Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1509390
24 People with disabilities are just like everyone else. They have strengths, weaknesses and a desire to be valued by others. They also want to be seen as being capable of both receiving and giving. Since our founding in 1988, Road to Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) has known this truth and we have always tried to focus more on strengths while simultaneously helping people address their weaknesses. Unfortunately, many in society do not share that perspective, and too often people with disabilities are treated as being invisible or viewed as objects deserving of charity. Rarely are they seen as contributors to society. Thankfully, life provides many opportunities to engage in activities that make people pause and reconsider previous assumptions. One such recent event involved our nascent collaboration with The Outreach Program-End Hunger NE in Pembroke, a group dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Utilizing funds from a grant received from the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, and our own funds to pay for the food supplies, Members from RTR's local day programs, along with employees and friends, packed 35,000 meals to benefit local Veterans Groups and food banks! The smiles that day were omnipresent and contagious as Members delighted in knowing they were helping people in their communities who were hungry. Since then, they have gone back to volunteer multiple times and RTR has been added to the Outreach Program's "Wall of Fame." RTR is proud to offer residential, employment, day habilitation, community-based day supports and employment services to a diverse spectrum of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), throughout the South Shore and southeastern MA. Utilizing our integrated clinical approach, we help Members who have previously failed with other service providers to find success in the community with RTR. Over the years, we have helped thousands of Members, from over 100 cities and towns in MA, become fully engaged and valued members of their communities. We are very proud of our team of caring and committed Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who bring our Mission to life every minute of every day! If you are interested in getting involved with our mission or for more information about RTR, please visit www. roadtoresponsibility.org. ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY Gives Back Written by Erin Cohen