>Disabled build skills at group home: Why not in Ridgewood??

I am also surprised by Councilman Aronsohn’s “no” vote as he presents himself as an advocate for the disabled.”

There are giggles in the air as Nicole Jadotte teaches Linda Davies how to make baked chicken while other members of the “family” watch.

Davies, in her wheelchair, is able to toss in Mrs. Dash and other spices. She’s able to stir the mix, and so she smiles the smile of one who feels she has contributed.

One might find helping hands in any kitchen, but this Westwood home stands out for bringing together six adults with developmental disabilities — most, like Davies, using wheelchairs — but under 24-hour staffing that provides safety along with their independence.

“Every day is an adventure and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” said Anita Novoa-Baggett, program director for the non-profit Spectrum for Living in River Vale, which runs the Westwood Group Home. “Sometimes it’s difficult, but seeing the residents’ smiles every day makes it worth it.”

Despite their disabilities, Davies, originally of Westwood, and the other five resident members of what they like to call a family, are the lucky ones.

Pam Ronan, public information officer for the state Department of Human Services, reports that more than 8,000 wait on a list for supportive housing such as this in New Jersey, and 4,950 of these are on the “priority” section of the list because their parents or caretakers are both over the age of 55.

The state Division of Development Disabilities (DDD) already funds roughly 7,000 people with disabilities in community residences — everything from condos to apartments. That includes close to 4,500 residents of group homes like Spectrum’s, for which the state provides funding, Ronan said.

As seen from these statistics, she said, “there is a demand for homes for people with developmental disabilities particularly as family members are getting older.”

Robert Jugan, whose sister Linda lives at Westwood, states the plight of these families with a simple question: “Where would these people go?” if homes like Spectrum’s did not exist. Jugan is the guardian for Linda, who needs help even to get dressed, and her care became a priority as their parents aged.

Jugan is happy Linda made it off the waiting list. “This is a family setting,” he said. “They have six people in a home and they have workers who take care of them.”

Margaret Nassan’s 36-year-old son, Brian, is the newest member of the Westwood family. Nassan, who is 70, said Brian’s placement “was the right thing to do” considering her age. She finds the home “fantastic” and gains comfort in that even after she’s gone, “I know that they will take care of him forever.”

Besides the baked chicken, the Westwood home was glowing with other family activities during a recent visit. Everyone knew it was time for “Oprah,” and Karen Yates was all smiles as she took her customary position in front. She used hand gestures and signs to tell how she had recently pursued her other passion — shopping.

This is leisure time, but during the day, Yates goes to the Teaneck Adult Training Program for arts and crafts and a chance to make money with work at her skill level. The other residents also have daytime programs to maximize their skills. On weekends, families come to visit and their participation is encouraged. Visits to restaurants, like their favorite Red Lobster, and other recreation are also part of life here.

Although one resident talked about wanting to go home more, Tina Adkins, director of residential services, said, “For the most part residents are happy. They take ownership in that this is their home. It’s almost like going to college. You’re out on your own, but the families are very involved here.”

Spectrum was founded in 1978 after a group of parents joined together to bring about independent living for their disabled adult children, said Mark Michelson, senior vice president of operations. Their dream was not only realized but contagious, and today Spectrum has 15 group homes and five apartments to serve those with disabilities.

“Everything is directed toward providing residents with independence. We want to integrate them into the community to the fullest degree possible,” Michelson said, from parties to church service, banking to shopping.

E-mail: rolando@northjersey.com