What do I do and Why do I do it?

I am a Clinical Specialist for a Supported Living company. What is that you may ask? Well, it is a company that supports adults with disabilities (both physical or intellectual) in learning skills of independence. What that can look like is reminding them how often they need to shower or helping them fill out job applications. Each of the individuals on my caseload, and in any Supported Living Company, rely on something from the Department of Health and Welfare called a DD Waiver. This waiver allows the individual to receive services from a company while residing with them.

My role in the company is to complete annual assessments (functional, behavioral, medical, and social) to help determine the cognitive age range for these individuals. This helps my team determine the level of care the individual needs. We take all of that information and create a safety plan, healthcare plan, and behavioral plan for the following year. This gives the participant goals to work towards within a ‘plan year’. All of my dudes (my individuals) have allowed me to gain their trust over the last year and I have gained theirs as well. I want to talk a little bit about why I do what I do. I have always had a big heart and held a lot of compassion for those around me. After being introduced to the world of developmental disabilities, I learned that I have a certain passion for these guys (and/or gals). I have learned that I truly enjoy being able to make such a memorable difference in the lives of our developmental disability community.

I recently took all seventeen of my participants to the local pumpkin patch. They all got to pick out a pumpkin and then take their pumpkins to the office and paint them together. The smiles on their faces and the laughs of joy, were priceless. I may not have the money to go on a luxury cruise, but I get to experience priceless joy every day.