Feature Article May 29, 2002
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Community Living - Profile of Claire Steele Claire grew up as part of a large family at Mississippi Station, just north of Sharbot Lake. Like many people with a disability, Claire spent most of her time close to home because of concern for her well being and safety. Claire has a developmental disability and a mild form of diabetes.
While living at home for all those years, Claire watched as her brothers and sisters actively participated in activities outside the home, grew up, got married or got jobs, and moved out of the family home to start life on their own. Claire remained living in her family home most of her life. After her parents death she stayed in the same house with her brother's family for another six years. In 1995, for a variety of reasons, at the age of 59, Claire decided it was time to spread her wings and start living life on her own.
She moved out of the family home to stay with a sick friend and help her through her recuperation. After staying only a few weeks with her friend, she was asked if she would like to stay permanently, and she accepted the offer. After six months of living with her friend in Crow Lake, Claire decided that she was ready for a greater adventure and even more independence. With the support of Community Living - North Frontenac, she moved into her own apartment in the village of Sharbot Lake.
During the last seven years Claire has grown very active and self-reliant. She lives very independently and maintains her own apartment with many of the skills she learned from growing up with her family. Most of her day-to-day needs and activities are accomplished with little or no support from outside agencies. The support she receives from Community Living-North Frontenac is minimal and centers around healthy lifestyle choices and transportation in the community and to the many social functions she chooses to attend. Claire accesses legal services and medical services independently and usually arranges her own transportation through her friends. She visits the seniors home regularly and spends time with other seniors; helping them with daily needs or just taking the time to talk with them and provide companionship.
Claire has a very large network of friends and extended family for whom she cares very deeply. They are very important to her and she endeavors to stay in touch with all of them through phone calls, letters, visits, and attendance at family functions.
One of Claires closest friends is Margaret. They first met many years ago in elementary school, but lost touch as each moved around and followed different life paths. A few years ago their friendship was renewed at the Sharbot Lake Seniors Residence where Margaret now lives. Although they saw each other off and on throughout their lives, Claire and Margaret never really had the chance to get reacquainted until Claire stayed at the Seniors' Home during a period of recuperation from an automobile accident a few years ago. They now share a strong bond of friendship, and provide each other with companionship, a friendly shoulder to lean on, and someone to share the good times and the bad. They also enjoy going out to functions and having each other over for visits or a friendly dinner.Today, at the age of 65, Claire is enjoying her retirement years. She enjoys volunteer work and socializing with family and friends like Margaret, and is very proud of her hard fought independence and self sufficiency. Claire is LIVING LIFE. LIVING PROOF.
