Stories & Pictures
Kurt & Kaleigh
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The Bosman family only wants what all families want for their children. Kurt, age twelve, has autism and is hearing impaired. He needs help eating, dressing, bathing, and brushing his teeth. He also does not know danger.
For example, he runs off and does not know how to get home. Kurt needs constant supervision and will always need significant supports. Right now, he receives services through Maryland’s Autism Waiver. He has enough service hours to cover his needs, but it’s difficult to keep staff. Thus, the family constantly tries to find people to fill his hours. The Autism Waiver ends at age 21, so all of his support will disappear unless DDA can offer supports.
To further complicate the family’s challenges, Kurt’s sister, Kaleigh, age 22, suffered a traumatic brain injury on November 16, 2002 when a drunk driver crossed the center line on Route 97, and hit her head-on. Kaleigh was a typically developing teenager at Liberty High School when the accident occurred. She was working and going to school; she was enrolled in Advanced Placement classes and had a promising future ahead of her in college. Kaleigh spent four months in a coma and six months in a hospital. She had to learn how to walk, talk, and eat again.
Although she has made improvements, she too needs supports to live an independent life of her choosing. Kaleigh still needs assistance with taking a shower, dressing, and preparing meals. She needs assistance to walk. She is both mentally and physically impaired as a result of the accident. Even Kaleigh, herself, is aware that she is in need of constant care. “I would not be able to get along without my Mom, and I know my Mom will not be able to take care of me forever. She will get old and die. I cannot go anywhere by myself, and none of my old friends ever do anything with me. I depend on Respite Care workers to take me places and give my mom a break. I am both mentally and physically disabled as a result of this accident.”
Although she has made improvements, she too needs supports to live an independent life of her choosing. Kaleigh still needs assistance with taking a shower, dressing, and preparing meals. She needs assistance to walk. She is both mentally and physically impaired as a result of the accident. Even Kaleigh, herself, is aware that she is in need of constant care. “I would not be able to get along without my Mom, and I know my Mom will not be able to take care of me forever. She will get old and die. I cannot go anywhere by myself, and none of my old friends ever do anything with me. I depend on Respite Care workers to take me places and give my mom a break. I am both mentally and physically disabled as a result of this accident.”
Kurt and Kaleigh’s mother has similar feelings, “Right now, I feel as if I am drowning. I am the primary caregiver for both of my children with special needs. This does not allow me any time to have friends or a social life or give much thought to what I need. It’s very depressing, nothing to look forward to. I can never say, ‘When the kids grow up and move out of the house,’ because that will never happen. Before Kaleigh’s accident, I had two healthy girls and one disabled boy. I used to think the girls would be able to look after their brother when I could not. Now, I have one healthy girl, Joanna. I cannot expect her to be responsible for and have the burden of both Kaleigh and Kurt.
I feel totally overwhelmed every day of my life. Not only is this family in crisis, the entire system is in crisis, and this is happening now. Maryland needs its leadership to address this long neglected issue. END THE WAIT NOW!
I feel totally overwhelmed every day of my life. Not only is this family in crisis, the entire system is in crisis, and this is happening now. Maryland needs its leadership to address this long neglected issue. END THE WAIT NOW!
Developmental Disabilities Coalition
Dedicated to the rights and quality of life of people with developmental disabilities in Maryland