Hello,

I am the mother of a young man with autism, epilepsy and intellectual/developmental disability. My passion in life is to set up a great life for him (and other disabled adults) even when I am long gone. He will certainly need a lot of help and he should have a loving home where he is amongst others who care very much about him. The thing about him and other disabled adults is that they are not really that much different from you and me!  We, as humans, have basic physical needs and basic emotional needs. We all want to be loved and to belong.  One of the nicest models of housing is the group home where caregivers live in the home alongside the disabled similar to a family. It is truly a beautiful thing to witness. I wish I could properly convey the  profound joy that can be felt in an environment where everyone is “in it together”. This wonderful dynamic is simply not possible with a revolving door of caregivers.

I am part of a group working to form a L’Arche community in the San Francisco Bay Area. I will not be affected by the way Virginia interprets the federal laws BUT I do have a great deal of compassion and empathy for all disabled individuals and their families,  

My hope is for you to proceed with caution. Please listen carefully to the families of the disabled and the disabled themselves. Before you make any decisions, spend some time in the various types of housing. Go to L’Arche! Visit and enjoy a meal with them. Please seek to understand first.

Thank you,

Caroline Smith