The current Recession is taking a large bite out of the services many special needs individuals receive, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I’m starting to see those large cutbacks and consolidation in services I receive.
Last week I was informed that the program I am part of is no longer renewing any leases with the Apartment Complex I am in, and my apartment’s lease is up in September. This is very scary for me because I am getting married in August and we were planning on moving into my apartment together – now that does not seem to be a possibility. I’m very concerned about this right now as getting housing while on SSI is an extremely hard thing to do – most landlords see your lack of, or dismal FICO credit score and won’t even touch you when it comes to leasing.
The program I am part of is talking about buying an apartment complex of its own – but one of the reasons I took the apartement furthest from everyone else in the program is the amount of drama that was always going on in the program – which seems to be a pattern with most mental health programs. Even though Kate and I have significant impairments as a married couple I would feel horrible putting my wife through some of the drama that happens.
Another thing is a college class I have been waiting for an opening in for two years has opened up for me starting in September – but in order to be a part of this class I have to pay approximately $1,500 USD in equipment fees. I don’t think student loans will cover it. So on top of having to save for a wedding and college classes I have to save for a move now, plus try and keep my emergency fund intact
I know this post is mostly me thinking aloud but I have to points for discussion:
- What options does your community have for housing of those with disabilities?
- How significant have the cutbacks been in any services you or someone you know been?
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If it weren’t for my family, I’d be screwed, blued, and tatooed right now. Us Aspies always seem to have a rough go of it! It really suck’s big fatty donkey dick!!!!!…………My dad doesn’t help matters by being sarcastic. Saying I ought to go on Permanent Disability. I wish he’d get it through his doggone skull to never say things like that again!!!!!!! I’ll be Gawdamned before I ever do something so f#*king thankless as that. Going on Permanent Disability means you’ve given up on life and can never improve yourself in the ways a person desires. Or at least the thing’s I damn well want out of life!!…………………….I’m very sorry for your predicament “Zach” I wish to God there was something I could do or say but, I’m barely hanging on myself!!