We need to do more: children living in nursing homes in the state of Florida

Individuals with disabilities have the right to live in the community with supports. This is something that I believe with all my heart and soul. I have spent most of my adult life, advocating for this right. There has been a series of deaths that have happened of children who live in nursing homes. Why do they live in nursing homes? The state says that this is the best option for them.

I absolutely believe that this is a flawed argument. Individuals with disabilities have the capability of living in the community with support. Especially those with more complex disabilities, that may need constant assistance. This is not the 1960s, where individuals with disabilities are just put away in a institution with somebody that doesn’t care for them. I argue that families know what it’s best for individuals with disabilities. We need to do everything that we can to support families with very complex support needs. We need to do everything we can to support individuals in the community in which they live.

I argue for the elimination of this practice. Now the state of Florida says that this issue is about parental choice. I disagree with this statement. I believe that all parents of individuals with disabilities wants what is best for them. They are struggling with a flawed system, trying to do what is best for their son or daughter. Some of them have been placed in a corner, and may have been forced to place them in a nursing home. This practice is not acceptable. We need to do everything that we can to support these vulnerable families. Families know what is best for their sons or daughters. The system must do everything that they can to empower and support families that want to keep their sons and daughters in the community.

I felt like I must apologize. I live the past couple of months I have been not watching out for individuals that often do not have a voice. I am a individual that is supposed to be a advocate for those that do not have a voice. I am actively involved in these self advocacy movement. I vowed to do more friends. I encourage each and every one of you to do more.