Hello

I wanted to share a letter with you from Natalie Horne, a self-advocate.  I received the letter on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, while we were up at the Capitol urging lawmakers to provide additional funding to human services programs, such as Natalie describes in her letter.  Please share this letter with others and keep the message alive of how important it is to fund these very vital programs for Floridians with developmental disabilities.

Debra Dowds

When I was growing up, there was no such service as hospice, in-home support, personal-care assistance, etc. it was a struggle for this woman to strive for goals and dreams. Becoming independent was determined. Though I wanted to be a part of the family, community and world, I was always 2-hour behind. I was born Cerebral Palsy, this cause my control of motor movements to be involuntary. Though my dexterity is limited, being unable to walk and my speech is impaired, I am very capable of being an advocate and getting my thoughts across. Though I possess these struggles of the every day, by all means , I also possess the ability to think, reason, feel, dream and pursue happiness and independence.
There were years of struggling with personal- care through school and college, and great determination I received a B.A. Degree in sociology/psychology from USF. Though it was hard to get employed due to my limitations, I volunteered at art museum, children’s hospital, was a reading teacher and counselor. Then I was introduced to personal-care service. Services that would enhance the determined desire to be productive with less struggle. "imagine not having to awake at 5 am for a 10 am class." or not sleeping in clothes in order to meet an interview at 8 am the next morning.
Over the years I’ve been blessed to have been receiving these services. These “helping hands” has allowed me to maintain a home for my children, to go out into the community. It’s hard to have my home neat and organized with limited dexterity, it hard to feel confident when you couldn’t get a shower…your child wants ‘mom’ to go on a class field-trip or needs a doctor’s visit, or needing help to do laundry. These “wings that work” help me maintain my life without the hours of struggle. Since these services, I’m feeling confident when going on appointments. Someone comes in by 8 am and assist me with shower and dress. I am able to motivate and encourage others in the community by being a Support Living Coach. I am able to be there for others because these services are there for me. Then in the evening, another person comes to do my personal care.
In order to keep my family maintained, my personal care and in-home support must be maintained. I am a mother of 2, a 16-year-old daughter, 18-year-old son and grandmother to a 5-month grandson. I want to continue encouraging my kids to pursue educational or vocational goals, pursue happiness in a healthy way. I want to continue to be there for the people who need encouraging. No, I am not financially comfortable, but contributing to my community is a wonderful reason to live.
Thank you very much for taking these few minutes to read my letter and listening to my words. It is hoped that my story will help you understand just how much the services greatly enhance the quality of my life.

Sincerely,
Natalie R. Horne