60 Years Later: Reflecting on Life with Disabilities

Over the past 60 years, understanding and supporting disabilities has profoundly transformed. Whereas people with disabilities were often marginalized or institutionalized, society has moved toward creating environments that promote independence and inclusivity.

Rene’ Besold is a retired director of human resources and training who lives in Castro Valley. She recently shared a powerful story about the lived experience of a family caring for a now-63-year-old adult with a disability, whom we’ll refer to as Liesa, to protect her privacy.

Liesa was born with an extra chromosome and diagnosed as being developmentally disabled. At the age of three or four, doctors told Liesa’s mother that she would be better off sending Liesa to an asylum since she would have no chance of ever leading a productive life. Instead, her mother raised her alone for ten years, refusing to give up 

Rene’ met Liesa’s family when she was 27. She was instantly drawn to helping and supporting Liesa's independence and development. When Rene’ learned that if Liesa’s mother were to pass, Liesa would be sent to state care, she inquired about becoming Liesa’s co-conservator.

Rene’ explains that the strain became too much over the years, and Liesa’s mother began seeking a placement to provide her daughter with a structured living environment and educational support. They discovered The Cedars of Marin. In this world-renowned program, individuals with various diagnoses can live independently within a community, engage in prosocial activities, and lead productive lives.

Today, Liesa lives in a group home with others. They are all responsible for independent living and being an adult. She can now write her name and speak. She makes and sells art and cares for animals. 

Rene’ shares, “For over five decades now, The Cedars of Marin has provided impeccable nurturing, teaching, constant caring, and loving reinforcement, and Elle is now a highly functional, outgoing, articulate, and accomplished adult who brings countless hours of joy to those she meets. Those who are different bring greatness in their own ways. If those of us who are so-called "normal" give them a chance and the resources to become productive members of society, then most will succeed beyond our wildest expectations.

I hope this story inspires you. We are in a new era of awareness and access to resources that enable all individuals to lead meaningful lives. Let’s continue to build on this progress in the future.