LADD Look Winter 2022

ROGER BALLEW

AGING with DIGNITY at VICTORY

Prior to the 1930s, people with disabilities were often abandoned, institutionalized, or given subpar care that led to shorter life spans. According to AADD (Association on Aging with Development Disabilities), the average life expectancy for people with a developmental disability was 22 years in 1931, compared to 62 years for the general population. Today, the average life expectancy is 70 years for most people with developmental disabilities, much closer to that of the general population.

Thankfully, for the first time in history, we have a generation of adults with disabilities who are living longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

This shift to greater longevity brings into focus a lack of aging-related resources specifically for adults with disabilities as traditional long-term care facilities are not equipped to care for this growing population with complex needs.

PARKWAY

In response to this unmet need, LADD has introduced an initiative called “Aging with Dignity at Victory Parkway.” The goal of this initiative is to realize LADD’s commitment of supporting an individual for the entirety of their adult life.

LADD is now in Phase 3 of this capital project which is transforming how LADD serves seniors with developmental disabilities. The project will provide an additional 22 independent housing units that support the unique needs of aging adults with developmental disabilities. The Victory Parkway campus will be improved with outdoor resources including a community garden, group activity and quiet reflection spaces, as well as a paved, accessible walking path. Through increased staff training and the assistance of outside providers, LADD will be able to successfully support people who would have previously had to relocate to a nursing home due to their higher level of need.

70-year-old Roger Ballew is a prime candidate in need of this life-long solution.

Roger has lived at Victory Parkway for most of his adult life. With his non-stop infectious smile, sparkling eyes, and a deep love for all things to do with John Wayne, martial arts, and motorcycles, Roger is a fixture at Victory Parkway. Eric Gronfeld, LADD Direct Support Professional (DSP), has provided care for Roger, on and off, for the entire time that Roger has lived at Victory Parkway. Says Gronfeld, “Roger is good hearted, very friendly, and he knows everybody. When we go to the bank or to the Harley Davidson shop, he gives people fist bumps. He’s funny. He’s tough – doesn’t even flinch with his insulin shot. He likes flirting with the ladies. We joke around a lot about who’s better, Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan. He’s just really cool.”

Gronfeld adds, “When Roger first came to live here, he did a lot. Residents at Victory Parkway have house chores – usually a person does one chore, but he would do 4 or 5 of the 8 chores. He would also shovel the driveway or rake leaves.”

As Roger has aged, his level of independent ability has declined and his age-related health issues have increased. Says Gronfeld, “His needs have changed over time. He used to be able to walk around more. As he has aged, he gets tired more quickly, he doesn’t like to go out as much.”

After decades at Victory Parkway, Roger will not need to be transferred to a nursing facility. Rather, he will be able to age with dignity, and a higher level of care, in his new home just across the parking lot.

As soon as the new building is done, Roger will be one of the first residents.

LASTING LOVE

The date was October 14, 1995. The location, Calvery Presbyterian Church on the East Side of Cincinnati. Linda was dressed in a formal white wedding gown. Her smile was wide and contagious. At 50, she had never expected to get married. Never thought she would meet someone like David. David was young, 31 when they were married, handsome, quiet and well groomed. His eyes, inviting and soft, give you the impression he is incapable of judgment, although not immune to receiving it.

Their love story, like any couple who has been together happily for decades is worthy of its own unique narrative. It is one full of beauty, challenge, forgiveness, and a residing love. Their story would be like any others. But it is not. David was born in Cincinnati’s West End in the 1960s and was the youngest of six brothers and three sisters. He describes his childhood as “not quite fitting in.” Remarking, “I didn’t behave.” When pushed for details, he describes “always talking to myself and rocking back and forth to music.” That’s not misbehaving, I counter. “Well,” he says, “there was the time I accidently caught our home on fire.”

The incident in question took place at Christmas. He was 10. Pausing, he reflects, “Yeah, they gave me a hard time for that.”

In 3rd grade my mother was told I was autistic. I don’t agree with it, but I have to live with it.” David does concede that he had difficulty communicating when he was younger, in particular with “females.” As someone who clearly withholds judgment of others, the pang of being dismissed still resides. “I would try to sit with people at lunch time and they couldn’t be bothered. I was heartbroken.”

