Hennie has been a consumer with the DCBMRDD since he began Kindergarten services back in 1999.  Hennie has had several obstacles to overcome since moving here from S. Africa with his parents, Henrik and Marnelise, and his brother, Hugo.  His first obstacle was the language barrier as Hennie’s first language was African and due to his diagnosis of cerebral paresis with bilateral hemi- paresis he is non-verbal.  All of which makes learning and communication extremely difficult for a brand new kindergartener! 

 

But with Hennie’s engaging personality, supportive family, and therapies it did not take him long to begin communicating with his peers using some formal sign language and some signs he created himself.  As Hennie got older it was painfully obvious to everyone that sign language was not meeting his needs and a more sophisticated form of communication was needed. 

 

Hennie’s father began researching what communication devices were out there that would both meet his son’s current level of communication and also had the capabilities to grow into the future with him.  Once all the research had been completed, Darke County MRDD began collaborating with other local agencies and funding sources to purchase a CHAT PC and Hennie had an electronic voice that everyone could hear!  Hennie made his first verbal presentation in 2004 for his science class project, which even included a power point presentation using his family’s laptop.  By 2005 it was again obvious that Hennie had a need for his own laptop and MRDD assisted the family with funding for the adaptive equipment.

 

Hennie uses his communication devices as part of his daily routine as a sophomore in high school and in his daily life outside of school.  He is using his laptop extensively for reviewing homework, assignments and participating at school.  Hennie is very active in his community and enjoys horseback riding, sporting events, and will be attending NASCAR camp later in the spring with his family.  Hennie is still working hard to overcome the limitations of his diagnosis.  “Hennie has progressed well with his communication and he and his family are grateful for the generous assistance provided to him,” stated Marnelise, Hennie’s mother.

In 2006 the Darke County Board of MR/DD, working through a non-profit agency, Miami Valley Innovations, purchased a home, in Greenville, using Capital Housing dollars received from the State of Ohio. 

 

Jeff, Bill and Shawn are currently renting the home that was purchased.  Jeff and Bill moved into the home in September 2006.  When asked what they like best about the home, Jeff responds, “It’s got enough room for everything.”  Jeff and Bill previously shared a small two-bedroom apartment where it was difficult to keep the belongings for both them.  In 2007 Jeff and Bill asked Shawn if he would like to live with them.  This added a new twist to the household as Shawn also had a cat.

 

Jeff, Bill and Shawn continue to be successful living together.  When Shawn was asked what he liked best about living in the home, he stated, “The rent is cheap! And there is not a lot of noise from next door neighbors.”  Previously Shawn had lived in a local apartment complex.

 

Living together still takes some getting used to.  Issues arise that need to be addressed between roommates and nerves can be irritated. Taking that into consideration Bill still states that the best thing about living in the house is, “the persons I live with.”  Most of the time the good out weighs the bad.  Jeff continues to be excited about not having  “to go outside to do laundry anymore.”  But there are sacrifices that must be made when living with others, such as respecting privacy, sharing living spaces and furniture, as well as creating a chore list.

 

Jeff, Bill, and Shawn do require some support in their home.  The support that they receive is as different as they are.   With the assistance of a Service & Support Administrator (Case Manager) needed supports are identified and arrangements are made for them to be provided.  Supports are centered around providing for the men’s health and safety and assisting them to be as independent as possible within their community. 

 

As anyone who has shared a house or apartment with another person/s knows, it isn’t always easy living with someone else but, it is part of normal life.  That in itself is what the Darke County Board of MR/DD is attempting to help individuals experience… A normal life and all that comes with it.