The Colin Farrell Foundation

 

When I found out about The Colin Farrell Foundation and how it aims to empower the lives of people with various disabilities, I was very excited since I may one day benefit from this new foundation whose mission is to improve the quality of resources and support for individuals with disabilities.

 

James Farrell, age 20, was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, which is described as a rare neurological disorder. His father, Colin, started a foundation recently to help families with adult children living with disabilities to participate in communities with greater access to support services and funding to live independently. It has been for many years a huge burden trying to find appropriate programs that recognize the needs of vulnerable populations due to restrictions on who is eligible to receive home and community-based service waivers. For instance, Medicaid waiver recipients are often forced to live in their home state forever because waivers do not transfer to other states and waitlists can be decades long. This type of oppression is consistent with America’s long history of seclusion and institutionalization of disabled citizens that must be replaced with alternative types of care. Seclusion and lack of control over one’s life choices by the government is a violation of human rights, dignity and personal worth. Therefore, the goal of the Colin Farrell Foundation will be to advocate for important changes to policy and funding by ensuring all people with disabilities who rely on HCBS waivers can live meaningful lives and achieve individual freedom, independence, and full participation in modern society.

 

Since the early 1980’s, HCBS was established as a federal benefits program, but does not require each state to provide these services. This places families with special needs children at risk for limited coverage and waiting too long to move out of family homes to live on their own once they get older. Most states have long waitlists to receive services due to lack of affordable housing and funding to cover costs of care. The foundation will establish affordable and accessible housing all over the country to allow new residents who require assistance with daily activities to choose where to live and what they want to do. It will also push for states to implement mandatory waivers to all residents and provide incentives for caregivers to work with their clients such as competitive wages. Lastly, employment opportunities will be created with training programs and personal care services as well as day programs to give people with disabilities equal access to community living.

 

It is amazing that the Farrells are working hard to make a big difference in the disabled population for more resources to be made available everywhere. I am hopeful this coming project will “turn on the light” so the government sees it must build a better support system not only for adults with intellectual disabilities but also those of all abilities. I believe it’s worth fighting for our freedom and individuality. It’s important to understand there are always challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed through advocacy and resource development. Progress takes time and nothing worthwhile comes easily. I’m so proud of the Farrell family for everything they have done to support James and for fighting for those of us who live with obstacles but still deserve a meaningful and successful life like everyone else.

 

For more information about their initiatives, visit https://colinfarrellfoundation.org/initiatives/ or email them at info@CFarrell.org.