Linda is less forthright in her story. She does not volunteer information about her past. I ask and she mostly answers, “I don’t remember.” Linda was six when her father died. She was in her 30s when her mother passed. Before her mother died though, she took Linda out of Orient. I prod gently about living at Orient—Ohio’s largest run state institution. “I was in Orient for 10 years,” she whispers. “They put me in a straightjacket. I don’t know how old I was… but I kinda grew up there.”

In 1988, Linda was in her 40s, living at LADD’s Find A Way apartments and working at Goodwill Industries. David was in his 20s and doing the same. And, one fateful day, David asked Linda if he could sit with her at lunch and she said yes. “We could communicate,” says David. “She gets me.”

They started dating. David says frankly, “My mom thought Linda was too old for me, but I was an adult, there wasn’t much she could do!” The corner of Linda’s mouth turns up. The memory makes her smile. “You know,” says David, “I

Photo by Steve Metz

think we got more comments about the age difference and the race difference than anything about disability.” In 1990, David moved in with Linda and they lived together happily for several years. Until, David recounts lovingly, Linda was ready to be married. The proposal is one for the books. Linda paved the way for many women who today know what they want and go after it without apology. It was Linda who proposed to David. Over the phone. “I wanted to be married to him, so I asked.” She states definitively. For David’s part, he says there was no hesitation. “It took a while for my family to warm up to the idea, but they did.” And so, in 1995, seven years after they met, David and Linda married. They took their honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico. The two cuddled on the couch throughout the interview. David spoke. Linda nodded, smiling often. “Vacations,” he said were the best memories. “Managing our money, those were the toughest memories.”

David and Linda both have developmental disabilities, have nearly 20 years age difference and identify with two different races at a time when that still raised eyebrows. I point this out to David and say, “From the outside looking in, I am guessing a lot of people didn’t bet on the fact that you would be together for over 25 years and counting.” David paused. “Race, age, disability don’t make a difference. That we love each other makes the difference.” Linda smiled and nodded in agreement.

Margaret B. Geier Society

Linda Walters

January 22, 1945 - September 17, 2022

Lillard Level

Kathy and William Bahl

Eileen and John Barrett

Sara and Kai Bitter

Susan and Jason Brownknight

Kathleen and Jeff Cail

This story was originally published in the Summer 2015 edition of the LADD Ledger

Vivienne and Christopher Carlson

Castellini Foundation

Joan and Lee Comisar

Lewis and Marjorie Daniel Foundation

Sharon and Tony Esposito

Deborah and Norman Estep Betsy and

E. Maly

Mary and Michael McGraw

Kimberly and Donald L.

Karen and David O'Maley

Kathryn Pettengill

Leanne and Taylor Rosenfeld

Skyline Chili

Mary and Barry M. Smyth

George Tapke and Ann Ghory

Arleigh and Ron Tysoe

Barbara and J. Phillip Vollmer

Paul Wenker

Jean Wommack

Alison and Jim

Linda and David, at their wedding October 14, 1995

Camping with LADD

By the end of the 2022 LADD Camping Trips, trip leaders Amy Krieg (CSL Coordinator), Marquita Jones (Program Manager), Patrick Cost (Coordinator), and all the attendees were exhausted and happy.

The impetus for the Camping Trips came about almost two decades ago when LADD first established the Independent Resident Council (IRC). The IRC was intended to be a group where individuals receiving LADD services could come together to solve problems and have their voices heard by LADD management. It quickly became apparent that many of the folks who receive LADD services wanted more access to meaningful activities as well as opportunities to vacation without their parents. The annual IRC Retreat – or LADD Camping Trip - became part of the answer.

The goal of the trips is to provide an opportunity for individuals served by LADD to gain independence and autonomy by giving them an affordable, supported way to take a vacation. This year LADD’s two trips took place in early fall at a vacation rental home on Lake Erie.

While the days are not typical, they are full.

