Melvin

Melvin, a young man with significant disabilities, thought his only option after high school was to live in a group home. He always wanted to live in his own apartment, but he didn’t know how he could accomplish his dream.

Through the support of other members of the community, he learned about personal assistant services, accessible and affordable housing, and friends with disabilities modeled independent living. Melvin has since attended several self-advocacy trainings, and the Statewide Independent Living Conference. On his own initiative, and with support from Jill, while she was employed at VFI and other staff, he has retained personal assistance services, and rented accessible housing.

Melvin was also unhappy with the quality of his education, so he started a due process procedure to receive additional reading assistance from his alma mater. In addition, he has contacted the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in order to obtain an appropriate augmentative communication device that will assist him to live independently. He is now working with the RECC Center (Recreation, Exercise, Creativity, Community) to develop the first all-inclusive community center.

His ultimate dream is to own a fully accessible movie theater for all.