Two years ago I wrote about helping Andrew prepare for
his senior year and some of the things that lay ahead of him in the world of services
for individuals with disabilities. Step
one was making application to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). I
described my experience telling him about this federally-funded program that
assists individuals with disabilities in determining their career and then
offering training and placement to make their vocational dream a reality. At the time, his immediate response was that he
was proud and didn’t need any handout. I
think his exact words were “I don’t need no stinkin’ handout”. He was incredulous with the thought that
throughout his whole life he had fought to not make his disability a way to
gain advantage or favor and now his Dad was suggesting he take something for
free.
By last year I was able to report he had accepted the
services offered by DVR. Andrew began to
work with DVR and had positive experiences with his counselor going through an individual
orientation. I had also found a letter
in our house from DVR indicating he was eligible for services and instructing
Andrew to make an appointment again to begin writing the plan. He was nonplussed about receiving the
letter. And anyway getting the letter
and making the appointment would have to wait until after the prom which prom
came first in his life!
Well, finally Andrew has a DVR plan! It has Andrew scheduled to attend SPSCC this
spring. This has been a long and
frustrating experience as a parent. It's
important to encourage yet not be too pushy or too frustrated by his lack of
initiative and follow-through - Yikes - an 8 month delay! But
now he is about to begin his schooling which will lead to the job he has always
dreamed of - becoming a Chef. We’ll see
how it goes. Oh, by the way, he also got
a part-time job with assistance from Morningside! [Paid for by, you guessed it, Dad!]
Me and Andrew having breakfast together
Me and Andrew having breakfast together
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