The Forgotten
In this post, we discuss how COVID-19 affected people with developmental disabilities. You will read the perspective of Gillian Christian, a physical therapist & co-founder of Ability & Beyond Fitness. You will also read the point of view of a mother, Hope Trent-Mendez. She has an adult son with Autism that lives in a group home. Feel free to comment below & let us know your thoughts regarding this issue.
By: Gillian Christian
COVID-19 took our country like a whirlwind. Families torn apart, unemployment at a new high, business owners wondering how to save their livelihood, and the death toll at alarming numbers. The new normal became social distancing, wearing a mask and hand hygiene to help stop the virus from spreading. Hospitals, group homes, and nursing homes forced to stop allowing visitors, leaving families to completely rely on essential workers to provide both health and emotional care to their loved ones. We saw long lines in order to complete our daily activities and many places of business forced to close. Then the numbers started to take a turn and the reopening process began.
Please watch the previous video and let us begin a conversation about how the reopening process looked for individuals with disabilities and their families. What could have been done differently? The rationale was about keeping these individuals safe as medical experts stated, they could be amongst the most vulnerable and at risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus if they were not protected. How could we have provided the services they required while keeping them safe? Could families safely visit, in order to provide the love and emotional support they needed during a time of isolation? We want to hear your comments and bring awareness to what these individuals are experiencing.
By: Hope Trent-Mendez
Placing my son in a residence was a difficult, but right choice for Jason. For the past 9 years, he has been extremely happy. But not seeing him or being with him because of the pandemic, has created a mixture of emotions within me. Of course, sadness; I miss my son. I miss seeing him, being with him. Standing on the doorstep of his residence just is not the same thing.
Gratitude, that the staff of SUS (Services for the Underserved) are willing to put my son’s health & well being before my motherly emotions. Awe & respect, for the direct service staff, many who have their own children and elderly family members. Yet day after day, these staff members risk their lives & that of their loved ones for the care of my son.
Lastly, there’s anger. Jason’s dad & I wanted him to understand that our house was still his home. So, nothing in his room was changed & one weekend a month, EVERY month, Jason would visit. How fate would take this time away from us angers me so. I am 65, soon to be 66 & my husband is 62 years old. How many years are left to us to be with our son? I also have a deep anger towards the selfishness & uncaringness of others in this country. Is it really a great sacrifice to wear a mask or keep your distance when you can? Have we as human beings become so self-centered, that we are willing to risk the lives of others, just because we feel entitled?
Yet, I am willing to sacrifice what time I have left with my son to protect him & to protect those who feel that taking a simple precaution is an infringement on their personal freedoms.
2 Comments
Lenora Sasteh Lashley-Walters
My daughter, Akua, also lives in a group home. The pandemic was extremely hard on her, and me too. I couldn’t visit her, and we saw each other every week, prior to the pandemic. Our family trips were canceled. She kept asking me when was this going to end. Her life had changed and this time Mommy couldn’t fix it. I hadn’t seen my daughter for two months. I drove up to the group home, and demanded that they bring her to the door. They did. With masks on and social distancing, I saw my baby. We both broke down in tears. Just writing this has me crying. I missed her, and she missed me. There had to be a better way for OPWDD to handle this pandemic. We were both depressed because we could not see each other, or physically be together. Since June, I go see her every week. I am not allowed into her home, nor can I take her on outings. so we visit on the porch. It’s getting cold now. I’ll see what plans they come up with during the fall.
abilitybeyondfitness
Hi Lenora,
Thank you for your vulnerability & for sharing your experience. It was heartbreaking to read about your experience. We are so glad to hear that you have a chance to see your daughter now. It is extremely difficult not seeing our loved ones. Hopefully, with the holidays coming up, you will be able to bring her home. Thank you for reading our blog & posting your response!