their 20s currently at Friedman, I'm
really hoping we can get more. Since everyone on this list is from IL, I
think the best way to learn more about Friedman is to come  for a visit and
tour. Then you could really see if it's for you. 

 There's no requirement on how long you need to stay. Some people stay for
six months. Others have been here for years and consider it home. It's all
up to the person. 

 I just know that if I had known at 15 or 16 that there was a safe
supportive place I could go when I was 22, I would  have been way less
stressed about the future. 

  At the end of this  message I'll post the links to my videos to learn
more. 

 Lastly, in addition to letting others know of my positive experience here
at Friedman, my second mission is  to advocate for similar facilities to be
opened in other states. Doing the research  I have and hearing from many
people, it's obvious that the need  is there, particularly for those from 18
to 22, of which there seems to be very little services. I wish the age
requirement were  18, but right now it isn't.   (Don't give up if you're in
that age group and interested in Friedman!  Just be patient, and maybe soon
things will change for the better!) So * if any of you want to discuss this
other project I'd  really appreciate it. 

 Thanks for  reading, and I look forward to getting to know more of you. 

 Have a good Sunday. 

 Sam 

 Video links: 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG4SWYVxqA4 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQTBKEnPup8