Ron and Denny live together now, but each lived in a state institution; Ron for 14 years and Denny for 21. Both men have a history of behavioral problems, and officials doubted whether they could adapt to a community setting. With specialized support and encouragement, both are doing better than ever.
Denny is an artist who seeks out specific words and phrases in magazines to create his art. His art therapist believes that Denny’s art is an extension of himself and the way he can clearly express himself. She enjoys working side-by-side with Denny as he creates, which also gets him to open up about the important people in his past. Denny has learned to trust people through living in the community.
Ron loves crossword puzzles and his favorite thing to do is head to the store to pick up a crossword puzzle book and a pop. His support staff say that he has completely transformed since moving into a community-base setting and he truly benefits from having choices about how he spends his time.
Both Denny and Ron enjoy the freedom of personal choices about what they want to learn, when they want to learn it, and what outings to go on, which is completely different from the institution environment they previously lived in.
They are pleased to be home.
Without any other legal options, Robert lived in an Illinois state institution for two years before he was able to successfully advocate for his own transition to an apartment. Robert is thrilled to live with a roommate and have the choice to work, dine out, catch a movie, and use social media.
He is a strong self-advocate who is proud that he earned enough money at his piece work job to purchase his own computer, which he uses to pursue advocacy work, have fun and engage with others online. He’s happy to have choices and the free will to achieve things by living in the community. He enjoys being in the community and having the opportunity to do everything that he wants to do.
“I’m part of society and don’t have to be sheltered away,” Robert said. Robert has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair and is happy to have all the supports he needs to live. “I’m very happy that I’m living in the community with the supports that I need.”
For 38 years, Roosevelt lived in various institutions throughout Illinois. Despite his profound disabilities, he’s found a home with Lawrence, a specialized caregiver. Thanks to the advanced support, Roosevelt now enjoys dining, community dances, and his favorite music.
David spent 25 years living in institutions before he was able to transition to a community living arrangement. Outside an institution he’s been able to explore his hobbies: fishing, billiards, and (with the help of the neighbors) playing guitar.
David has grown a lot since moving to a community-based home. His support staff remarks that he is calmer, and he has made numerous friends among his neighbors and others in the community. “He’s definitely come a long way,” his support staff said. “We’ve become a family for sure.”
At the age of 2, Margaret was admitted into an institution and lived there for 63 years. While Margaret is extremely developmentally disabled, she has finally found small ways to express herself and enjoy life with her sister and roommates.
Margaret’s sister, Katherine, became her guardian and worked to get her into a community-based home. Margaret enjoys her time at a day program and is especially happy to have her own room; Katherine says that’s one of her favorite things.
“I feel like she gets a lot of individual attention and people here know her and what she likes,” Katherine said about her older sister. “They take good care of her and pay attention to her. She seems to be happy. I think she feels very comfortable in this home; it’s her home.”
Margaret’s support staff notes that she loves being around other people and her unique personality is beloved by all who work with her.
Eddie spent more than 20 years in state institutions, from the time he was a teenager until he found a community option in 2011. After a difficult history, Eddie has found comfort in his community home.
“I go out to eat, I go out shopping, and to basketball games,” Eddie said. He also enjoys going to the movies, helping to cook and do the dishes. “It’s a good house to live in,” he said.
Eddie’s support staff helps him with whatever he needs in his home. “If Eddie wants to do something, we try to make that happen for him,” they said. “It’s about personal choice and trying to make an individual’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future to happen for them.”
Eddie is particularly excited to decorate his room in the way that he wants, especially his extensive hat collection. “He’s come a very long way and it’s been great working with him to see the growth in him. He gets to do a lot in the community that he enjoys and I think that in itself is a success,” said Eddie’s support person.
“My life has come true,” said Eddie.
Going Home Coalition
