Special Needs

Jeff Otto

Chris Wilhoit, 35, has Down syndrome and lives at home with his parents Becky and Gene Wilhoit in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Chris, who is incapable of taking care of himself, recently returned home after he developed a serious illness which forced him to leave a group home where he was living.

Gene Wilhoit works in the kitchen preparing breakfast as his son Chris comes downsatairs from his bedroom Tuesday October 18, 2005. Chris, who is 35, has Down Syndrome and lives at home with his parents in Lawrenceburg, Ky.

Gene Wilhoit gives his son a high-five as he heads out the door for work while Chris eats a breakfast his father had prepared. Chris, 35, has Down syndrome and lives at home with his parents in Lawrenceburg, Ky.

Chris Wilhoit is teased about his bald spot by David Wooton at the Anderson Adult Day Health Program in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Wilhoit,35, and Wooton, 43, both have Down syndrome and live with their parents.

Becky Wilhoit comforts her son Chris as dental hygenist Susan Salle cleans Chris' teeth Thursday October 20, 2005. Chris is 35 and suffers from Down syndrome and lives with his parents in Lawrenceburg, Ky

Chris Wilhoit helps his mother, Becky, bring in groceries. Chris, 35, has Down syndrome and functions at about the level of a 10-year-old.

Chris Wilhoit gets ready for bed in his Lawrenceburg home. Chris, 35, has Down syndrome and functions at a 10-year-old level.

Steve McKenzie of Frankfort pays mandolin during a jam session at Tony's Barn in Lawrenceburg, Ky Thursday October 20, 2005. McKenzie and a small group of friends gather each week to play the music that was born in the region - Bluegrass.

Eunice Satterly rests in an Anderson County tobacco barn filled with part of his son-in-law's crop of burley tobacco. Satterly is disabled and spends his time on the farm helping with what he can. "I check on my grandson and his dad and I'll get them water if they need it," he said. Satterly's son-in-law, Brent Stevens said he grows about 12 acres of tobacco and in a good year earns about $5,000 an acre for his efforts.