Antonio, Life Coach Seeing the people he supports reach their individual goals is Antonio’s proudest accomplishment as a DSP. He is also proud that their families are pleased with ACHIEVA’s services which has a dramatic effect on their lives. Antonio said he fell into the role of DSP and has loved working in direct care ever since. He finds pride assisting people with new tasks and helping them to become more independent. As a life coach, Antonio helps people with disabilities to live in their own home. He has been there from the start for Phil, a recipient of ACHIEVA’s A Home of My Own supports. According to Phil’s mom, Marcy, Antonio is calm and rock steady, modeling good behavior.
Marcy added, Antonio has encountered Phil in every one of his moods and knows how to preemptively avoid outbursts with his calm demeanor and caring reaction. Antonio casually asks Phil, “Hey dude, what’s going on?” and elicits a more relaxed verbal response. Marcy observed, “Phil has come a long way in terms of being able to manage in the world. Antonio has been a big part of that.”
Thousands more
55,000 people with intellectual disability or autism are currently supported by DSPs in PA.
are in need of DSP services.
Fix the DSP crisis. Take action now at www.achieva.info/fix-dsp-crisis 10
