Community Center, Home for Special Needs Adults planned in Laurie
November 22, 2023 Janet Dabbs janetdabbs7@gmail.com
Livabilities, a non-profit community center and residential home for adults with significant disabilities is planned to be built on property adjacent to the Laurie Park. Livabilities will give people with special needs a place that is custom-built with them in mind.
Tim and Becky Bartlett are building the center and home. The driving force behind Livabilities is their daughter Eliza. Eliza was born with a rare disorder called Angelman Syndrome, having a spontaneous deletion of the UBE3A gene on the Maternal 15th Chromosome. Unfortunately, deletion is the most common Angelman Syndrome genotype and tends to be the most severe, in terms of symptoms or characteristics.
Eliza is 21 years old and is nonverbal, unsteady on her feet, has seizures and a happy demeanor with frequent smiling and laughing. She is very active, sometimes with ceaseless energy and an inquisitive nature. She can quickly get herself outdoors, but once there she does not recognize danger which presents a great safety concern for her family. She is also fascinated by water. “Keeping her safe is a 24/7 concern,” Becky said.
They have modified their family home to create a safe space for Eliza where she can play and relax. “Everything is a potential hazard, from electrical or window cords, to the stove or bathtub. As she grew taller, we switched from a wall mounted TV to a ceiling mounted projector where the image is projected on a bare wall. Everything she touches has to be safe for her.” Doctors place her mental age at around 12 months of age, but her parents say they are constantly amazed by her determination and problem solving. “If she wants something, she won’t stop until she gets it.” Becky said. While she can’t do sign language or use a communication device, she is very good at getting her point across. “You can look into her eyes to where she is looking to see what she needs, or in what she is interested. She will also take your hand and lead you. She is very expressive and engaging. She loves people and loves to be out in the community watching and being a part of what’s going on.”
The Need for Community Programs
Eliza attended school until the age of 21. “The Camdenton R-3 School District has a wonderful program, and she had the same paraprofessional for years,” Becky enthused. “They loved her, and they took great care of her. Not all public schools are equipped to care for a student of such comprehensive needs.”
After graduation they investigated day programs but found them to be more than 30 minutes away. “We want Eliza to be active and to build relationships in her home community. If there isn’t a program locally, then we decided we need to make one.”
Eliza has a full life expectancy. “She needs to have a quality life,” Becky said. “She loves going out to eat and meeting new people. She loves to laugh, and her greatest joy is swimming.”
What Happens when We are Gone?
As Tim and Becky get older, they know they must plan for Eliza’s life without them. “With a typical child, you prepare them to go out in the world and support themselves. But with a disabled child who is dependent upon you for their most basic needs, you have to prepare the world for them. If something happens to us tomorrow, what happens to Eliza? We are not comfortable leaving that up to chance,” Becky said. And they are not alone in feeling that way. The Bartletts have been contacted by other families near and far who need future care for their adult children. They, too, have a great interest in the community that Tim and Becky hope to build. “It’s vital to have a home that is welcoming and safe for individuals to explore and thrive. We want them to be a part of their community and we believe the community will be enriched by knowing them.”
The Community Center
The Community Center will be a place for individuals living at Livabilities and other local individuals to gather, socialize and be active. It will be an area that will encourage the continued development of fine and gross motor skills.
The Home
Livabilities plans to start with one home serving two to three individuals. With the response they have received from local families in need and those across the country who are also interested, they plan to build additional homes, as necessary. “We will situate the first home with other homes in mind. We want to be able to serve all the families who reach out to us. We know firsthand how alone you can feel in this process. Our homes will look like traditional homes but have state of the art technology that will help keep our residents safe,” Becky said.
The Financing
The Livabilities board is raising funds through various platforms. Anyone interested in getting behind this project is invited to make an online donation at livabilities.org, Go Fund Me or PayPal Giving. Livabilities is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information, please contact livabilities@gmail.com.
Volunteers and Donations
“We hope to decrease costs significantly through volunteer laborers, contractors, builders, HVAC etc.,” Becky said. “We hope local businesses will consider donating some of the supplies. We will welcome volunteers with various gifts and skills and those who enjoy engaging with the residents.”