Early in the history of Wayside, many children were placed at the Wayside Children's Home by families who were overwhelmed by a system that did not support the notion of children with disabilities staying with their families to receive the services they need. In the mid 1990s legislation increased funding to families with children with disabilities to enable them to receive services in their own homes or other natural settings. The purpose was to prevent or ameliorate developmental difficulties, provide family support and integrate children with disabilities in settings with non-handicapped peers. This improved the ability of families to have their children with disabilities remain with their family rather than having to place their child in a residential setting.
Today, most children with disabilities stay in their family home until they are at an age when most children leave home to attend college or "move out on their own". Many adults with disabilities stay in their family home until their parents are older and unable to care for their child as they have in the past. This is a natural progression in life and one that Wayside supports by assisting families with the transition to finding "a home of their own". Families who are interested in seeking residential placement or who have questions about the system and how to navigate a future placement can contact one of Wayside's Family Support Coordinators.
Lorain County: Shawn Ramirez, (440) 934-6054
Cuyahoga County: Michelle Carrere, (440) 934-6054
Family Support
