New parent action group in Maine
By shannonj
04-16-08
A call to action! April 9, 2008
The time is now for parents and family members of adults with disabilities to form a state-wide advocacy group. It is time for us to speak up for ourselves and our families and not to depend on agencies or others to speak for us. Many people in state positions have stated that parent presence and voice is what makes a difference at the state level - not only our voices but our ideas for solutions.
Can we continue to “hope” that someone will speak for us, that the knight in shining armor will swoop in and save the day? I think not.
The cuts recently made and those that are soon to come, to services and support for school age children as well as to the adult population, will culminate in the institutionalization of people with disabilities and mental illness in the future. We are clearly going backwards – not forwards.
As parents we are all “more than busy”, but must give whatever time and effort we can individually so that collectively we can make our voices heard. Our personal stories are so powerful. Our stories touch those in the legislature, especially as more and more people know family or community members with disabilities and mental illness. But to be successful, we must not only tell our stories but offer solutions. We cannot just complain, but must come to the table with ideas.
Are you willing and able to give even 5 minutes of your time to this effort? I hope so. The future of our children and adult children with disabilities depends on us.
A group has been set up at www.groups.google.com/group/maine-parent-advocates-for-adults-with-disabilities. Please join and post your ideas and thoughts on how to organize our group and get out there and make a difference.
I cannot do this alone, nor can you. I hope you join me and take the charge. The white knight is not coming.
Mary Chris Bulger
** Please forward this email to parents and family members. If you received this email and are a service provider, I would appreciate it if you would forward to appropriate families that utilize your services. Thank you.
The time is now for parents and family members of adults with disabilities to form a state-wide advocacy group. It is time for us to speak up for ourselves and our families and not to depend on agencies or others to speak for us. Many people in state positions have stated that parent presence and voice is what makes a difference at the state level - not only our voices but our ideas for solutions.
Can we continue to “hope” that someone will speak for us, that the knight in shining armor will swoop in and save the day? I think not.
The cuts recently made and those that are soon to come, to services and support for school age children as well as to the adult population, will culminate in the institutionalization of people with disabilities and mental illness in the future. We are clearly going backwards – not forwards.
As parents we are all “more than busy”, but must give whatever time and effort we can individually so that collectively we can make our voices heard. Our personal stories are so powerful. Our stories touch those in the legislature, especially as more and more people know family or community members with disabilities and mental illness. But to be successful, we must not only tell our stories but offer solutions. We cannot just complain, but must come to the table with ideas.
Are you willing and able to give even 5 minutes of your time to this effort? I hope so. The future of our children and adult children with disabilities depends on us.
A group has been set up at www.groups.google.com/group/maine-parent-advocates-for-adults-with-disabilities. Please join and post your ideas and thoughts on how to organize our group and get out there and make a difference.
I cannot do this alone, nor can you. I hope you join me and take the charge. The white knight is not coming.
Mary Chris Bulger
** Please forward this email to parents and family members. If you received this email and are a service provider, I would appreciate it if you would forward to appropriate families that utilize your services. Thank you.
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