I completely agree with what you say about autism. I prefer to think of it as neurodiversity, and rather than asking people on the spectrum to adapt to our world (and institutionalizing them when they don’t), we should find ways to be more inclusive overall.
I hear you. I feel overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless much of the time, too. It’s dark stuff – the way some people treat others. The many encouraging responses here help tremendously.
There’s a whole theory behind the profits made when you institutionalize people versus supporting them in their communities. It’s called handicapitalism if you’re interested in looking it up.
Sometimes their families commit them – or they commit themselves, thinking they are going for a short stay and rehabilitation. Only later do some realize they’re stuck there for the rest of their lives.
I have heard this all too often – residents taking care of other residents out of necessity – including from two of the people I interviewed from the facility mentioned in my series.
There is some positive news on this front. Groups like Center for Public Representation are fighting to have these “sheltered workshops” shut down, arguing that they are another form of segregation. They have had some significant success throughout the country.
Thanks so much, Frank. You summarized it well. I’ve been at this for more than two years now and still feel like I haven’t made a dent. The care industrial complex is very strong indeed. I am so appreciative of Mad in America for helping me reach more people.
Thanks for your kind words, Eric. Keep writing and trying to get people’s attention. The more voices, the better.
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I completely agree with what you say about autism. I prefer to think of it as neurodiversity, and rather than asking people on the spectrum to adapt to our world (and institutionalizing them when they don’t), we should find ways to be more inclusive overall.
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There are groups you can consult to protect yourself from guardianship abuse. This is one I can vouch for – http://www.stopguardianabuse.org/
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I hear you. I feel overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless much of the time, too. It’s dark stuff – the way some people treat others. The many encouraging responses here help tremendously.
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There’s a whole theory behind the profits made when you institutionalize people versus supporting them in their communities. It’s called handicapitalism if you’re interested in looking it up.
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Sometimes their families commit them – or they commit themselves, thinking they are going for a short stay and rehabilitation. Only later do some realize they’re stuck there for the rest of their lives.
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Thank you, Cat Lover Oregon!
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Thanks, J.
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I have heard this all too often – residents taking care of other residents out of necessity – including from two of the people I interviewed from the facility mentioned in my series.
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There is some positive news on this front. Groups like Center for Public Representation are fighting to have these “sheltered workshops” shut down, arguing that they are another form of segregation. They have had some significant success throughout the country.
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Thank you, Fred.
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Thanks so much, Frank. You summarized it well. I’ve been at this for more than two years now and still feel like I haven’t made a dent. The care industrial complex is very strong indeed. I am so appreciative of Mad in America for helping me reach more people.
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Thanks so much for reading, Rachel! We need to keep spreading the word.
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