SIBS Looking forward: Transition Retreat

Please visit the dcbdd.org for more information on the Transition Retreat hosted by SIBS (Special Initiative by Brothers and Sisters).
This retreat will focus on how siblings can help their brothers and sisters with disabilities transition to the next phase of life after high school.
The retreat will run from 04/04/2014-04/06/2014 at the YMCA Camp Wilson in Bellefontaine, OH.

Not in my neighborhood!

As I was busy with evening direct care services with one of our individuals, the statement "Not in my neighborhood" caught my attention. There was a gentleman testifying before The Ohio House Health and Aging committee in favor of House Bill 452; a bill that was introduced by Rep. Ann Gonzalez in response to the death of Westerville resident, Jane Jeurgens at the hands of a group home resident, Jordan Stewart.

House Bill 452 would only deal with group homes managed by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. It would set up new reporting procedures for ODJFS and other agencies to communities in which group homes are located. Here is a list of proposed requirements:

1. Require agencies to give address, type of home
2. Contact information for the facility
3. Copy of the facility's emergency medical plan
4. Copy of facility's community engagement plan

 Each time I read or hear an update on the case of Jane Jeugens, it stays in my mind for a while. It affects me because:

1. I am Westerville resident; my children and I have visited that park many times.
2. I have a 16 year old son. While my 16 year old doesn't live with any emotional or mental illness, when I learn of those that do such as Jordan Stewart, it never escapes me that it could have been my son.
3. I co-own and operate a provider agency.  I don't provide this exact service as the  provider involved in this case but we share many of the same requirements and are governed by some of the same entities.
4. I am a woman that frequents places alone. I enjoy going to parks to walk. I want my community safe.

I am not certain that House Bill 452 is the solution. I think while those in support of it are simply seeking to keep their communities safe, that it could be a slippery slope that will affect our individuals with Intellectual Disabilities /Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) as they are often lumped in the same category as those with mental health issues.

Tragedies such as this makes it more critical for us to bring awareness and education regarding ID/DD to our communities. I am concerned that House Bill 452 is a move in the direction of isolation. I believe it is our responsibility to keep things progressive.

What do you think of House Bill 452? 

Do you believe it will affect our individuals with ID/DD?

Please share your thoughts with us.