At 29, Emily Rogers needs constant care. She has autism and is only able to speak a few words at a time. And she hasn’t had much luck fitting in at work programs and other daytime activities for adults with developmental disabilities.
Life at home isn’t easy either, as noises like coughing can cause Rogers to become agitated or even aggressive at times.
Rogers’ experience isn’t strikingly different from many other adults with autism for whom there are few existing and appropriate placements. But Rogers’ parents are trying something different.
In a bid to bring some solace and continuity to Rogers’ life, Denny and Ann Rogers along with several other families formed a nonprofit to create a farm community specifically for adults with autism near Cincinnati.
Ultimately up to 24 people will live and work in the supported community called Safe Haven Farms, which will offer opportunities to garden, care for animals and participate in therapeutic horseback riding, crafts and life skills training, among other activities. The facility will also provide a day program for non-residents.
The Rogers admit that a segregated environment isn’t right for everyone, but say they already have 14 people committed to the farm, which is slated to open next spring, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. To read more click here.
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This is exactly the kind of innovation that needs to be grown.
Trying to put all people with disabilities in the same size box does not work.
Many people who need 24 hour care or monitoring would be better served be in – voluntary-
client oriented group settings unless/until they can move to training or employment.
Once there are many of these to chose from standards will stay high to keep the rooms filled.
Trying to manage workers who may or may not be motivated or skilled on your own is tough.
This is not a new idea. People with various labels of disability have been sequestered, congregated and segregated for too long. I understand that desperation has prompted family members to resort to this old model.
Can it be that each of the 10′s of people being put on the farm really has that as their life goal or dream?