Amy shares, “The trips start with everyone meeting at LADD, then we pack the vehicles to the rafters and set off to our destination. We stop mid-drive for a gas station break, and everyone enjoys the simple pleasure of buying whatever their heart desires. The simple act of pacing the store, picking out your snack, and paying for it independently is endearing and incredibly empowering. The car rides are filled with conversations and sing-a-longs. My passengers knew all the words to "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and Journey’s "Don't Stop Believing" is always a hit.”

Once everyone arrives at the destination, they unpack, prepare dinner, and spend the evening sharing stories. If the attendees are not already friends, the staff supports them as they get acquainted with each other.

Marquita shares, “There were a lot of details planned - such as where people slept, the grocery list, and pairing up to take a dip in the lake. Yet, we had so many moments that were spontaneous where an idea was voiced, people agreed or disagreed, and we made the most of it. We had people chipping in to cook, and making others feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. Someone forgot their teddy bear to sleep with, and a friend offered their stuffed bear. J.R. would not sleep in a “drawer” - trundle bed. So, the trundle was removed, and he was happy. L.B. conquered her fear of steps, and everyone cheered for her.”

Other highlights of this year’s trips included picnic lunches, beach time at Lake Erie, exploring the town, and impromptu stop at a car show, and group outings to a petting zoo and a local bar.

Amy shares, “When we go to the bar, at first the locals can be apprehensive, but they end up experiencing real joy to have us in their establishment. Deeper community connections and inclusion happen from moments like this. Plus, the simple adult pleasures of having a Bud Light, or dancing, or picking out your favorite tunes on the jukebox are so powerful.”

Marquita sums up the impact of these trips beautifully, “For those who may not otherwise have the chance to travel with family, this is the way to go. People are creating lasting memories. The trips are important because they are both an experience and an opportunity. They are a chance to get together with friends, unwind, discover, and create”

THE MARGARET B.

GEIER SOCIETY TURNS 10!

Margaret “Peggy” Bullock Geier devoted her life to helping people with developmental disabilities. She co-founded LADD and Find A Way Apartments for disabled adults, and served as LADD’s first board president. Her joy and commitment to LADD live on in her family and friends. In 2012, the Margaret B. Geier Society was created to recognize our dedicated and visionary donors who give $1,000 or more annually to support the mission of LADD. Join us in honoring a decade of impact as The Margaret B. Geier Society celebrates its 10th Anniversary. THANK YOU TO THE PAST AND PRESENT CHAIRS OF THE MARGARET B. GEIER SOCIETY FOR YOUR YEARS OF COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO LADD AND THE VISION AND LEGACY OF MARGARET BULLOCK GEIER. Vallie and Rodney Geier • Emmy and Tony Hobson • Katie and Bobby Lawrence Debbie and Rich Oliver • Alison and Jim Zimmerman

LeBlond Level ($10,000–$19,999) Vallie & Rodney Geier Heidt Family Foundation Irrevocable Trust of E. Roger Jackson

Robinson Level ($2,500–$4,999) Susan & Jason Brownknight • Stephen Bullock • Sharon Frisbie • Elisa & Edward S. Geier • Kay & Jack Geiger • Emmy & Anthony Hobson • Mary Lou & Tim Holt • Amy & George Joseph • Denise & John Kuprionis • Kathleen Lamping- • Arar & Hisham Arar • Ellen & Dan LeBlond • Karen & David O’Maley • Showe Management Corporation • Lynne & Stephen Vollmer

Lilliard Level ($1,000–$2,499)

& Robert Anning

Anonymous

Kathy

Anderson Open House

Matt Chaffin gives a tour his home, The Heidt Smart Living Home.

Isabel Ganz welcomes people to her new home in the Anderson Cluster.

Sarah Osner talks to LADD Board Member and Forever Home Real Estate Agent Kim Vincent about her new house.

Don Cameron welcomes LADD Assistant Director, Lori Tharp, to his new house, the Jeremy F. Simpson Home.

Forever, Home THE JEREMY SIMPSON HOME

Forever, Home is a new model of community living for people with disabilities which supports independent living, fully integrated with the community. LADD builds or remodels small clusters of homes located in desirable, walkable communities. Each home is equipped with technology that supports health, safety, and independence for the 3-4 people with disabilities living in each home.

