Autonomy, Community, and Freedom

I just had to read the article when it came with such a heartfelt recommendation:

This was a beautiful article - I had no idea Colin Farrell had a disabled child nor that he was involved in advocacy. 

His quest to create a foundation that allows disabled kids to age into good community care (instead of aging OUT of supports) is so important. - - Kelly @broadwaybabyto

And here’s the article:

‘He's cheeky, bold and bright,’ – Colin Farrell opens up about his son’s Angelman syndrome as he turns 21, Esther McCarthy, Irish Independent 

Of particular interest to me is this section in which Farrell describes his son’s readiness to lead a fuller and more independent life while acknowledging that community programs to support that are rare if not nonexistent in many locations.

James’s parents see him as a young man with his own life who wants to be out and about. But they are aware that this will bring challenges, as James’s condition means that he needs supported care. “His mother and I are trying to think about the next stage of his life. He has earned autonomy, and he has earned having a greater sense of community and a greater sense of freedom,” says Colin. “He shows us that, and he loves people, and he wants to be active in the community and all, but there's just very, very little there.”

As the family seeks suitable and supported independent living for James, they have become aware of the dearth of such home care for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Inspired by James and out of a desire to do what he can to better the lives of the many other families facing similar challenges, the actor has decided to establish The Colin Farrell Foundation.

Again, Kelly’s recommendation of the article contains a precious nugget of truth which may be invisible to those who don’t have direct personal experience: there should be a far greater investment in initiatives that “…allow disabled kids to age into good community care (instead of aging OUT of supports).”

That brings me to Howard County and the work of Donna Pidel and Adebayo Sodunke of  The Difference 2-17 . Inspired by Pidel’s 36 year old son Alexander, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, The Difference 2-17 describes their mission this way: Enrichment & Community Development Services for Autism and Neurodiversity for Adults 18 and older.

“Aging into good community care.” That’s what this is. The Difference 2-17 provides a safe and supportive environment for young adults to develop skills that foster wellbeing and independence. The image below may feel like just so many words to you, but it’s linked with opportunities and experiences intended to enhance quality of life. Look at the photos on their Facebook page to see what I mean.

The Difference 2-17 opened their first location in Mount Airy in 2021, and has since expanded to Frederick and Westminster.

Next up: Howard County. They will be opening a location in Ellicott City in September.

In the article in The Irish Independent, Actor Colin Farrell shares his vision for his foundation:

The ultimate goal would be, within a couple of years, to end up in Washington and get a hearing and try and get some money allocated for exactly what we're talking about - not summer camps, but for community centres where parents can bring their young adults, and also for more independent living that will obviously have around-the-clock support and care, and what that's going to look like. So there's loads to do.

Yes, there’s loads to do to create the kind of network of excellent community care for young adults aging out of traditional birth-21 programs. I’m excited to see the local progress of The Difference 2-17 in addressing those needs. 

You can learn more at their website, and on Facebook.

Village Green/Town² Comments