u/kattygae

Located in Wyoming
I (23F) have worked with a man I’ll call “Jimmy” for about five years. When I started working with him, I was told that he has some memory issues and may sometimes say things in a socially inappropriate way because of an intellectual disability from a childhood accident. He also has some physical limitations from the same accident.

From what I have seen, this is true to an extent, but he is also much more independent and aware than some people may assume. He drives himself, lives on his own, and has been the primary caretaker for his father for the past two years after his father’s cancer diagnosis. He takes him to appointments, helps manage medications, makes sure he eats, and helps keep the household running.

Recently, after his father had previously been told the cancer was gone, it has apparently returned. This has raised concerns for me because I know that when his father was first diagnosed, Jimmy’s half-sister allegedly tried to have him placed under a conservatorship/guardianship. From what Jimmy has told me, he and his half-siblings are not close. They are related through his mother, who passed away in the accident, and it sounds like there has been estrangement and resentment toward Jimmy’s father since then.

I also recently heard from a coworker that a few years ago, before I worked with Jimmy, his father had to leave the country for work for a few months. According to this coworker, Jimmy was doing fine on his own, but when his sister found out his dad was gone, she had him involuntarily committed, and his father had to come home to get him released. I do not know all the details, so I’m trying to be careful about assuming too much.

My concern is that if Jimmy’s father becomes unable to help him, Jimmy may not know where to turn or how to protect his own independence. I don’t know the full extent of Jimmy’s disability, and it is possible he may need some level of support with daily life or decision-making. However, based on what he has said, it sounds like his sister may not be considering what Jimmy wants or what would allow him to live as independently as possible.

I have family who would be willing to help financially with contacting a lawyer, but I don’t know where to start. I also don’t know how to approach Jimmy without overstepping or making him feel like I’m assuming he cannot handle his own life.

Does anyone have advice on what resources exist in Wyoming for adults with disabilities who may need help protecting their rights and planning for support? Would this be something to discuss with a disability rights organization, adult protective services, legal aid, or an attorney? Any guidance on how to approach this respectfully would be appreciated.

Located in Wyoming
I (23F) have worked with a man I’ll call “Jimmy” for about five years. When I started working with him, I was told that he has some memory issues and may sometimes say things in a socially inappropriate way because of an intellectual disability from a childhood accident. He also has some physical limitations from the same accident.

From what I have seen, this is true to an extent, but he is also much more independent and aware than some people may assume. He drives himself, lives on his own, and has been the primary caretaker for his father for the past two years after his father’s cancer diagnosis. He takes him to appointments, helps manage medications, makes sure he eats, and helps keep the household running.

Recently, after his father had previously been told the cancer was gone, it has apparently returned. This has raised concerns for me because I know that when his father was first diagnosed, Jimmy’s half-sister allegedly tried to have him placed under a conservatorship/guardianship. From what Jimmy has told me, he and his half-siblings are not close. They are related through his mother, who passed away in the accident, and it sounds like there has been estrangement and resentment toward Jimmy’s father since then.

I also recently heard from a coworker that a few years ago, before I worked with Jimmy, his father had to leave the country for work for a few months. According to this coworker, Jimmy was doing fine on his own, but when his sister found out his dad was gone, she had him involuntarily committed, and his father had to come home to get him released. I do not know all the details, so I’m trying to be careful about assuming too much.

My concern is that if Jimmy’s father becomes unable to help him, Jimmy may not know where to turn or how to protect his own independence. I don’t know the full extent of Jimmy’s disability, and it is possible he may need some level of support with daily life or decision-making. However, based on what he has said, it sounds like his sister may not be considering what Jimmy wants or what would allow him to live as independently as possible.

I have family who would be willing to help financially with contacting a lawyer, but I don’t know where to start. I also don’t know how to approach Jimmy without overstepping or making him feel like I’m assuming he cannot handle his own life.

Does anyone have advice on what resources exist in Wyoming for adults with disabilities who may need help protecting their rights and planning for support? Would this be something to discuss with a disability rights organization, adult protective services, legal aid, or an attorney? Any guidance on how to approach this respectfully would be appreciated.