[nabs-l] Wanted to share my experience living at Friedman Place, a supportive living community for blind adults in Chicago

Tue Apr 9 12:42:44 UTC 2013

Good morning,
Can we agree that, some people who are blind have other disabilities.  Whether or not they reveal them is irrelevant.  Sadly, this is one factor that I have with this organization as a whole.  Our philosophy does not consider people with other disabilities, including those with "hidden disabilities."  This is my observation.  I am not out to undermine the positive work done for blind people; as, a whole, we need to understand that no two people are the same, and no two people have the same life experiences.  Of course, we have great centers; but, for some people for there personal choice, they are not a good fit.  One size does not fit all; nor, does one program or philosophy fit all people within a group.
For example, here in Boston, the transit system has a program where the blind ride for free.  Also, they have integrated a customer service system, where you can get assistance to navigate from your incoming bus or subway to your next transfer.  I do not use this unless I feel a need to.  For example, yesterday was opening day at Fenway Park.  I am sure, I would have used the help navigating with a cane or dog through a crowd of thousands to get from the subway to the bus just outside the park, to avoid encountering problems.  Two of my friends feel safer using the service when ever they travel.  This is due in part to anxiety issues, them being people who get easily disorientated.  Knowing this, i have a question for you.
Do I have a right to act like an authority figure telling them to do something else; or, is it my duty as a blind person to undermine and belittle them because they "do not meet a "special standard?"  
As a whole, we as a people need to start thinking from a model approach of the social model.  We need to educate our culture to adapt, to make and integrate a user-friendly environment on a cross-disability platform.  This is just my opinion, have a great day.

Sent  from my iPad

On Apr 9, 2013, at 6:59 AM, "Joshua Lester" <JLester8462 at pccua.edu> wrote:

> Hi Sam!
> First of all, welcome to the list!
> I'm against these supportive living facilities, because it gives the notion that blind people can't get employment, take care of themselves, cook for themselves, etc.
> I'm not hear to be offensive to you, but I'd like to share with you the fact, that there is a better life!
> Have you ever heard of the Louisiana Center for the Blind?
> They'll teach you the independence skills, so that you can take care of yourself, and get a job!
> We aren't some charity ccase for the state!
> I'm praying that you can get in this training center.
> The only good a supportive living facility is only for those with other disabilities.
> Thanks, Joshua
> ________________________________________
> From: nabs-l [nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Sam Nelson [samnelson1 at verizon.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 5:43 AM
> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nabs-l] Wanted to share my experience living at Friedman Place, a supportive living community  for blind adults in Chicago
> 
> Hi Everyone,
> 
> First I apologize if some of you have read about this already from me, as
> I've posted it to the   Massachusetts and IL  student's mailing lists. I
> just really want to let everyone I can know about the wonderful place I call
> home, in case othersare in  a similar situation to me and could see it as an
> option for either short or long-term living.
> 
> 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 available
> 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 activities 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.  This could be someone who's
> transitioning from a school   for the blind or really any school and trying
> to figure out what they want to do after. It could be someone who just wants
> to get out of their parent's house, for whatever reason doesn't have or want
> to live with relatives   other  friends, or want a roommate. It could be
> someone who has mild emotional/ cognitive challenges, and so  would would do
> well in an   environment where there was independence but also a feeling of
> support, and where they couldn't isolate as easily and fall through the
> cracks in a way they could if living alone or just with a roommate.  Or,
> someone  could want to move here purely for  security reasons, as many
> low-income disability housing apartments are in really bad neighborhoods.
> 
> 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. Each resident is assigned a care advocate, who
> they meet with regularly to discuss issues going on either at Friedman and
> also talking about what they'd like to do out in the community. I feel the
> social worker in particular, is a very caring, friendly person who's very
> knowledgable about  resources in the community.
> 
> 
> 
> I also want to be clear that this is not a foster care, group home, or
> nursing  home situation. As long as residents  sign in and out, for  safety
> reasons of course, they can come and go as they please. They can have guests
> over til midnight without the guest having to get a background  check. If
> they want guests to spend the night, all the person needs  to do is fill out
> a quick background check form for  safety.
> 
> 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.  The cost of living here is covered by
> medicade, as well as a portion of one's social security check.
> 
> There's no requirement on how long you need to stay. Some people stay for
> six  months, and  consider it a stepping stone to living  completely on
> one's own. . 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.
> 
> 
> 
> Sam
> 
> Video links:
> 
>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG4SWYVxqA4
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQTBKEnPup8
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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