Quick answers about the population assisted by ROI

Who does ROI serve?
We provide services to adults and children with disabilities or traumatic brain injuries. Most of the people we serve live in one of the 21 group homes operated by ROI. Others live on their own and are assisted through our Supported Living program, or receive other services not directly related to their living arrangements, such as with the Payee Program.

We also serve individuals in the community with Traumatic Brain Injuries. TBI can cause physical disabilities, mental disabilities and social, behavioral or emotional problems. Our services include Group Homes, Supported Living, Payee Services and Home Health Aid. Our staff is prepared to assist individuals with TBI and their family and friends in dealing with the changes and needs resulting from this type of injury.

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What exactly is a "developmental disability"?
The term "developmental disability" comes from the Michigan Mental Health Code, which is state law. A developmental disability is, in essence, a severe disability that occurs before the age of 22. Technically, a developmental disability is defined as:

A severe, long-lasting condition which is caused by a mental or physical problem or both; becomes a problem before the person reaches 22 years of age; is likely to continue for a very long time; results in major limitations in the ability to talk or express one’s self and understand and follow simple directions, take care of one’s self in daily living activities (such as dressing and going to the toilet), learn to recognize colors, shapes, letters, words, and foods, move in a normal manner that includes walking, running, and sitting, make decisions or do what is needed to take care of one’s self, live independently, or earn money and partially support one’s self; and requires special treatment for a long time, often continuing over one’s lifetime.

Many developmental disabilities are present at birth (mental retardation and cerebral palsy, for example) while others may occur later as the result of disease, injury, or other event. At ROI, the vast majority of people we serve have been diagnosed with mental retardation, and many have other disabilities, as well.

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What exactly is a "mental illness"?
A mental illness is an emotional or mental problem (or combination of emotional and mental problems) that significantly impacts an individual’s ability to function in the community. Mental illness may be emotional or organic in origin, or a combination of both. The results affect emotional, relational, and coping aspects of one’s life. People who experience mental illness have many strengths; with a combination of a strong support system, professional assistance, and connection to one’s community, people can live fulfilling and rewarding lives.

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