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The Answer Inc. By Jonathan Bille  |
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 Autism had no face, no voice and no center of support in Maywood until one woman decided to make a difference in the life of her family and the community. Debra Vines founder of The Answer Inc. is calling for all members of the community to defeat the stigma of autism and to embrace its autistic residents.
Vines the mother of an autistic child Jason, who is now 20, began working in the community about four years ago after speaking with a friend, who also has a child with autism. The two shared a frustration over the lack of resources available to families with autistic members, namely no support groups, recreational services or advocacy centers in their community. Her frustration turned to commitment when she realized that these services did exist in more affluent communities in neighboring areas.
Vines’ tireless efforts have brought mixed results, while some segments of the community have been quick to support her efforts, Maywood Park has offered the use of their gym for The Answer Inc. to use for events, other segments like the township have not made any real movement in making any assistance available. Vines expressing an understanding stated that she recognized that governments move more slowly than individual community members, but it still begs the question, what is the local government for, if not to assist in exactly these types of community needs?
With or without government help, it is unlikely that Vines will be prevented from achieving her vision. That vision, humble in nature yet grand in practice is to have a community center for families with autistic members. As a location for information the center would provide a meeting room in effort to form a social network for families to share their experiences with one another and to learn from each other’s successes and failures. The center would also provide recreational services, where autistic people could be dropped off for entertainment and fun while giving family members a chance to rest and recharge. In addition the center could be used as a location to bring in guest speakers and home to a 24-hour crisis hotline.
Even with the tireless efforts of Vines, The Answer Inc. can’t do it alone. Community members are encouraged to participate in anyway they can. Items like gift cards help the Answer Inc. pay for printing and office costs while gift certificates to area restaurants allows them to take their autistic members out in groups, a much needed treat for themselves and their families.
Vines expresses a deep desire for the community to change its behavior in regards to its autistic members. She encourages all families with autistic children and adults not to be ashamed of their family but rather to share themselves with the community and to end the shame and stigma attached to a situation that effects so many in silence throughout the community.
Anyone interested in making donations, volunteering or just seeking more information should contact The Answer at (708) 296-5651 or write PO Box 6224, Broadview, IL 60155. |
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