ramblings of a madman (parent) some ideas for those “called to shape the future” © clay...
TRANSCRIPT
Ramblings of a Madman (parent)
Some ideas for those “Called to Shape the Future”
© Clay Boatright, 2012
The Boatright Circus (www.boatrightcircus.com)
I am the princess!
I’d rather be
swimming
What I can’t see doesn’t
hurt me!I see cotton
candy, and I take it!
I could have been Tom Cruise,
but didn’t want to
Typical? We’ll have none of that!
My twins are almost 12 years old and: Don’t speak Periodically use the bathroom Bite and scratch Have running meltdowns (with or without clothes) Won’t sit and draw for 15 seconds, but will sit in the tub pouring
water from cup to cup for hours (even if they #2 in the water)
On the other hand, they: Will never use illegal drugs or steal my car Let me give them big sloppy kisses in front of their friends Are magnets attracting the nicest people on earth, and
repelling those who aren’t Brought perspective and purpose to their dad
Two Life Verses
“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’” – John 9:1-3 Jesus himself said that disabilities are not punishment, so NEVER think
that “this happened so that” describes intent. God has a plan. “the work of God might be displayed” Even our challenges are vehicles
that God uses for his purpose. God is smarter than we are…get over it!
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
The Diverse World of Developmental Disabilities
WantsOwn ApartmentBe a Pro Speaker
Home w/ParentsWork at a bank
Condo w/SisterThe Pain to Stop
Chateau w/10 FriendsTest computer games
House w/3 FriendsMake people smile
Needs Apt ModificationsFull Time Attendant
Help BathingJob Coach
Respite CarePhysical Therapies
Attendant at NightPost Secondary Training
Support IncomeDay Hab w/Outings
To support their individuality…
Medicaid Superhighway
Institutions MedicaidWaivers
Live at HomeForever
Today: Medicaid (1 basket, all eggs)
JobCoach
SuppHousing
DayPgms
OngoingTherapy
Center of the Universe
Budgets are shrinking
Services getting cut
Inconsistency across states
Subject to political whims
Fuels the Disability Industrial Complex
Permits the rest of society to abdicate responsibility
M
Tomorrow: Collaborative Support
GovernmentInfrastructureCivil Rights
Min.Safety NetCoordination
CommercialJobs/Support
IngenuityEfficiency
Investment
Faith/NonprofitExperience
Safety / RespectCommitmentInspiration
Three Legged Stool
More sustainable
Shares the responsibility
Reduces risk
TRUE community
Improves efficiency
Just feels better
One final thought…
Our History Is Not Our Destiny