The Forever, Home approach to community living addresses three major obstacles and one all-consuming hope. The obstacles are an ever-increasing demand for disability services, funding that covers less than half of the current need, and an overwhelming shortage in the number of people needed to provide support service. The hope is that adults with disabilities can live the most independent and fulfilling lives possible.

The Jeremy Simpson Home is named after long-time LADD supporter Jeremy Simpson who died in December 2020. Jeremy had an invaluable impact on LADD – both because of his generous financial support and because of the kindness and joy he brought to every interaction. The energy Jeremy brought to LADD’s mission and work was grounded in love, and we could not think of a better way to honor such a legacy than to name a Forever, Home after him.

A RESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

35-year-old Sarah Osner has a gift for remembering dates and numbers. She says, “I know everybody’s phone number by heart.” With a smile, and thinking a bit longer, she adds, “I lived at Victory Parkway for 26 years, and I moved here a few months ago.”

Sarah moved into the Jeremy Simpson Smart Home when it opened this past August. She remembers feeling both excited and nervous, “I don’t know how to describe it – I was happy. Ecstatic. But I was a little bit nervous, and scared, and sad all at once.”

She remembers move in day well, “It was crazy. It was crazy. Me and Owen – we had to carry our boxes down the stairs. It was raining that day, and it was chaotic. But the chaos was fun because when I stepped into this house, I just cried. Because it was so beautiful.”

Sarah has bright eyes, a generous laugh, and an infectious energy. While the transition to her Forever, Home was admittedly difficult,

Sarah is thriving. “I feel happy. Safe. It feels like home. Four people live here – me, Mindy, Don, and Owen. There are 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms downstairs. I have a cell phone. I cook multiple things. My favorite thing to cook is spaghetti - because it is my favorite thing to eat.”

Sarah adds, “I feel pretty confident that I can make my dream come true – my dream is to be out in the community a lot more. I don’t want to be stuck at home.”

At this, Sarah recites her weekly schedule, “On Mondays I have Community Connection. On Tuesdays I work. On Wednesdays I do whatever I want. On Thursday’s I work. On Fridays I relax and chill. And on the weekends, I try to make me happy by hanging out with my friends and my family.”

She adds, “Living here is different than Victory Parkway. I feel a lot more happier here. Because we can have all this freedom.”

Sarah is open and enthusiastic about what she enjoys. “I LOVE to take walks. Walks calm me down. I love the outdoors. It makes me feel calm to see all the leaves changing. I like to go bowling. I like to go to the mall and just look around. We have a movie theater right here - I come down here to watch a movie. Friday the 13th is my favorite show. And I love the color pink. I was thinking of dying my hair pink.”

When you ask Sarah her favorite thing about living at the Jeremy Simpson Home, with a broad smile and a well-earned sense of pride, she says, “I get to play air hockey. Oh yes, I’m good at it! I play against Owen. And yes, I do beat him. I’m super competitive.”

As she talks about the ISS Team that supports the home, she has a special spot for Kiera. “She’s been the best help to us ever. I don’t mean to cry. She has just been a wonderful person to all of us. She always helps us. She’s just really kind and that’s why I love her so much.”

The final words from Sarah Osner are a heartwarming indicator of the pride she feels at a new level of independence. She says, “Talking about my life right now is so fun. It just feels like it is all falling into place.”

A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Mindy Schwarm lived at Victory Parkway for 21 years before moving to the Jeremy Simpson Home this past August.

Bernie Schwarm, Mindy’s Mother, says, “When she was born our goal for her was to be as independent and on her own as possible. She moved into Victory Parkway right after high school. At first, I was apprehensive about her moving here (to the Simpson Home) because she had lived at Victory Parkway for so long. She’d be moving from that more sheltered environment to this home in the community. I was worried about how staff would be. She’s on medication, and she does breathing treatments – she gets support for both of those. Who would be here for her?”

A few months later, that worry has evaporated. Bernie says, “All those things that I was worried about - they have not proven to be issues.”

Mindy keeps her own room, has improved her hygiene habits, plays games and texts on the iPad, helps put groceries away, does laundry with the help of staff, shops for her own clothes. She has even picked out a Halloween costume that Mom would never have chosen because it is “too short.”

