Casselberry, Florida – Our son oldest son Valentino is 9 years old. He is diagnosed with Autism, Apraxia of Speech, EoE, ADHD and history of seizures. He currently takes 4 daily medications. After years of continuing therapy intervention he is fully integrated in the school and the community. As family, we want for his future […]
Nicole Perez Aponte’s Story – Casselberry, Florida Read More »
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – I am a Waiver Support Coordinator in BROWARD County Florida. One of my individuals I serve experienced a serious brain injury in a drowning accident 10 years ago. He resides in his family home and is totally dependent on care for all his needs. For almost 7 years he received daily
James Collins’ Story – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Read More »
Mims, Florida –I own an agency with 58 Direct Support Workers! Without them clients would be in group homes and families would be over worked. Each and everyone one of my employees are essential to survival and livelihood of our clients. They endure the pain staking tasks of daily care to human beings at minimum
Elizabeth Devjne’s Story – Mims, Florida Read More »
Jacksonville, Florida – MEET WALTER MCDOWELL, PINE CASTLE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL Direct Support Professionals are a vital part of our community, our organization, and the workforce at large. The people who fill this important role make immeasurable differences in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental differences. We must compensate these hard-working and dedicated
Walter McDowell’s Story – Jacksonville, Florida Read More »
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – My direct support workers are so important to helping me live independent in my community. Without them, I cannot live in my own home and make my own decisions. With them I can choose my job, friendships, church, doctors, and community activities. My support workers help me be a contributing
Chelle Sandiford’s Story – Fort Walton Beach, Florida Read More »
Melbourne, Florida – I’m a quadriplegic with spastic Cerebral Palsy. I’m also clinically non-verbal. My support staff are very important to me. They make it possible to live an independent life. Without support staff, I would be bedridden and I would have no means to function. Support staff are vital for someone such as myself,
Elizabeth Yost’s Story – Melbourne, Florida Read More »
Floral, Florida – My son, Luke, lives in a group home and attends Adult Day Training on weekdays. His direct care givers are the closest thing we have on this Earth to angels. They are kind and competent and professional. And Luke loves them. They are also grossly underpaid and I live in terror that
Paulette Ritchie’s Story – Floral, Florida Read More »
Bocan Raton, Florida –My adult son’s direct support workers value are priceless to both my 28 year old son with autism and me his mom. Our Direct Support Workers enhance my son’s ABILITY to live MORE INDEPENDENTLY and as a productive and contributing member to society; which allows me to work and also be a
Adriene Fern’s Story – Boca Raton, Florida Read More »
Iverness, Florida – My 48-year-old daughter, Monique, has the approximate mental age of 3 to 4 years. She has limited expressive vocabulary. Monique currently resides in a group home in Citrus County, is involved with Special Olympics and other social groups for I/DD individuals. I am Monique’s Guardian Advocate, and bring her home frequently. When
Marsha Shappell’s Story – Inverness, Florida Read More »
Sebastian, Florida –My son, Sean, is 45 years old, non-verbal and autistic. I am 71 years old and his sole caretaker since Sean’s father passed away in 2016. We receive services through a great provider who provides Sean with personal support and life skills training. Sean has established a strong bond with his provider ,
Christine Sale’s Story – Sebastian, Florida Read More »