Developmentally disabled adults’ center expanding

Caitlin Hudgins

Friday, July 9, 2004 | 4:50 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

July 10 - 11, 2004

What: Adam and Eve Charity Love Fling, a bachelor-bachelorette auction to benefit New Vista Community

When: 7:15 p.m. Thursday

Where: Plush Lounge inside Rampart Casino

Cost: $25 and up

Information: 869-2335

Developmentally disabled adults who live in institutions typically don't get to make choices that most people take for granted, like when to get up in the morning or whether to watch a TV show that comes on late.

In institutional care, "Everyone gets up at 6 in the morning, everyone eats breakfast at the same time, everyone watches TV at the same time," Michelle Jackson, director of development for New Vista Community, said.

A charity event Thursday will help support an institution that allows its members to set their own schedules.

The proceeds from "Adam and Eve's Charity Love Fling" will go to the 28 residents of New Vista Community, a housing option for developmentally disabled adults that encourages its members to become self-sufficient -- and to watch their favorite TV shows whenever they happen to air.

The ability to make their own decisions helps New Vista residents enjoy their daily lives, Jackson said.

"It's very small, simple things that really build a quality of life for people," she said.

And that actually leads to a longer life, Jackson said.

Ten to 20 years ago, children born with mental handicaps were not expected to live past age 30, she said. New Vista's oldest resident is in her 60s.

"They (the residents) will have a longer life because they are in an environment that's positive," she said.

New Vista Community, founded in 1984 by the parents of disabled children, currently offers two housing options to its residents.

Its four 2,500-square-foot group homes are located on a 15-acre ranch on Rainbow Boulevard near Grand Teton Drive. The homes, each housing six people, surround a courtyard that boasts a gazebo, pool, Jacuzzi and garden.

The ranch's eight main staff members offer residents help with tasks such as social interaction, personal hygiene, money management and medication administration.

If residents master the skills necessary to live independently, New Vista also offers supported living arrangements. This program lets those who have proven they can function without assistance live in an apartment or home of their choice.

Four women have graduated to this level and live together in a house near Durango Drive and Cheyenne Avenue. New Vista staff members make daily visits to check on the residents.

All members of New Vista except one are employed. If developmentally disabled individuals want support from the state, Jackson said, they must have jobs.

To help those who are not employed get jobs -- and state funding -- New Vista Community is planning to build a $2 million, 40,000-square-foot community center next year.

The center would provide job training, arts-and-crafts activities, an enclosed swimming pool and corporate offices and would be open to developmentally disabled individuals throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Also in the works is a $12 million, 60,000-square-foot senior assisted-living project that would support individuals over age 50.

The complex would house 50 residents in apartment-style housing that would include a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchenette and patio. The project would also feature a conference area, library, laundry facility, recreational area and garden. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.