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"Toward Full Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities"

Developmental Services Inclusion - Anna Story

Living on My Own -

I live in Brunswick in my own apartment, which to me means FREEDOM! My sister and I had connections in Brunswick. A friend was moving and they wanted me to have their apartment. My landlord went to the Housing Authority and got it approved as a Section 8 apartment. I sometimes hang out with my neighbors and landlord-they are really cool. In June I am going to have big party and invite everyone who helped me, it will be one year in June that I have lived on my own.

The Bowdoin Connection -

My sister went to Bowdoin College and I have lots of connections in Brunswick because of her. My sister’s friend told me about Independence Association, which provides support at work and in my apartment. I got help from a friend, Allison, a student at Bowdoin, to get a job at the College. She e-mailed Dining Services on my behalf and helped me to fill out an application.

A job coach checks in with me at work during the week to see how I am doing and to help me pursue learning to cook. I joke around with my co-workers and get to meet a lot of people through my job, that’s my favorite thing-along with the free lunches!

My life in Brunswick -

I also am an artist and attend Spindleworks (an Artist Cooperative) one day a week. I weave on a loom, paint with acrylics on canvas and take acting classes. I see friends when I am there, too. I wrote a grant to Coffee by Design and got it to put out a newsletter about what we do at Spindleworks. What we do is amazing. My idea was to write a history, interview people, review artwork and have a calendar of our Art Shows. I also write poetry and have shared it at Open Mike Night at a local Restaurant.

I attend all the Bowdoin College Women’s basketball games and watch my friend Allison who plays. I got to meet Ray Ramano, of Everybody Loves Raymond, through my cousin and got to go to his house for a birthday party. It is my favorite television show!

My Dreams -

To travel to a foreign country, like Africa or England, to Advocate for disability awareness.

To become a cook at Bowdoin College and an assistant for the Women’s Basketball Team.