Even though I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t have independence in my life. It’s hard for me to do a lot of things on my own which means I can’t live in an apartment like other people with disabilities can. So I live in a group home which is called NHS Allegheny Valley School to help me be more independent. I have learned to do more things than where I used to live like sorting my own laundry into laundry baskets. And put them in the washer and dryer on my own. I have learned to pack my own lunch put my lunch in the fridge, and put it into my lunch box. I have learned to do household chores where I live now. I have learned how to make my own bed in the morning. I also learned how to do my own hair in the morning. I really enjoy having these goal plans to help me become more independent. I have learned to pick out my own clothes the night before for the next day so that I can get dressed in the morning. I have learned to unload the dishwasher for the next meal and learned how to put everything away where it belongs. And I also learned how to put my stuff in the dishwasher after breakfast. I have been going to the grocery store on Wednesdays near where I live and help get groceries for my house. I have been going swimming some months at Main Campus with my friends to help get my legs stronger. I actually was able to walk at the park with my crutches to help get my legs stronger. I am happy at NHS Allegheny Valley School. I am learning a lot and becoming more independent.

Megan – NHS/AVS consumer – excerpts from an essay she wrote about what she’s learned in the time she’s lived at an NHS/AVS home and participated in an NHS/AVS day program.