Bill’s Story

I lived in two institutions in Maryland (Rosewood and Great Oaks) as a young adult.  I could not go anywhere, the food was bad, and they did not have teams for sports.  I did not have friends like I do now.  I like to go shopping down the street, but you could not do that in the institution.  I thought the staff were a little hard and rough on the folks that lived there.  They also did not have school or jobs for me.

My family wanted me to live in the community, so they helped me to leave the institution.  I did not like it there at all and my family thought I could do more with life.  They talked to the people in the institution and got me out.

Today, I live in an apartment with my friends in Prince George’s County.  We have staff that help us with meals and transportation and things with living.  The staff are really nice – lovable, warm, and kind.  They are helping me to learn how to fix my own meals.  I finished the Office Skills Training Program at the Arc of Prince George’s County and now I am a full-time Office Assistant at the Arc.  Also, I am Co-Secretary of People on the Go of Prince George’s County.  I help plan meetings and work with other advocacy groups to help pass laws that will help people with disabilities live better lives.  I like to work and go shopping and I am on two bowling leagues.  I could not do any of these things in the institution.

I think everyone should have the chance to live in the community.