[MDtoAL2007]

I am moving to New Market, AL from MD. I'm looking for any information about Social Services, public transportation and work for young adults with slight learning disablilities in the area.

MD is rich with services for people who do not drive, they provide social workers to eligible individuals who will help to get the disabled person to work or just spend the day with them doing fun things like going to the mall or finding local museums to attend.

Does anyone know of any such activities or this type of service in the H'ville area? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
MDtoAL2007

[Bravo35223]

Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation....

[AnyDayNow]

Good suggestion. Good luck, MDtoAL2007.

[Southlander]

Alabama offers very little public transportation, but disabilities is another thing entirely. But please don't expect the same level of services here. Alabama has low taxes and simply don't support the same level.

[Keeper]

If you go to church ask if they have any type volunteer program, even if you don't go to church you can call and ask if they have any type of program. Many have teen leaders/ministers who might take an interest in helping you.
You would be surprised how giving the people are here in AL.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Alabama offers very little public transportation, but disabilities is another thing entirely. But please don't expect the same level of services here. Alabama has low taxes and simply don't support the same level.

Unfortunately correct....sigh...

[BobRoberts]

>Unfortunately

Unfortunately!! What the heck is wrong with low taxes and telling people to get their hands out of other people's pockets? Any time taxes are levied to take money from one person to give it to someone that has a sob story it should be considered theft.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by BobRoberts

>Unfortunately

Unfortunately!! What the heck is wrong with low taxes and telling people to get their hands out of other people's pockets? Any time taxes are levied to take money from one person to give it to someone that has a sob story it should be considered theft.

Well I tell ya Bob...go get yourself a mentally retarded/autistic child. Get one that is ten years old, weighs 80 pounds and can throw a temper tantrum in public like an infant. One that will never be able to drive a car, live alone/independently, get married, have children etc. Somebody with a tested IQ of 61 that you had after five years of fertility treatments so your oldest child wouldn't be an only child...

And then try to get help in the form of special educational services so your child can learn to read....get respite service so you and your wife can have some semblance of a normal life and you have to battle them tooth and nail.

Walk a mile in my shoes Bob...or better yet, why don't you go down to a group home that is managed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and spend a few days volunteering to help with these adults who will be in a group home for 50-60 years, and learn a little about those who are born with birth defects and have no chance at a normal life...

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by Bravo35223

Well I tell ya Bob...got get yourself a mentally retarded/autistic child. Get one that is ten years old, weighs 80 pounds and can throw a temper tantrum in public like an infant. One that will never be able to drive a car, live alone/independently, get married, have children etc. Somebody with a tested IQ of 61 that you had after five years of fertility treatments so your oldest child wouldn't be an only child...

And then try to get help in the form of special educational services so your child can learn to read....get respite service so you and your wife can have some semblance of a normal life and you have to battle them tooth and nail.

Walk a mile in my shoes Bob...or better yet, why don't you go down to a group home that is managed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and spend a few days volunteering to help with these adults who will be in a group home for 50-60 years, and learn a little about those who are born with birth defects and have no chance at a normal life...

Thank you.

[Reactionary]

New Market is a -very- small town waaay out in the county. IIRC the Madison County Mental Health agency in Huntsville provides city bus passes to clients - but the routes are very limited - and certainly don't go to New Market. I'll check with friends Monday to find out more about services, but like others have mentioned, don't expect too much. Certainly don't move here expecting the same systems as MD. IIRC DHR doesn't pay as much disability either.

I know that the Mental Health Center provides group activites for clients (IIRC weekly - mall, museums, etc) and group counseling (IIRC weekly). There is also a place on Johnson Rd for working disabled. IIRC you are responsible for transportation. Bless the people who work there - it's a tough burnout job - high turnover.

Bravo, respectfully and sympathetically, BobRoberts has a point (but roughly made).