People magazine covered this interesting story about a brother who has been on a never-ending search for his sister who was institutionalized 43 years ago.
I feel like this article sheds light on how far we have come in society when dealing with Independent Living and people with disabilities, but, it also reminds me of how important it is to continue the task of pushing the Independent Living movement harder and faster!
"From People magazine:
(Newstands only; article not available on the magazine’s website.)
Families across the country are searching for loved ones with disabilities who were sent away to institutions years ago, often without warning or explanation.
Kevin Hopkins, 53, of Springfield, Virginia, is seeking his stepsister Janet, who was sent to an institution 42 years ago. “She was my best friend,” he said. “I just wish I could know where she was and see her again.”
Shawna Gagnon, 49, of Montgomery, Alabama said her sister Zena (Xena) was taken to a California hospital 43 years ago “where people hollered and were tied to the beds.”
Filmmaker Jeff Daly, creator of the documentary “Where’s Molly?”, has been working to find family links for the estimated 250,000 Americans who live in group homes or state institutions with no family contacts. He and the nonprofit ArcLink have built a relative search database that has already fostered more than 100 reunions."
On a personal level, I have seen Group Home settings that have provided a wonderful alternative for people with disabilities, to be able to live in a less restrictive setting from that of an institution. I have witnessed people being able to transition from an institution, to group home and eventually, live in their own home with the assistance of a personal care attendant.
Please pass this information along to your friends or feel free to post it to your blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment