The Disabled, Homeless, and Older Americans

      Kentucky prides itself in being one of the most diversified states in the Union. We are most known for our great natural energy reserves, horse racing, and as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. We have some of the largest coal and natural gas reserves and an oil refinery located in Ashland, Kentucky. We are the home of the Kentucky Derby. Daniel Boone, a common man, was a famous American frontiersman known for establishing one of the first settlements in wild Kentucky. Famous writer Robert Penn Warren was born in Guthrie, Kentucky; and former president Lincoln was born in Hodgenville and grew up in the surrounding communities in Kentucky. And today, Kentucky is known for its commitment in providing an affordable quality education to its citizens.

      Another equally great natural resource that Kentucky has is its physically and psychologically disabled community. They may need help, but there is plenty that they can do when given support. People may not be thought of in the same light as coal, oil, or natural gas, but in many ways they are even better. For one, you don’t have to mine the disabled out of the ground; two, they won’t make anybody sick or kill anyone; and third, disabled people are a natural renewable resource. In fact, Kentucky in the next 100 years, will not run out of the disabled who are smart, loyal, dedicated and willing to work hard to make Kentucky, our home, the best place to live in the nation if given a chance.

      Disabled Kentuckians need more affordable and reliable transportation, accessible specially designed homes, and an easy system allowing people to better access community-based services and information needed to be successful, including gaining long-term employment. Everyone, including our older population and our homeless, needs support in these areas and in finding more meaningful permanent employment. Many older, disabled, low-income, and homeless citizens report that without reliable housing, transportation, and uncomplicated access to community-based assistance programs, local temporary employment such as baby-sitting is the best they can do.

      A major obstacle to self-help management in Kentucky is the lack of a centrally-located resource available for those with disabilities who have questions and for interested employers seeking to employ the disabled, as well as older citizens. According to the U.S. Justice Department Civil Rights Division, the Attorney General’s office of each state is charged with having such an information resource established to answer questions associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). But, we do not have this in Kentucky. Instead, we have public assistance programs scattered throughout the state and state government. People who want to engage in self-help programs are frustrated because uncomplicated, centrally-located information is not available at this time to assist them in designing an effective self-help program to meet their individual needs. We also need a place in Kentucky where people can go to file a complaint against alleged practices of discrimination. Click on www.ada.gov to learn more about the A.D.A.

      There should be a place in Frankfort where people can call to get help to identify services in their own and surrounding communities. Kentuckians want to live the best life they can and disabled persons realize that by working they can regain their self-respect, earn their own keep, and have the best chance of regaining their independence. Research indicates that when cultivated with a positive environment for success, the homeless and older population also can be easily re-educated; they are as dedicated in the work place as other workers; and companies that hire them earn the respect of the communities they serve. There are also programs available for employers to pay a percentage of their salary while in training. For the homeless, there needs to be a step program designed to relocate this population back into the community. No matter what, by working together, we can create a win-win situation no matter how you sum it up.

      Otis "Bullman" Hensley cares about those of us with special needs and believes that, by working together, we can make a difference. He wants to know what else we may need to help us become more independent. Contact Otis at otisbullmanhensley@yahoo.com with your questions, comments, and suggestions. Also indicate if you would like to be involved in developing a self-help program in your area.

-- Thomas Rossi