Forgotten during holidays

Dec. 20--ATHENS -- Friday was standing room only at the Birdie Thornton Center's Christmas program.

Jason Barrett, a program professional at the Hine Street day habilitation center in Limestone County, said the community has done a good job of remembering those with disabilities.

Some put on a nativity play and musical selections such as Little Drummer Boy, Mary Did You Know and Silent Night.

Angelia Miller and her daughter, Felicia Lindley, attended the program to support Joshua Miller -- Angelia Miller's son and Lindley's brother.

"He's been coming here since 2002 and he loves it," Angelia Miller said. "If he's sick, he has a fit because he doesn't want to miss school."

As Joshua Miller stood and took the microphone to thank the audience and his family for their support, Angelia Miller called out to him, "I love you Baby Boy."

"Now that's my Josh," she said to the person sitting beside her.

The individuals approached Sheriff Mike Blakely and Mayor Ronnie Marks with tight hugs and bright smiles because they consider them friends. Barrett said local leaders visit the center, for those 21 and older, on a regular basis.

Limestone County has created a good environment for those with disabilities, Barrett said.

Athens recently created a Civitan group composed of individuals with disabilities.

Abby Smith, program director at The Arc of Morgan County on Graham Avenue in Decatur, said she wishes the community was more aware of the needs of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

"Maybe it's something most people just genuinely don't think about, but oftentimes adults with disabilities are kind of forgotten about during the holiday season," Smith said. "That's not to say that people aren't people helping at all or wouldn't be willing to help, but maybe most people just aren't aware."

The Arc, which serves children and adults with disabilities, is purchasing Christmas gifts for about 20 adults in the area that live in residential group homes. Smith said Christmas means the same to many of them as it would to a small child. There are women in their 50s and 60s who have asked for a baby doll for Christmas, Smith said.

"There's not a sign out in front that says, 'Hey, this is a community home for people with disabilities,' so no one realizes that there are individuals living right down the street from them," Smith said.

Brad Romine, director of the Centers for the Developmentally Disabled of North Central Alabama on Church Street in Decatur, said this is a population that the majority doesn't think about during the holidays.

Smith and Romine said a lot of these individuals are elderly and don't have family closely involved in their lives, so the majority of the support they receive is from staff at their residential homes or the day habilitation centers they attend. The CDD offers services in Morgan and Lawrence counties.

Romine said staff members often select an individual to sponsor during the holidays. More community involvement is one of the best ways to see a change, Romine said. Today a group of local high school students will meet at the Decatur Day Program, a day habilitation center for individuals 21 and over, to help them with making holiday ornaments and cards.

The center also hosted a Christmas party last week.

"There is a good bit of support in Morgan and Lawrence counties from our corporate partners, but there's always room for improvement," Romine said.

Briana Harris can be reached at 256-340-2440 or briana.harris@decaturdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @DD_BrianaHarris.

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