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AardvarkGoodSwimmer
Veteran
Joined: 26 Apr 2009
Age: 63
Gender: Male
Posts: 7,665
Location: Houston, Texas
31 Oct 2012, 11:53 am
I don't know if there are special needs colleges in the U.S. In a lot of ways, I think the UK might be about three years ahead of where we are in the U.S. But with the Internet, it probably won't take us that long to catch up. 
And plus, this entire article by parent Liz Astor is just very well-written.
Quote:
The daughter who taught me the meaning of love, by Liz Astor, Daily Mail [UK], Oct. 17, 2012.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... -girl.html
" . . . So, every day, life presents a constant challenge, and before Olivia was due to leave school, the task of finding the perfect special needs college preoccupied me. I cannot overstate the scale of the task it presented — I had to find one that catered for her specific needs and also provided good quality care — but, eventually, I discovered the right place, Homefield College in Leicestershire.
"She has been there a year now, and is thriving and, although we regret her distance from us, we know she is settled, safely and happily, with people of her own age and learning new skills.
"Olivia is now able to shower and wash her hair. She dresses appropriately for the situation and weather, does her own laundry, cooks and cleans. She lives in a modern house, which she shares with four others. Weekly, she also attends IT classes and is learning to take public transport, closely shadowed by a carer. The feeling of independence this gives her is invaluable and delights her.
"But what will the future hold? In July 2013, she will leave college and our quest will begin afresh to find a happy and secure new home for her. . . "
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... -girl.html
" . . . So, every day, life presents a constant challenge, and before Olivia was due to leave school, the task of finding the perfect special needs college preoccupied me. I cannot overstate the scale of the task it presented — I had to find one that catered for her specific needs and also provided good quality care — but, eventually, I discovered the right place, Homefield College in Leicestershire.
"She has been there a year now, and is thriving and, although we regret her distance from us, we know she is settled, safely and happily, with people of her own age and learning new skills.
"Olivia is now able to shower and wash her hair. She dresses appropriately for the situation and weather, does her own laundry, cooks and cleans. She lives in a modern house, which she shares with four others. Weekly, she also attends IT classes and is learning to take public transport, closely shadowed by a carer. The feeling of independence this gives her is invaluable and delights her.
"But what will the future hold? In July 2013, she will leave college and our quest will begin afresh to find a happy and secure new home for her. . . "
PS I am not a parent, but I am a person who lives life on the spectrum and I try to help out where I can.
