WESTBOROUGH – In the space of a former bank on East Main Street, a summer camp was taking place.
Photos and drawings surrounded a list of activities both planned and done.
There was even a mascot – a mermaid the campers named “Hot Dog.”
The campers sat around a table, creating crafts and socializing. They were soon to play some mini-golf in Marlborough – another activity to cross off the list.
These campers are young adults; most have been diagnosed with autism or other intellectual/developmental disabilities.
One of these young adults was Ben, the son of Christine Simpson. Next year, he will turn 22, and will no longer be eligible for special education and services on the federal level.
There are programs within the state system, but these programs often don’t receive enough funding to accommodate everyone needing services.
That is why Simpson established Post 22, a center that provides training, employment and socialization for disabled adults.
“I’m a mother on a mission,” she said. “I want them to have a better, more valuable life. I want to build an extra capability.”
According to Simpson, once disabled adults reach 22, nearly 3,000 of them are on waiting lists for state programs. The unemployment rate for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities is more than 81%. For disabled adults who do find employment, they are often in dead-end jobs that don’t pay well.
In addition, the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston said that 80% of individuals served by state intellectual and developmental disabilities receive services in sheltered workshops, away from peers, the community and a meaningful integrated life. This isolation limits their social interactions and denies them the opportunity to fully participate in community life, hindering their overall growth and well-being.
Post 22 wants to change that.
Simpson said the program is in the process of reaching out to local companies such as Amazon, Curry Printing, Jersey Mike’s and Lowe’s to establish group employment opportunities. Post 22 will also provide transportation to and from work.
According to Simpson, disabled adults are an asset to the workplace. She said they are punctual, motivated and dependable.
“They have so much to offer,” she said.
The new space
Post 22 recently took a lease on an 11,000-square-foot space at Bay State Commons. The space will include two handicapped-accessible bathrooms, 12 desks for computers, and an “internal employment” area. It’s scheduled to open sometime in October.
“It’s going to be a nice area,” said Simpson.
She thanked Grossman Development Group for their help.
For information on the Post 22 program, visit www.post-22.com, or email Post22inc@outlook.com.
Financial donations for Post 22 are welcome; go to www.gofund.me/70d2a701.