Coronavirus restrictions have forced KenCrest to temporarily close its Montgomery and Chester county programs, creating more challenges for people with disabilities, writes Ellen Gray for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The social-services organization helps around 350 people in the two counties who participate in both work and leisure activities.

Among them is Michael, a client of KenCrest’s Supported Independent Living program. This helps people with intellectual disabilities live in the homes and communities of their choice as independently as possible.

Until the coronavirus disrupted his routine, Michel was working part-time at T.J. Maxx and taking trips to the park or to the grocery store with KenCrest regional program manager Rachael Miroddi. Now, while he is still able to keep in touch with family members on the phone, there is little else for him to do.

Miroddi still visits Michael, but “she comes in and sees me for a couple of seconds, and she leaves,” as they have to keep their distance from each other, he said.

“I’m stuck in,” added Michael. “It seems like I’m grounded. I can’t go out, I can’t leave my building,”

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