Libby Drake Starts PATH Toward Independence*

About 20 people gathered on Saturday to help Libby Drake establish her PATH toward independence. (PATH is an acronym for Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope.) By the end of two hours, some definite goals to be met within a year had been established. They included:

Living in her own home or apartment, with her dog Jessie.

Going to summer camp.

Having a reliable support team in place.

Other goals included expanding her communication board and getting her some environmental controls like a remote that turns lights on and off.

Libby, 26, who has cerebral palsy, can't communicate verbally and gets her daily meals through a feeding tube. She recently embarked on a dream of living independently. To do so will make her the first person in the North Bay with a feeding tube to live on her own. She gathered family, friends, and even a former teacher, for their input on how to make this dream a reality.

"Twenty people is a lot for a gathering," said Debbie DeOsuna, supportive services manager at Solano Supported Living Services. "I didn't know she had so many family and friends." DeOsuna's job is to help Libby reach her goal. The strategy session began with everyone introducing themselves and sharing their favorite quality in Libby. Libby's sense of humor, tenacity, and energy were just some of the traits mentioned. "There are a lot of things here. It sounds like you light up a room. It seems like you have a really important role in many people's lives," said Claudia Bolton of Solano Supported Living Services. Claudia facilitated the gathering.

Then it was Libby's turn to tell everyone what she wanted. "Her dreams, in the past, have included being an advocate for others with handicaps," said Libby's mother, Brenda Duncan. Libby has also thought of being a teacher, a teacher's aide, or a veterinarian aide. Presently, she'd like to remain in the area, settle in an apartment or house that will accept her small service dog, and fill her free hours with movies, friends, and parties. Libby's support circle was also asked to share their dreams for her. "I'd like things to be stress free and no battles with bureaucracy," said her mother. Others said they'd like Libby to find a place that's wheelchair accessible and for her to just be happy and follow her own dreams.

After the brainstorming session, participants had pizza and soda. The next step is finding agencies to help Libby, which may include everything from MediCal to rehabilitation services. The group will gather again. "By getting everyone together you get a more complete picture," said Claudia. "And it gets people invested."