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

justin williams justin.williams2 at gmail.com
Tue Apr 9 18:17:14 UTC 2013


Incognito.  I like it.   

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of wmodnl wmodnl
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 1:29 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Cc: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Wanted to share my experience living at Friedman
Place, a supportive living community for blind adults in Chicago

Sorry for the confusion:
My name is William O'Donnell.  I shortened it in the email address as:
wmodnl
One of these days, I will fix the outgoing name to have my name properly
listed.  I also use this address for other lists, where I do not want my
real name circulating.  Have a good day.


Sent from my iPad

On Apr 9, 2013, at 9:41 AM, "Sam Nelson" <samnelson1 at verizon.net> wrote:

> Hi Lmad, 
> (Sorry if y I spelled your name wrong!) 
> It does sound nice. I'm glad your friends are happy there. 
> Yes, that's exactly like it  is here too, everyone  gets treated with
> respect and there's such a sense of  family. For example, the activity
> director teases me that I'm his adopted daughter. LOL! He's a little nuts
> but we  love him anyway! Seriously, he's probably one of the most friendly
> energetic staff we have. 
> A CAN from  Africa says she's my "Friedman Mother." It's all very sweet. 
> Sam 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of wmodnl wmodnl
> Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 7:50 AM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Cc: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Wanted to share my experience living at Friedman
> Place, a supportive living community for blind adults in Chicago
> 
> They probably did not mention it since they are full.  The wait-list is
> closed.  That is a nice place, I have a few friends who live there.  I
agree
> that, from what I seen, you are treated with respect.  In fact, many of
the
> staff treat the residents as one of there own.  The point is, the whole
> group-home mentality does not exist.  Many including my friends will tell
> you, they function like a family.  Good luck, have a good day.
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> On Apr 9, 2013, at 8:30 AM, "Hope Paulos" <hope.paulos at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hello Sam! I just watch one of your videos. I'm from Maine, Mount Desert
> Island to be exact, and I know that there is a similar facility called
iris
> Park Apartments in Portland Maine. This is a subsidize housing for
> individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Assistance is given with
> shopping, nursing care, if need be orientation and mobility services, and
> people can eat either in the dining room or in their own apartments. A
full
> kitchen is offered in each apartment. Vision rehabilitation services are
> also provided if need be. I'm  quite surprised that nobody from Maine
> mentioned this to you.
>> Sincerely,
>> Hope Paulos
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> On Apr 9, 2013, at 7:50 AM, "Sam Nelson" <samnelson1 at verizon.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi Mark and everyone,
>>> Thank you for sending this. Yes I am aware of the training centers 
>>> that Joshua and others (when I sent info on this to a different list 
>>> of blind
>>> students) told me about. It's wonderful that so many of you have  found
> them
>>> to be so helpful  and it's worked for you. I have looked at their
> websites
>>> and  read about the NFB philosophy and at this moment, it's just not for
> me.
>>> 
>>> I do appreciate your thoughts Joshua! I want to be clear  that to my
>>> knowledge neither the staff here nor anyone else sees this as a
> "charity
>>> case," kind of thing. For many that live here, there is a real sense 
>>> of family, and we give back in our own way to the community as much 
>>> as we get from it,  with our own  unique skills talents and
personalitys.
>>> Yes, several of the residents here do have other disabilities in 
>>> addition to being blind, but some don't. And honestly, I don't see 
>>> how that really matters. For example, a very good friend of mine, 
>>> moved here in I believe November. He is visually impaired, and has 
>>> CP. But no one really  dwells on that. He's  amazing at  computers, 
>>> extremely intelligent and with a great sense of humor, and very 
>>> motivated and incouraging people to advocate  with and for others 
>>> with  disabilities. That's what sticks in my mind, about him not that 
>>> he has CP in addition to being blind. (though I do sometimes tease 
>>> him that he should get one of those service monkeys LOL!) Thanks 
>>> again Mark for your kind words. And everyone for your perspective. I
hope
> to get to know you all better.
>>> Sam (short for Samantha, that's  ok (smile))
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mark J. 
>>> Cadigan
>>> Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 6:09 AM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Wanted to share my experience living at 
>>> Friedman Place, a supportive living community for blind adults in 
>>> Chicago
>>> 
>>> Hi all,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I'm certain Sam knows about the wonderful training available at the 
>>> three NFB training centers, however, that's not what he is trying to 
>>> tell us. Sam is just telling us about a solution he has found that 
>>> works for him. This solution is not for everyone, but according to 
>>> Sam it's his best option at the moment. We don't know Sam's 
>>> situation, and can't speak for him, so I'm just asking everybody to 
>>> be supportive of Sam and welcome him to the list, instead of haranguing
> him for not being so called "independent enough."
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> Mark
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Sam Nelson" <samnelson1 at verizon.net>
>>> To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 6:43 AM
>>> 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
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>> for
>>>> nabs-l:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kramc11%40gmail.
>>>> co
>>>> m
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/samnelson1%40veri
>>> zon.net
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hope.paulos%40gma
>>> il.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/wmodnl%40hotmail.c
>> om
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
>
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/samnelson1%40verizon.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nabs-l:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/wmodnl%40hotmail.com

_______________________________________________
nabs-l mailing list
nabs-l at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nabs-l:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%40gmail
.com





More information about the NABS-L mailing list