SPOTSWOOD — A local resident is urging borough officials to provide more services for people with disabilities.
Terri Dunn, who spoke at a recent Borough Council meeting, said Spotswood isn’t doing enough for people who suffer from disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism. Dunn said she has a grown son with Down syndrome, but that her request is more for others who can benefit from additional services and programs.
Spotswood, she said, does not offer the types of services that can be found in some other nearby towns. She noted recreation programs, transportation and housing as examples.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have an apart- ment for two individuals with challenging disabilities to share,” Dunn asked.
The borough could look into offering sports programs such as football and basketball, she said, for people with disabilities such as autism or neurological disabilities. She said she spoke to the school district, and was told that there are about 160 students in Spotswood’s schools who could be considered to have disabilities.
B
orough Council President Curtis
Stollen said the council is open to looking at her suggestions, but that they need more specific information about what is being requested, and how services would be funded.
“I think even large cities have trouble funding what she asked for,” he said. “We try to offer what we can.”
Stollen said Dunn has been asked to come up with some ideas and present them to borough Business Administrator Ron Fasanello and Mayor Tom Barlow.
“We are in a tight budget situation, and there’s only so much we can do,” Stollen said.
Dunn said that, when she made her suggestions, the council seemed confused and looked at her like she “had three heads,” and Stollen said later that it was difficult to determine just what she was requesting. Dunn said she also inquired about transportation services, but was told that would be impossible, even if individuals funded those services themselves.
On another matter, Dunn said the borough could ask that new businesses install automatic doors to make it easier for people
with disabilities to enter and exit. Dunn asked other residents with family members affected by disabilities to go with her to the council meeting, but none showed, she said.
Stollen said local houses of worship may offer services, and that he was told there is a community home in Spotswood that receives some minor support from the borough.
Regarding funding for more programs, he said Spotswood has many residents on fixed incomes who can “barely afford to live here now.”
“We can’t be everything to everyone,” he said.