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Real deal Robby Stephens
In the past I lived in a group home that I was not happy with. I wanted to be on my own and independent. The group home did not want me to move because they would lose money. But I wanted to make my life better. So, I moved to an apartment where I do not have to be controlled by staff. I say what needs to be done. I have been here for two years now. I feel that I have more freedom now. Instead of staff saying to me what my diet is, I buy my own groceries. I can call my mom without time limits and ask her to come and see me. I can go to concerts, which I couldn't do in the group home. I can go out to eat with my friend every week. Since I'm on my own, I feel like I get more done than I ever did! To keep moving forward, I need people who are strong with me, which means I want to be lifted up instead of put down. I want people to put power behind me and believe that I can do stuff. Then I have the power to say, "Hey, this isn't your life, it is mine." Jamie Ziegler
From a community hair brush, to opened mail, to bathroom intrusions, Ziegler lost nearly all of her civil rights as a nursing home resident. She began using her bra to tie the bathroom door shut and ensure a few moments of privacy. Though her health condition has not improved significantly since leaving the nursing home, she has a much more healthy state of mind. She now cherishes the simple freedoms that she once took for granted. Source: Disabled advocates rally for independence, by Linda N. Weller Eric Guidish
As an independent citizen, Guidish recognizes the importance of individual liberties. “All Americans, including people with disabilities, deserve the opportunities to live, love and be loved in our own communities.” Source: ‘Freedom riders’ rally support,
by Cindy Wojdyla Cain Kim Prather Kim Prather, a 33 year old woman with epilepsy, moved out of a nursing home after living there for two years. In an emotional speech, Prather said, “Now that I have left the nursing home, I am experiencing a new world. I am enjoying peace and quiet finally. I choose when and what to eat. I come and go as I please. I can shower and toilet without permission. I am enjoying my new world.” Source: Freedom Riders seeks home options: Campaign calls for seniors, disabled to have a choice,
by John R. Pulliam
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© 2008 Campaign For Real Choice In Illinois, All Rights Reserved. |
My name is Robby, and I want everyone to know that I am now independent, which means I am living on my own.
Eric Guidish is a resident of Springfield, Illinois. He lives on his own, like most other citizens in the states’ capitol. However, Guidish didn’t always live independently. He previously lived in a nursing home, but this was never truly a “home” for him. His memories of the facility are all but happy. He recalls sleeping in his own feces three nights a week and begging for showers in the morning, to no avail.