by Terrance N. James (Author)
Prader-Willi Syndrome: Growing Older challenges readers to think about quality of life and the aging process. Importantly, it documents the stories of Canadians with Prader-Willi syndrome who are over the age of 40.People with developmental disabilities are human beings just like you. We have feelings, dreams and personal thoughts. We have a heart, soul, mind and spirit and we need you to understand us. Understanding and caring are two of the most important things that you can do for us. I want to have the CHOICE to decide what I want in my life. I want to have an apartment with my own support workers to help me keep myself and my apartment clean, to monitor my food intake and keep me safe. I know that I need someone to keep the cupboards locked and I need someone to keep me active to control my weight. I want to have some fun in my life. I have the right to have the same CHOICES in life that you do. Without choices my right to freedom is being denied. (John, age 40) I live independently. I am a 40-year-old adult. I am living on a farm. I finally feel that I have freedom and less controls and more choices - I love my life. (Angela, age 40)Living independently with staff support is my greatest accomplishment. This was worth fighting for. (LeeAnne, age 40)