INDEPENDENCE
Independence and
the desire for it are things we can all relate to. Independence is something
we all strive for, so why should it be any different for someone who’s
disabled? Making decisions for yourself based on who you are and what
you want out of life is a basic necessity of all human beings for living
a full and meaningful life.
On these links, read
about independence and self-determination, information about transitioning
to adult life from experts, self-advocates and parents and find links
to independent living facilities and agencies that assist people to live
independently.
Links:
Independence First: A resource for people with disabilities
John Kerry on Freedom, Independence and Choice for People with
Disabilities
Increasing Workplace Independence for People with Cognitive Disabilities
by Leveraging Distributed Cognition Among Caregivers and Clients
Easter Seals
The Arc
The Arc
of Greater New Orleans
United
Cerebral Palsy
Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries of South East Louisiana
Recommended Reading:
Steps to Independence Teaching
Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs, Fourth Edition
By Bruce L. Baker, Ph.D., & Alan J. Brightman, Ph.D., with Jan B.
Blacher, Ph.D., Louis J. Heifetz, Ph.D., Stephen R. Hinshaw, Ph.D., &
Diane M. Murphy, R.N.
Parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers.
That’s an important job — and this popular, highly respected
guidebook makes it much easier. Already a trusted resource for thousands
of families, this lively book gives parents of children from age 3 through
young adulthood proven strategies for teaching children the life skills
they’ll need to live as independently as possible. Parents will
start with a reader-friendly overview of the basics of teaching and then
go deeper with a step-by-step guide to teaching seven different types
of skills: get-ready, self-help, toilet training, play, self-care, home-care,
and information gathering skills. In this fourth edition, they’ll
also find helpful updates and additions, such as managing behavior problems,
including guidance on identifying the problems, examining behavior, initiating
a behavior management program, and encouraging alternative behaviors;
technology; strengthening partnerships with other teachers in the child’s
life during IEP meetings, through classroom volunteer work, and in everyday
communication with them;a companion website with downloadable blank forms
from the book and more Internet resources, such as links to useful web
pages; Based on years of work with parents and laced with humor, helpful
illustrations, and vignettes, this is a must-have resource for families
and all professionals who work with them. ISBN 1-55766-697-0 $29.95 Brookes
Publishing
Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom! Revised Edition
By Sandra Z. Kaufman
Nicole is 2 years old, and her family, after months of worrying, has just
learned she has mental retardation. In a fast-paced, engaging story, mother
Sandra Kaufman frankly reveals the feelings of denial, guilt, frustration,
and eventual acceptance that result in a determination to help her child
live an independent life. This edition, revised on the 10th anniversary
of the book's original publication, adds a "progress report"
that updates readers on Nicole's adult years and reflects on the revolutionary
changes in society's attitudes toward people with disabilities since Nicole's
birth. Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom! remains a celebration of all that a
child can grow to be. ISBN 1-55766-378-5 $22.95 Brookes Publishing