Peter McKinnon and Paul Shingler have been close friends since they were very young. They met at Coralwood Elementary School in the early intervention program and stayed connected well past their school days. Their parents understood the necessity for social interaction and over the years have made it possible for Peter and Paul and many of their friends to stay connected and active.
In the late 1970’s through the early 1990’s so many things that were available to young typical children were not there for those with different abilities. It was almost entirely up to parents to provide activities for their diversely abled children, and Peter and Paul were able to engage in Boy Scouts, bowling, swimming and other group activities because their parents, and parents of their friends, put those activities together for them. Peter and Paul still both love sports – especially the Atlanta Braves, and they love being involved in the community, love working, and love being with their friends. They are like many others in the Atlanta area, who can and should be able to enjoy life and contribute to their community.
There are now many more organizations providing options for differently abled adults, but once people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) leave the structure of the school system, there is little that is provided for them unless they and their families actively pursue opportunities.
To live an independent and supported life is the dream of most adults, and certainly it is the dream and desire of the families of those individuals with IDD. Peter and Paul’s Place, Inc. grew out of this dream and desire. It was born from the conviction that an inclusive, independent, enriched and supported life can be available to those with IDD.
As Peter and Paul’s parents, and the parents of so many people with IDD age, it is becoming imperative that a secure and supported future be provided for them. Peter and Paul’s Place seeks to meet the need for a residential community that is inclusive, providing opportunities for both typical and neuro-typical individuals, so that they can live together as neighbors, socialize together as friends, learn together as students and support each other when needed.