i know a group of parents who have tried to do this same thing in pa. wanted to have some sort of farm where they could plant and sell their crop. they have spent many years trying to get this done but have hit road blocks along the way. not just a money issue though that is a problem too. hope you have more luck in your endeavor. in theory i think it is a great idea. yes i do know about those farms and they were trying to do something like that. pa does not have waiver for autism only mr. these parents gave up their fight for the farm and are now working on getting pa to pass law for medicare waiver for autism. a lot of these kids are not labeled mr and can get absolutely no services after school. There are different farms throughout the US and Europe for those with DD and Autism. Bittersweet farms in OH is for those with Autism and has been very successful. Another started in the past few years is Group Homes of Albemarle (GHA) in North Carolina. One being developed is by Healing Farms Ministry near Charleston SC. A large farm setting is outside of Chicago for those with DD: Lambs Farm. I believe these are models to replicate or pull ideas from. I believe most of their funding comes through Medicaid Waver.
The company behind the initiative I talked about is paying equal pay and benefits (how that will effect SSI and Medicaid is being worked out) which allows our sons and daughters to actually have an income.
The Autism Society put out a call to action a few years back for ideas for the future of our sons and daughters. So far in my research, not seeing much beyond the "group home" concept. I know many state officials fear a return to "institutionalization" but those times are well behind us. The "wave" (tsunami) of autism is getting ready to crest into early adulthood, the time is now to find out how and where they will live (besides home).
Thanks for the support col845.......JMAC
Hi All,
I have a vision to build a community for those with DD/Autism in SC where adults with DD/autism would live with the intent of providing the necessities to that would enable our young men and women to reach their potential. The idea is to attract parents as well as others to live in the general vicinity yet sons and daughters would be independent of parents. I know for many this may sound like some type of institutional setting but really far from it. What sets this apart is that an opportunity for fully employed WORK has arisen for 200-300 persons with DD/autism and they will need a place to live which highly supports them to work and live. The employment has possibilities to expand throughout the country. I have looked for funding from the employer, yet they prefer I build the community and then they will support it. I am at a cross-roads for funding. Right now I have a minute budget and needs ideas on how to fund it....-12 million.
I am a parent of a 11 yr old with mod-severe autism as well as a teacher of students with autism. I have taken on this venture because I have lived it and I know what it will take to make this venture successful and know where to find the ideas to make it successful (1st parents then professionals).
So..........please give me some ideas, know anyone who would like to do some venture funding, those who would contribute to a possible breakthrough in the future living of those with DD/Autism and the opportunity for many parents to have hope for the future living of their sons and daughters.