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brookside's avatar
brookside
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015

Volunteering With My Adult Son With Down Syndrome?

It has been my dream for many years to full-time RV, every since I knew such a thing existed. At 60 years old, I still have awhile before retirement but have figured out my finances and I could afford to volunteer if I could get a full hookup site in exchange for work BUT I would have my son with me when on the job. We just want the chance to be in the parks and enjoying nature so the number of hours we had to be on duty could be more than normal to compensate for my son being with me. He is very well-behaved and causes no issues having been homeschooled mostly, we are just very used to one another and he is capable of doing simple tasks. He is 28 years old and at this point, the programs we tried have done more harm to him than good but, of course, as we travel I will be looking at what is available in the areas where we travel so that he will eventually have a place when it is needed.

Finally, my question, does this seem workable? Has anyone seen this being done? Any input appreciated and, no, it would not be better for him to be in a program since he has suffered abuse, neglect and exploitation in the programs and life-threatening emergencies caused by ignorance. Yeah, I had to say that because often in every venue I get feedback that he would be better off not being with me and with people "like" himself.

Thanks for any input.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jan 23, 2015
    I would also recommend the national forest parks. Many have full hookups for the hosts. Look at volunteer.gov for an extensive list of positions. Depending on his capabilities, he could help with cleaning sites, checking restrooms and I'm sure most guests would love him.
  • PawPaw_n_Gram's avatar
    PawPaw_n_Gram
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    Spent a month working with another host with a mentally disabled 27 year old son. Great young man. Very focused and careful. Everyone at the park loved him.

    Yes, it was one person covering the real duties - but the son helped, and some things he could do really well, but almost never alone. (Check for TP in the bathrooms was about the most - but he couldn't handle the keys on the locks, so his mom (the host) had to do the actual changing.

    They mainly work federal or state park campgrounds - she said most of the commercial campgrounds spots she has tried to get - the owners were uncomfortable with the idea of a mentally challenged 'employee'.

    I have a 54 year old brother with downs - my prayers and best wishes.

    Go for it. He will be great.
  • DKeppner's avatar
    DKeppner
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    Shoot, I'll bet he'd be outstanding for space maintenance and it would be an outstanding way for more socialization. I would look to state parks or municipal parks first. Perhaps before hosting you can take a few trial runs at harvest host sites and elsewhere to see how he handles the new environments/people.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    brookside wrote:

    Finally, my question, does this seem workable? Has anyone seen this being done?
    Thanks for any input.

    Absolutely,
    Last summer while camping, the host of the loop we were in were a husband, wife and son with down syndrome.\
    The boy was always with the man - both doing the host chores and working together around the loop.

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