Livabilities! New Community Center & Home For Adults With Disabilities Planned At Lake Of The Ozarks

LAURIE, Mo. — A non-profit community center and residence for adults with significant disabilities is planned for construction on property adjacent to the Laurie Park. The development, Livabilities, will give people with special needs a place that is custom-built especially with them in mind.

Tim and Becky Bartlett are building the center and home. They have acquired 16 acres next to the Laurie Park (Fairgrounds) and Westlake Aquatic Center and are now working on fundraising for the unique project.

The driving force behind Livabilities is their daughter Eliza. Eliza was born with a rare disorder called Angelman Syndrome, having a spontaneous deletion of the UBE3A gene on the Maternal 15th Chromosome. Unfortunately, deletion is the most common Angelman Syndrome genotype and tends to be the most severe, in terms of symptoms or characteristics.

Eliza is 21 years old and is nonverbal, unsteady on her feet, and has seizures. However, she embodies a happy demeanor with frequent smiling and laughing. She is very active, sometimes with ceaseless energy and an inquisitive nature. She can quickly get herself outdoors, but once there she does not recognize danger, which presents a great safety concern for her family. She is fascinated by water. “Keeping her safe is a 24/7 concern,” Becky said.

The Bartletts have modified their family home to create a safe space for Eliza where she can play and relax. “Everything is a potential hazard, from electrical or window cords, to the stove or bathtub. As she grew taller, we switched from a wall-mounted TV to a ceiling-mounted projector, where the image is projected on a bare wall. Everything she touches has to be safe for her.” Doctors place Eliza's mental age at about a one-year-old, but her parents say they are constantly amazed by her determination and problem-solving. “If she wants something, she won’t stop until she gets it.” Becky said. While Eliza can’t do sign language or use a communication device, she is very good at getting her point across. “You can look into her eyes to where she is looking to see what she needs, or in what she is interested. She will also take your hand and lead you. She is very expressive and engaging. She loves people and loves to be out in the community watching and being a part of what’s going on.”

Eliza attended school until the age of 21. “The Camdenton R-3 School District has a wonderful program, and she had the same paraprofessional for years,” Becky enthused. “They loved her, and they took great care of her. Not all public schools are equipped to care for a student of such comprehensive needs.”

After graduation they investigated day programs for their daughter, but found them to be more than 30 minutes away. “We want Eliza to be active and to build relationships in her home community. If there isn’t a program locally, then we decided we need to make one.”

Eliza has a full life expectancy. “She needs to have a quality life,” Becky said. “She loves going out to eat and meeting new people. She loves to laugh, and her greatest joy is swimming.”

What Happens When We Are Gone?

As Tim and Becky get older, they know they must plan for Eliza’s life without them. “With a typical child, you prepare them to go out in the world and support themselves. But with a disabled child who is dependent upon you for their most basic needs, you have to prepare the world for them. If something happens to us tomorrow, what happens to Eliza? We are not comfortable leaving that up to chance,” Becky said. They are not alone in feeling that way. The Bartletts have been contacted by other families near and far who need future care for their adult children. They too have a great interest in the community that Tim and Becky hope to build.

“It’s vital to have a home that is welcoming and safe for individuals to explore and thrive. We want them to be a part of their community and we believe the community will be enriched by knowing them.”

Life at Livabilities

The Community Center

The Community Center will be a place for individuals living at Livabilities and other local individuals to gather, socialize and be active. It will be an area that will encourage the continued development of fine and gross motor skills.

The Home

The Bartletts plan to start with one home at Livabilities, serving two to three individuals. With the response they have received from local families in need and those across the country who are also interested, they plan to build additional homes as necessary.

“We will situate the first home with other homes in mind. We want to be able to serve all the families who reach out to us. We know firsthand how alone you can feel in this process. Our homes will look like traditional homes but have state-of-the-art technology that will help keep our residents safe,” Becky said.

The Cost

“We hope to decrease costs significantly through volunteer laborers, contractors, builders, HVAC etc.,” Becky said. “We hope local businesses will consider donating some of the supplies.” The Bartletts also welcome volunteers with various gifts and skills and those who enjoy engaging with the residents.

The Livabilities board is raising funds through various platforms. Anyone interested in getting behind this project is invited to make an online donation at livabilities.org, GoFundMe, Venmo, or PayPal Giving. Livabilities is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible. For more information, contact livabilities@gmail.com.