Feature Issue on Self Direction

The author, right, paints with Jackie Adamo, art teacher

I’m an artist who paints abstract works with acrylics, pastels, and charcoal. I liked art when I was a kid and still do today. I found a wonderful teacher and friend who has taught me so much. Her name is Jackie Adamo. She was a teacher and is always an artist. I met her through friends. She saw my value and potential and was open to the movement issues I deal with daily. Jackie went back to work full time and is no longer available, though she may be available in the future on holidays and we’re talking about asking her if we can occasionally come to her studio. Other staff are kind, but not as attuned to my abilities as an artist.

I sleep late compared to most of my friends. I didn’t pick out my clothes today because I had a doctor appointment early and was rushing, but I usually do. Art clothes for painting and gym clothes for working out. I love pasta for lunch and eating what I want is important to me, but my mom won’t let me have hot dogs or tacos all the time.

Being engaged with friends, doing meaningful activities, is the most important thing to me. One of my friends and I like bowling and playing music, and I swim with another one of my friends. With a couple of my friends, I love to discuss politics. I hope the changes in Washington do not sacrifice me and my friends.

I haven’t talked with my mom about the future, but I have faith she will try and make it look like today. My friends and I have talked about it some. One friend has a house, and he is so happy. A few others who live at home feel like me.

By that, I mean that I hope I always live where I have choices and staff to assist me. Self-direction has given me years of love from a girlfriend, who died a few years ago, friends who mean the world to me, and a life I love. I want that until I die.

Having real choice in my life with self-direction is completely different from my school years. I have found the respect that I crave and deserve. I have great support and ideas from my circle. My family is involved in all my meetings. This shows how they value and love me. I am so grateful for them. I couldn’t have the life I have without their support.

I am very involved in my family’s lives and they are in mine. I love when we can all be together on vacations or holidays. I have the best niece and nephew, who are smart and kind. My nephew chose to be part of my Zoom book club. They have both done virtual music performances for my friends and me.

My adult life has been so much better than my school years because my world has opened up, thanks to self-direction. Self-direction has given me a variety of friends I cherish and new interests that keep me engaged in learning. I love going to museums and live music at local colleges. I never knew I liked opera before experiencing it at a local college. Meaningful activities with my friends help me grow. For this to work best, my staff must be open to new things, too, and I hope they like learning because this is a partnership based on respect and trust.

Staff who understand my communication and sensory needs is key to my happy life. I said it many times; I need support to be sure my body will get through the day and so that my true thoughts and choices are understood. My verbal responses are not always an accurate account of what I want or choose. My sensory needs need to be met every day for me to be my best.

My circle of support understands me very well. My sister always comes up with interesting art things for me to look into. My nephew and niece have always been open to interacting with my friends and my friends love them. All my circle members commit their time to be in touch with my life. I need that support.