According to Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center Executive Director Ellen Robinson,
“High school graduation is an exciting time, representing the transition of a child to a young adult. Universities visited, career choices determined, and a new independence from family begins.
“For a student with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the path is much different. Graduating from public-school at the age of 17/18, then from a transition program within the public-school realm at 21, begins a time of loss and uncertainty. While their classmates pursue additional education and job opportunities, most young men and women with IDD simply go home. Although home may be a warm and loving environment, the availability of stimulating engagement is limited. This inherent isolation frequently results in a loss of communication and social skills.
“The transition is difficult for parents as well. Caring for their child full-time while they work or help with their aging parents is exceptionally difficult. There is also a financial burden. Whereas part-time jobs and student loans allow non-disabled graduates to pursue post-secondary education, these are not options for individuals with IDD. Approximately 49% of adults with IDD receive public-funded benefits, but approximately 8% do not. And although benefits are helpful, they only provide approximately 25% of the funds required for a quality program.
“According to Health and Human Services, the demand for community-based services and support often outweighs available resources, applicant names may be placed on a Medicaid waiver interest list until services are available. The wait time on a Medicaid interest list is 15 to 20 years. Therefore, potential clients with IDD are sitting at home losing skills previously obtained, feeling a sense of abandonment, and may feel sad and depressed.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap, serve the community, and allow clients to have alternative care options immediately by offering day services that include health services, nutrition services, therapeutic activities, social services, and respite services. Therefore, skills-retained and social engagement continues.
“There are other Day Habilitation Centers in North Texas, but the majority only take individuals who are highly functioning, meaning they can communicate, toilet themselves, and feed themselves. Big Hearts understands disabilities are individualized and we are here to accommodate all levels of care.
“Through the support of Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day, our compassion will reach the masses, and we’ll be able to accommodate clients who couldn’t afford to attend day services as well as clients on the interest waitlist.
“At the North Texas Giving Day preview with WFAA Daybreak, we were able to meet other organizations, and have since been able to collaborate on ways to better serve our community. We are looking forward to making more connections.
“Texas Ranks 49th Among All States in Efforts to Serve Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; we are committed to bridging the gap to help change this ranking. At Big Hearts, we’re committed to changing how you live, not where you live.”
* Photo credit: Ellen Robinson ** Graphic provided by Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center *** Photo credit: Debra Kline
In 14 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $503 million into the North Texas community. In 2022, more than $62.6 million was raised through 94,385 donors benefiting over 3,210 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 21, support Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center by clicking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay2023