Trying to Live On My Own

Living on campus has been difficult. The accessibility in the dorms has been a challenge. Just recently, my parents began kicking around the idea of me living on my own some day. My dad brought this up late last week, and I thought that he meant that I would live completely on my own in my own house or apartment- from the way he stated it at first. I had NO idea that he was thinking of an assistive living setting. Boy, was I confused!Today, I had quite an adventure. I began exploring a possible assistive living arrangement, the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, which is located just outside of Springfield. The nice part about the facility is that the rooms are nothing like those in Lincoln Residential Hall. They are MUCH bigger.Another awesome aspect of the Mary Bryant Home is that it's a one-story facility, and there are no stairs. That really makes me THRILLED because I won't have to contend with any uneven surfaces if I have to use my wheelchair to get from any long distances.I also learned that the facility houses young adults and senior citizens, which makes me feel that- if I do end up living there, I will have an opportunity to make lots of friends, and I won't have to live on my own- without any help, which is the primary thing that scares me about having a place of my own.A big advantage would be that there would be accessible transportation to help me get, let's say, to and from school- for example. The one thing is, like the other things my mom and I are hoping to find out, would be whether there is a cost or fee that I'd have to pay.Among other homely emenities, there is an in-house barber shop, beauty salone, and store.While visiting the facility today, I saw and heard some dogs roaming around the Home. Some of the staff members bring their dogs to entertain the residents. That's something I like A LOT. I'd probably miss my two dogs like MAD if I ended up living there. Having dogs around will make me feel like my two dogs are with me.My mom and I are hoping that this opportunity works for me. Our plan is that, if I'm able to get in, my Mom will help me move sometime this summer. I hope to find out sometime quite soon, hopefully this week- how I need to pursue applying to be a resident.This is such an exciting day/time for me.I'm currently waiting to hear back from the director of the facility about how I need to apply, so keep me in your prayers- and keep your fingers crossed- for the best.