Letter to the Editor

Helping the disabled

Are blue skies ahead for people with developmental disabilities in Cape Girardeau County? Will there be an alternative to the current sheltered workshop in Cape Girardeau soon? An alternative that focuses on community integration, if that is the desire of the individual with disabilities? An alternative that works to build partnerships within the community and asks area businesses to hire those with disabilities and agrees to provide job coaching services in order to ensure success? The answer depends on many things.

Currently, there is much discussion and debate across the country regarding old school sheltered workshops. It seems they may soon be a thing of the past. Legislation is being worked on that would do away with these dinosaurs. Advocates are suing, claiming discrimination by segregation regarding traditional "workshops." Community inclusion and full integration whenever possible is the way of the future. There is a not-for-profit here in Cape Girardeau that has been formed specifically to address these issues locally.

The community has shown an interest in more progressive choices in employment services. This new group -- Blue Sky Center/Blue Sky Services -- has many other exciting plans for this community, but we need vocal community support. Blue Sky Center wants to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by offering a wide range of services. Employment services will only be the beginning.

If you would like to learn more about Blue Sky's plans, visit www.blueskycenter.org.

TRACI RITTER, Cape Girardeau