Bernie shares, “Sometimes with Moms, we tend to do too much, and to think we know what our children want and need. Mindy does so much more than I thought she could. If you set everything up for her, she can do her own breathing treatments and take her own medications. Living here gives Mindy the opportunity to be independent and to be her own person without someone doing more for her than needed. Even now, I want to go in and straighten her room, but then I remember that it is her room and her stuff. Her home. She is happy and content here. Just like every empty nest situation, you must let them go.”

MINDY SCHWARM

SARAH OSNER

• 2022 • Awards Dinner

On September 14, 2022, Coney Island’s Moonlight Pavilion was transformed in order to pay tribute to LADD’s Taking Flight Awards winners. Attendees dined, toasted, and cheered as they recognized the effort, energy, and dedication it takes to achieve great things. LADD’s annual Taking Flight Awards Dinner is a celebration of the accomplishments achieved by adults with developmental disabilities, and those who have supported them on their journey to independence. When we believe in the potential within everyone, and work to find opportunities for that potential to grow, together we can soar.

2022 AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE:

• Susie Prigan for the “Spirit of Independence” Award which recognizes a person receiving services from LADD who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in realizing their independence. Susie made a dramatic shift during the Pandemic in becoming emotionally and physically healthier and getting a support system in place. She now leans on friends and community and has become much more independent communicating her wants and needs.

• Ben Brown for the “So Others May Fly” award which recognizes a person from LADD who has shown outstanding service and commitment to a cause or organization other than LADD that benefits the community. Ben is being honored for his volunteer work at the Marjorie Book Continuing Education Program and for always seeking to help others succeed as well.

• Laura Johnson for the “Above and Beyond” award which recognizes a LADD staff person that has performed exceptionally and tirelessly to further LADD’s mission in the last year. Laura is a Certified Personal Trainer and is being recognized for starting her “Fit for Life” program. She provides tools and resources others need to move their bodies and believes everyone deserves to live a healthy life.

• Tonda Lyons for the “HLADD Provider of the Year” award which honors a provider with HLADD who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to those served in their home and embodies LADD’s mission in the supports they provide. Tonda received this award for the hard work, dedication, and support she provides.

• Matthew 25 Ministries for the “Community Partner of the Year” which recognizes an organization or individual that has shown exceptional commitment in working with our Community Connections Program to encourage and include the people LADD supports in the community. Matthew 25 Ministries is a local resource that helps build an intentional community for the people LADD serves. They received this award for creating space and community for everyone to give back, and for their dedication to crisis relief.

• The Forever Home Committee (Rob Zimmerman, Vallie Geier, Aaron Haslam, Chip Heidt, Mike McGraw, Jenny McCloy, Betsy Mullin, Kim Vincent) for the “Legacy” award, which recognizes an organization or individual that has inspired lasting change to further inclusion of people with disabilities in our community. The committee received this award for piloting technology, scaling tech-enabled support, focusing on growing nationally and internationally, and fundraising. They acknowledge and believe in how transformative Forever Home has been for the lives in the disability community.

Anne Gerhardt, Joslin Martin, Isabel Gantz and Emily Vollmer present the Legacy Award to LADD’s Forever Home Committee Members: Vallie Geier, Chip Heidt, Aaron Haslam, Kim Vincent, Jenny McCloy, Betsy Mullin, and Mike McGraw

Cindy Flatt, Taking Flight Spirit of Independence Winner Susie Prigan, Matt Chaffin, and Rev. Owen Thomas with Christ Church Cathedral

LADD Board Member Mike Weber with WLWT Mike Dardis

Taft’s David Zimmerman, Taking Flight Above and Beyond Award Winner Laura Johnson, and Kristen Saul

Antonio Conley

The Untapped Workforce

“

PEOPLE ARE OFTEN RELUCTANT TO HIRE SOMEONE WITH A DISABILITY. THIS IS AN UNTAPPED FORCE OF CAPABLE, RELIABLE WORKERS THAT IS OVERLOOKED."

LAURA GRIMES

"Help Wanted" signs in the windows of many businesses reinforce the sentiment that business leaders can’t find enough people to hire. Meanwhile, there is a powerful, untapped workforce of people with disabilities who could fill this need.

