After serving his country and community for 38 years, a Marine Corps veteran from Ellicott City says his most important mission has always been at home caring for his 37-year-old son.
Robbie Merle was born with the most severe form of cerebral palsy. He requires daily, hands-on care. For decades, his parents, Stephen and Nina Merle, have been his advocates.
Through Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Robbie receives support under a program called Self-Directed Services. The program allows individuals with disabilities to stay in their homes and choose who provides their care, instead of moving into a group home or institutional setting…