Three Levels of Intervention #3

     Margie is a sheltered workshop for people with developmental disabilities.  She does well at work and has many friends.  She lives on her own with her mother and her mother is not happy with the new level of independence Margie is developing.  She often goes out with others from work, and the supervisors, for dinner on Friday nights.  She has joined a social group for individuals with disabilities much like hers, and they go bowling and to the movies.  Margie has, since she went to the sheltered workshop comma, learned how to use the phone to make appointments with her doctor and dentist and how to ride the bus to and from both work and the social club.  She has been shopping twice to buy clothes with her case manager.  When Margie's mother complains about all of this, she tends to blame Margie for leaving her alone at night.  "Since your father died, you're all I have", she tells Margie.  Margie's response to this is to cry and stay in her room.  Sometimes she has missed work, hoping to make up her absences to her mother. 
     Intervention on the micro level: 
     On the micro-level I would encourage Margie to keep attending her meetings as she grasps her independence, but be more sensitive to her mother's feelings.  By Margie gaining her own independence, I believe she would gain more acceptance of herself, and from others that share the same disabilities.  As far as being more sensitive to her mother's feelings, I believe assertiveness would help.
     Intervention on the mezzo level:
     Reading the story, I would love to hear more about Margie's relationship with her mother and try redirecting her mother to join her in her new activities.  (Depending upon if their relationship is worth saving) 
     Intervention on the macro level:
     At this time I would reassure Margie to continue progressing in her independence and to encourage her to live her life and allow for herself to be happy.  I believe by Margie continuing with her process of assertiveness, her work, and her groups she will continue to be confident in herself and move forward in her life.