1. Ramblings of a Madman (parent) Some ideas for those “Called to Shape the Future” © Clay Boatright, 2012

2. The Boatright Circus (www.boatrightcircus.com)

3. Typical? We’ll have none of that!  My twins are almost 12 years old and:  Don’t speak  Periodically use the bathroom  Bite and scratch  Have running meltdowns (with or without clothes)  Won’t sit and draw for 15 seconds, but will sit in the tub pouring water from cup to cup for hours (even if they #2 in the water)  On the other hand, they:  Will never use illegal drugs or steal my car  Let me give them big sloppy kisses in front of their friends  Are magnets attracting the nicest people on earth, and repelling those who aren’t  Brought perspective and purpose to their dad

4. Two Life Verses  “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’” – John 9:1-3  Jesus himself said that disabilities are not punishment, so NEVER think that  “this happened so that” describes intent. God has a plan.  “the work of God might be displayed” Even our challenges are vehicles that God uses for his purpose. God is smarter than we are…get over it!  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

5. The Diverse World of Developmental Disabilities Wants Own Apartment Be a Pro Speaker Home w/Parents Work at a bank Condo w/Sister The Pain to Stop Chateau w/10 Friends Test computer games House w/3 Friends Make people smile Needs Apt Modifications Full Time Attendant Help Bathing Job Coach Respite Care Physical Therapies Attendant at Night Post Secondary Training Support Income Day Hab w/Outings

6. To support their individuality…

7. Today: Medicaid (1 basket, all eggs) Job Coach Supp Housing Day Pgms Ongoing Therapy Center of the Universe  Budgets are shrinking  Services getting cut  Inconsistency across states  Subject to political whims  Fuels the Disability Industrial Complex  Permits the rest of society to abdicate responsibility

8. Tomorrow: Collaborative Support Government Infrastructure Civil Rights Min.Safety Net Coordination Commercial Jobs/Support Ingenuity Efficiency Investment Faith/Nonprofit Experience Safety / Respect Commitment Inspiration Three Legged Stool  More sustainable  Shares the responsibility  Reduces risk  TRUE community  Improves efficiency  Just feels better

9. One final thought… Our History Is Not Our Destiny

10. To follow up… Clay Boatright clay@JNine3.org