I applaud Merrill Bobele for his thoughtful opinion piece on Big Wave (Review, Dec. 3). Others may take issue with his assertion that Big Wave is a “flawed plan.” This is understandable given the paucity of housing, vocational and recreational support for developmentally disabled people on the coast. These individuals require consistent support, and their needs will continue long after parents can provide for them. I know. My husband and I are nearing 60, and, as parents of a 24-year-old developmentally disabled son, we recognize the daunting challenge of securing lifelong support services. Unfortunately, a project like Big Wave is not the answer.
Having spent two decades advocating on behalf of developmentally disabled members of our community, we have experienced the profoundly positive impact an accessible and integrated community has on the quality of life for people with disabilities. HOPE Services’ community-based day program, currently serving 20 young adults, is the most recent example of how, given adequate support, developmentally disabled individuals can successfully work, volunteer, go to school and enjoy leisure activities within the context of the larger community.
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Developmentally disabled people living in our community deserve a richer life than the one currently envisioned by Big Wave, and, as Bobele points out, there are alternatives.
My husband and I are actively pursuing them.
Ruth Palmer
Half Moon Bay
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