Laura Grimes, LADD’s Supported Employment Program Manager, recently spoke at LADD’s The Untapped Workforce Happy Hour Event, which was presented by the Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, to get the word out to local business leaders about the potential of bridging the employment gap through the hiring of employees with developmental disabilities.

Says Grimes, “People are often reluctant to hire someone with a disability. This is an untapped force of capable, reliable workers that is overlooked. The idea behind the event was to get the word out to a larger group of business leaders on how our supported employment process works and how it can help fill an unmet need.”

Grimes continues, “I am a coach for both the employer and the employee. It is easier for an employer to hire someone with a disability if they know they are being supported to ensure it is working well for both them and the employee. As part of our process, we meet with employers; pretest jobs to ensure fit; go to work with new hires on their first day; job shadow as needed; and support during changes like a new manager, new technology, or changes in procedures. Our coaches stay involved until the employer, the employee and LADD agree that it is working well and that the job coach can step back or get out altogether.”

Presently, LADD’s Supported Employment Program supports 60 people at various levels of support – 47 people are long-term employed, 7 people are in jobs and getting intensive coaching, and 6 people are just beginning the job search process. Services include everything from helping with writing resumes, filling out job applications, building interview skills, getting to interviews, and even co-attending interviews based on the level of support required. For employers, Grimes or someone from her team will come tour your facility, meet with you to understand your job needs and the kind of work done, and talk to you about how the process works.

One person supported by LADD’s program is Matt Chaffin. For the past 6 years Chaffin has worked 16 hours a week as an Office Assistant. Chaffin answers phones, greets visitors, receives packages and delivers mail. Grimes is Chaffin’s job coach. Says Chaffin, “Laura job trained me. Now she just does the follow along - which means she helps me with whatever I need.” With an evident smile, Chaffin adds, “But I’ve done this for 6 years, I’ve got it.”

LADD Supported Employment has meant a lot to Chaffin. He shares, “I look forward to seeing my coworkers. I love working with

people and being around people. You name it, I do it, and I’m good at what I do.” Chaffin has taken on an expanded role by serving on LADD’s Employment Committee. He shares, “The program has meant a lot to me. I’m on the Employment Committee. I like getting to help other people find jobs. For me, it brings enjoyment. For them (LADD), it helps them see what it is like from the perspective of someone with a developmental disability.”

That perspective is invaluable as Grimes continues to build employer support. She shares, “I’m very proud of the relationships that I have created with employers. We work with a number of employers that have hired multiple people, and that have hired long-term employees. Keeping a funnel of prospective employers is a key part of the program’s success.” The Untapped Workforce Happy Hour focused on bringing together business leaders from Blue Ash Business Association and the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce so we could tell our story. We had over 40 business leaders who came to the event. I think they all came away thinking ‘Wow! I’ve never thought about this.’”

“This work matters because getting a job for a person with a disability is like the cherry on top of independence. Our people are out in the community working side-by-side with non-disabled people. They are often doing something they thought they never would, and they feel fulfilled. I want to see this small but mighty program get bigger and mightier, so that we can help even more people and more companies.”

Special thanks go to Pam Saeks and Be Bold Creative for the idea, planning, and execution of The Untapped Workforce Happy Hour.

LADD's ISS Team

in·te·grat·ed sup·port

/'in(t) grad d/ /s pôrt/ Adj: with various parts or aspects coordinated give assistance to; enable to function or act

PILOTING A NEW SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL

LADD’s Strategic Operations Team, led by Director Jessica Knight, has an eye on the future as they search for disruptive alternatives to the current Developmental Disability support model. While the technological innovations in Smart Homes are a significant advancement, they are only part of the solution for safe, engaged, and independent living. LADD also needed to reconsider the staff support model for the residents of Smart Living Homes.

In response to this need, the first Integrated Support Specialists Team (ISS Team) was initiated at the end of 2021. The ISS staffing approach was inspired by the Buurtzorg Model - a holistic care model founded in 2005 in the Netherlands. The Buurtzorg Model has two defining characteristics. The first is a holistic approach to care, where small teams work together to provide a wide range of personal, social, and clinical care to a small number of clients. The second is a flat organizational structure, where team members report to each other.

