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Post by noah on Mar 6, 2015 19:16:48 GMT
Hello! Welcome to the MD Sibs forum - for those who have a sibling with a disability in the state of Maryland. Please feel free to copy and paste the following template to post an introduction! [Go back to "introductions" and click "create thread"] - What's your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
- Who is your sibling, and what kind of disability do they have?
- What do you hope to gain from the network of MD sibs?
- What is the biggest challenge you have with your sibling right now?
- What resources does your sibling have currently?
- Any other info you'd like to share?
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Post by babybrother on Mar 6, 2015 23:32:13 GMT
What's your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
Hi! My name is Mollie and I live in Anne Arundel County. In April I will be eligible for Medicare and I have been a computer professional, a stay at home Mom/Volunteer and a homemaker. I am a great sister to my brother, a good Mom and a Good Wife!
Who is your sibling, and what kind of disability do they have?
My sibling is Joe and he is my baby brother. Joe was born with Cerebral Palsy and a mild developmental disability (borderline retarded was the language used in his youth).
What do you hope to gain from the network of MD sibs?
I would like to see the State of Maryland become a leader in providers of services to the disabled. I feel I should share information, experiences, insights and validate the role of siblings of the disabled.
What is the biggest challenge you have with your sibling right now?
My sibling is 61 years old and I have been responsible for Joe since the early 1980's. Joe and I have had many challenges over the years and we are both in a good place both physically and mentally right now. Surprisingly, one of the biggest challenges was having providers recognize the validity of our bond, not only a legal bond but a loving caring brother/sister relationship.
What resources does your sibling have currently?
Joe receives both residential services and day program services.
Any other info you'd like to share?
Since Joe was born with his disability Joe was eligible for services from the start. When Joe became school aged there were no special education classes in our area (we were living in Pennsylvania). The county provided Joe with a private tutor and he learned to read and write. Eventually they decided that even though Joe could only walk with the aid of a person (on tip toes and with bad balance) he could join the slow learners class in the public school system. He was integrated to the public school community.
When Joe was 12 years old (in 1966) our family moved to Maryland and Joe was placed in special education classes. Unfortunately the class rooms were divided by physical disability rather than intellectual. Joe lost ground and his academic learning ceased.
Maryland remains ranked in the lowest slots of all the 50 states in the service delivery for the disabled.
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