I am 32 years old and will work about 33 more years, continually paying income tax on a salary that should rise throughout the years. I will need these personal care attendants for the rest of my life. With numbers like these, I ought to be an honorary member of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. This is in 1983 dollars and does not reflect any inflation during the 33 year period. Let us look at the sacrifices a family makes when they have a member with a disability living at home.
Parents remain in constant fear of the child's welfare.
Burdens are placed upon siblings in the event of a catastrophe happening to one or both parents. Family members wonder whether or not they will be their brother's or sister's caregiver, and if so, when will they have to make provisions to care for that person. Expenses are drastically reduced for the essentials of daily living as they await the moment. But if we invest in someone's independence, fears are greatly reduced. As the family member with a disability becomes more and more independent, the emotional and financial burdens lessen and other family members become free to lead normal lives.