Letter on Disabilities Sent by
President and CEO, Karen Schrock to News Media
May 22, 2006
Nolan Finley, Editor The Detroit News 615
W. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48226
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the excellent article on
May 17th, “Who Will Care for Disabled Kids?” The importance of
self-determination for people with disabilities cannot be overstated.
Adult Well-Being Services has been
providing services to persons with developmental disabilities for thirty
years. Our mission is to help people live as independently as possible.
We offer skill building services, family support, numerous community
outings to assist with community integration and assist with
coordinating support services.
What makes our work particularly
rewarding are the numerous inspiring success stories. Just recently, we
assisted in the transition of a young man to independent living in his
own apartment, a feat never imagined by his sister. With our support,
encouragement and new bathing suit, another young woman learned to swim
for the first time, fulfilling her lifelong dream. As stated in the News
article, it is imperative that we convey to persons with disabilities
our expectations that they will be independent, capable and
self-reliant.
At the same time that we devote our
resources to improving the lives of adults with developmental
disabilities, the reality is that in the most difficult situations, full
or limited guardianships may be appropriate. When cases are referred, it
is out of a recognition that the ward is in an extremely vulnerable
position and in critical need of the safest living environment he/she
deserves. We have offered guardianship services since 1984 and are an
accredited, community based non-profit agency with extensive financial
safeguards in place. We implement person-centered planning to the
greatest extent possible; it is part of our mission. While we fully
support alternatives to guardianship, people need to know that
organizations such as ours continue to offer professional, ethical and
compassionate guardianship services when needed.
Karen Schrock, President
& CEO |
