Bob Riffle approached John LaMere to thank him for heading up efforts after a transition parent roundtable Friday night.
The two, along with about 20 other parents, are still in the early phases of developing a path for the future of their children with developmental disabilities.
In Illinois, it is a challenging endeavor. Illinois ranks near the bottom in almost every category of services for people with developmental disabilities.
A group of Morton parents are meeting on a monthly basis to come up with a way to provide services, housing and jobs for their children. At the age of 22, those children are no longer able to receive services through District 709. And, in Illinois, it is slim pickings for these young adults. There is a very small chance they will receive any state funding.
I have attended several meetings among these parents. To me, it is interesting to observe these enthusiastic parents brainstorm ideas for their childrens’ future. For most parents, the biggest worries for their children at that age are college educations and jobs. For parents with disabled children, the biggest worry is finding a home, care and jobs for their childrens’ futures.
Parents were shooting ideas across the table all night long Friday in the Morton Education and Administration Center.
They are trying to develop a mission statement for their group, which is considering starting a not-for-profit business in which their children can work, live and play.
Several needs were established by the group, including housing, transportation, recreation, medical, employment, funding, day programming and respite care.
It is their hope that they can develop a business that would satisfy those needs — perhaps a bed and breakfast.
“I know we can’t do it alone,” said Susan Colby. “We need to do something together.”
The group is seeking the help of local businesses and organizations to develop ideas or offer assistance.
Those interested in offering their expertise should contact LaMere via e-mail at john.lamere@comcast.net.
Parents of children with developmental disabilities curious about this process should consider attending the group’s next meeting, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19.
