A nationwide survey of caregivers of those with developmental disabilities is offering new evidence this week of the hardships many families face in accessing support services.

The results of the survey released Tuesday in a report from The Arc, show one-in-three families are on waiting lists for some type of government-funded service. These range from personal assistance to respite care and housing — and they’re likely to remain in limbo for an average of over five years.

The survey, which was conducted last year, culled responses from nearly 5,000 caregivers from across the country.  Most adults with developmental disabilities are living with their parents and have no alternate housing plans for the future, the findings indicate. The majority lack high school diplomas and 85 percent are unemployed.

Their parents are feeling taxed financially and emotionally. One-in-five families said someone had to quit their job in order to provide care. And more than 80 percent of caregivers said they put their own retirement in jeopardy because they used savings to fund services for a loved one.

What’s more, the vast majority of caregivers report feeling tired and stressed some or most of the time. Nearly half say they have more caregiving responsibilities than they can handle, according to the report.

“The future is uncertain for these individuals and their families,” said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc, who called the situation a “train wreck waiting to happen.”  “Although we have made some progress as a nation over the last 50 years, our nation has an obligation to do much more,” Berns said.

App Aims To Level Playing Field

Forget the pen and paper at your next IEP meeting.

A new iPhone app is designed to organize the process, providing legal tips and a place for notes all in the palm of your hand.

The app for iPhone or iPod Touch organizes the individualized education plan, or IEP, meeting into categories such as “current performance” and “annual goals.” When a category is selected, there is a brief description of the legal requirements and an opportunity for the user to insert a goal or notes.  The free app, known as IEP Checklist, was developed by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, a Virginia center that’s part of a national network of special education parent information and training centers funded by the Department of Education.

“This application can empower families and equalize the relationship between families and professionals,” said Paula Goldberg, executive director of the PACER Center, a Minnesota training center.

“I can also visualize young people working on their own IEPs, being able to reference the federal regulations that say that their transition goals are supposed to be based on their strengths, needs, preferences and interests.”

The IEP Checklist app can be downloaded at the iTunes store.

Upcoming Events

• July 24: Special Olympics Minnesota Area 10 Softball Tournament

• July 25: Special Olympics Softball, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• July 26: Cooking for Comfort from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• July 27: Movie and Munchies, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• July 28: Special Olympics Softball, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• July 29: Bingo from 6:30 to 8 p.m.