Middle Age-Early Forties to Mid Fifties is a time of life where one's own perceptions about
successes or failures are more important than the perceptions of others. It can be a very stressful time for both
men and women who are looking for advancements in their careers, looking for the meaning of life, wondering
whether or not the life they dreamed of has passed them by. Often, people in this age group are sending their own children
out into the world for the first time-or their siblings are discussing the "empty nest" syndrome. The
important aspect of middle age is "the goodness of fit" between how one lives life and how one desires to
live life.
As a Support Broker, "hearing the voice and honoring choice" is one of the best ways to validate the life of a
person with a disability. Use care to help the individual express the goodness of fit about the life they lead.
Help others in the Circle of Support to hear what is being said so that the right kind of changes can occur.
Mike Smith
Mike Smith, with the help of his mother talks about his life as an adult. Mike likes to make his own decisions. In the past he felt more controlled by others but now feels that he is independent. You will be challenged to find ways to help other adults live independent lives. What is the formula for success?
Michael Smull from Allen Shea and Associates shares his perspective on the complexities of choice. Specifically, choice is made up of three related concepts: preferences, opportunities, and control. For Support Brokers to be successful, they must understand that choice has often been compromised for individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities are often “taught choice making”; however, what is more appropriate is to respond to the desires, preferences, and needs expressed by people with disabilities, rather than to teach them what choice making is all about.
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