LADD’s Anderson cluster of Smart Homes is supported by an ISS Team of 5. Knight shares, “We took a group of support professionals with different skills, and we set a single goal of achieving independence and happiness for the people they support. They have the same training and follow all state regulations, but nothing else gets layered on top of that to get in the way.”

Knight continues, “One of the benefits of the ISS Team approach is that when you have 5 people each with different strengths, they build on each other’s strengths. In the past, one person was required to be skilled in every area and transitions were difficult. This is working better. When someone takes a day off or goes on vacation there are 4 other people on the team who can step right in with no disruptions. The ISS Team supports the residents in a powerful, integrated, targeted way that builds engagement and independence. You can see the pride they have in their jobs, and they, along with the residents, are so happy, active, and engaged. It might sound trite, but it really does feel like a family.”

Price Lewis has worked at LADD for 3 years. First as Direct Support Professional (DSP), and for the past year as an ISS Team member at the Simpson Home. Says Price, “As a DSP you are not as involved in some of the decision making and you take more direction. In the ISS role you are in people’s lives. You decide how the house is run and the best ways to implement

support. It is very customizable. There is no one above you to kick it up to. More initiative and more ownership are a requirement. Every house is different because each support person is different, and each resident is different. We get to be connected to the individuals who live in the home, so that we can give them the support they need in the way they want it, and in a way that is best for them. Our purpose is to make that separation between them, and the outside world disappear. We work with the technology and resources available so that they can be as independent as possible.”

This transformative shift in the support model still has a few kinks. One area that Lewis’ ISS Team is focused on is diet and nutrition. “Before (living at Simpson Home), guardians would make all the food decisions for their adult children. But now the residents have constant access to all the food they want. It feels good for them to be independent and to eat what they want, but you also don’t want them to drink a 12-pack of soda. Since you have a relationship with this person, you can make that connection and guide them to make better decisions.”

Another area the team is working to fix is communication with families. In a direct support model, parents and families have a single contact to get all information about their loved one. Knight shares, “With a team of 5 – each doing different things well – there might be a different point person for diet, or health and wellness, or social skills. It can be frustrating if you are a parent used to a single point of contact, so we are working on how we simplify this for parents and guardians.

While not yet perfect, all signs point to this as the future model for supported, independent living.

YOUR POWER. YOUR VOICE.

LADD’S EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE HOSTS A TOWN HALL

The LADD Empowerment Committee is a newly formed committee with a goal to provide an unfiltered platform for community decision makers and the LADD Board of Directors to hear directly from adults with developmental disabilities about actionable concerns.

Mike Weber, long time LADD supporter, LADD beneficiary, LADD Board Member, and prolific artist now serves as the Chair of the new committee. Weber’s goals are to empower people with disabilities to interface, advocate, and educate people in leadership, DSPs, and the general community. He wants to help others see people with disabilities as a cultured, educated, powerful group of people whose voices need to be active and heard.

Says Weber, “For a long time I wanted to chair a committee and now here it is. I love it. It is a lot of responsibility, but I am up for it.”

To support Weber in this new role, Jason Harris, LADD Director of Strategic Operations, is working with Weber to staff the committee. Everybody on the committee has a developmental disability. Says Harris, “People often discount people with disabilities. Mike wants to

talk to people about that. This group of people can and do have a voice that we aren’t always listening to in the right way. Part of Mike’s goal is figuring out how we take advocacy to another level by having those who are directly affected have a stronger voice.”

Harris adds, “A couple big hopes for this committee are that the people in the committee recognize that they have the skills and the capabilities to influence others. I hope it shows that including people with developmental disabilities in a mindful way is not a pipe dream. It is replicable and it is important to do - not just in LADD, but in other places too. And, not in a token way, but in a way that it becomes a meaningful part of how we work.”

Weber says, “We are trying to get people with disabilities good houses, good transportation, and good jobs. The planet sort of gives up on people like that now, and we should get better with it. My biggest hope is to see progress. I want that Empowerment Committee to be a role model for Cincinnati and local leaders to understand what LADD is doing. If I can do that I’m tickled. I’m happy.”

WE ARE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES GOOD HOUSES, GOOD TRANSPORTATION, AND GOOD JOBS.