intellectual and developmental disabilities Archives - Penn-Mar

Assistive Tech Offers Something for Everybody

nvenn — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 21:36:45 +0000

By Allis Kensing, Enabling Technology Coordinator

Allis showcasing devices from the Penn-Mar Lending Library.

Before I joined Penn-Mar in 2021, I worked with another provider in the supported employment area and had the opportunity to see how different technologies helped job seekers find leads and prepare for their interviews. These included a variety of tools like reminder prompts, visual lists, iPhone alarms and video resumes to better leverage their skills to employers.

I saw firsthand how these different assets changed the lives of people with disabilities. So, when I learned that Penn-Mar was hiring an Enabling Technology Coordinator, I knew that was the career I wanted to pursue.

My job is to educate our team members about the benefits of Assistive Tech and acquaint them with the many high- and low-tech tools and devices that are available to increase the independence of the people they support.

It often begins with a conversation to explore what enabling technology they are already using, or not, and many are surprised to learn how a simple device can make a huge difference in a person’s day-to-day living challenges.

By definition, Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

It promotes autonomy, self-direction and community engagement and can help address direct care workforce shortages with different types of remote supports.

With its new “Empowering Technology” service, Penn-Mar is positioning itself to be the leading provider of enabling technology for people with disabilities.

To attain that goal, we have partnered with SHIFT Training to provide e-learning solutions for our DSPs and supervisors to help them infuse Assistive Technology into our culture and person-centered mission.

With the support of Grants, we have been able to enroll 113 team members in the online, self-paced education training program to earn their Enabling Tech credentials. We also used these funds to purchase a large variety of Assistive Tech tools and establish an in-house Assistive Technology Lending Library at our Far Hills location.

The most instantly recognized and understood technology tools are, of course, iPads and computer cell phones. There are also Siri and Alexa voice assists, Google and virtual date planners. And you might be surprised to learn that low-tech items and devices like Post-It notes, highlighters, picture boards, and TV remote controls also fall into this category.

Assistive Tech also applies to medical durable equipment, like wheelchairs, canes, and walkers. And we recently launched a video series to highlight some other cool new “items in action” that can help with dressing, cutting, non-verbal communication, meal planning and dining, to name a few.

All of these items are now available in our Lending Library where team members can check out a few to try and see what’s the right fit for the people they support.

Many of the people we support are already using some of them, but they don’t always understand how it makes them more independent. We are working to better educate them about the advantages and encourage team members to take risks with their application.

Introducing new ways to deliver services can sometimes be daunting to team members who don’t feel they are “tech savvy” or may rely on traditional hand-over-hand techniques. But COVID certainly showed us how to adapt to ever-changing circumstances and technology began to play a bigger part of our service delivery then, and now.

Assistive Tech offers something for everybody. I am always available to help team members explore our Lending Library and can work with them to make selections that will best fit the needs and abilities of the people they support. If you would like to learn more about our Enabling Technology program and how it can achieve your person-centered goals, please contact me at alliskensing@penn-mar.org.

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Diana Wagner: Playing to Her Strengths

nvenn — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:39:54 +0000

Diana and her service dog Loki pose for a photo at her job at The Anstadt Company, in York, Pa.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and as part Penn-Mar’s ongoing mission to recognize the importance of ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have equal opportunity to prepare for and succeed in employment, we regularly celebrate the many individuals who have found fulfilling and meaningful work in their communities through our Customized Employment (CE) program. We also applaud the businesses we partner with who embrace an inclusive and equitable workforce.

Among the individuals we’re spotlighting this month, is a young woman who will herself have cause to celebrate next month, when she clocks in her first full year at her job at The Anstadt Company, the 145-year-old, fifth-generation family-owned printing company in York, Pa.

Repetition is key

Every Friday, Diana Wagner arrives to work at The Anstadt Company with her service dog Loki by her side. Once at her workstation, the 23-year-old sets to the task of counting and banding different numbered sets of envelopes for various e-commerce orders of cards or invitations, which the company prints, among its many products and services. The repetitiousness of the job is key to her success at it.

“Diana is a very linear person and likes repetition,” said Diana’s mother Kira, who was referred to Penn-Mar’s Customized Employment program by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation more than a year ago. “Some people would say that her job might be mundane, but she’s learned that’s a positive attribute and a skill that also helps the company.”

For Diana, who has cognitive disabilities and epilepsy, doing repetitive tasks keeps her focused. Her service dog Loki, a black Goldendoodle who came into her life three months ago, helps to calm any anxiety she might have while at work or going about her normal day, and is trained to respond to seizures, which for Diana are well under control.

Everyone coming through Penn-Mar’s CE program enrolls in its Exploration & Discovery (E&D) process, which typically takes about six to eight weeks. The process not only gives employment coordinators and job developers an opportunity to learn about the individual – his or her strengths, talents, skills and interests – but it also reinforces the jobseeker’s desire to work and highlights their professional contributions.

“I think the process helped Diana recognize and affirm the things that she was good at, and it helped her feel more confident about looking for a job,” Kira said. “She realized she had the skill sets that an employer might need.”

Making community connections

It has been proven time and time again that networking is a powerful tool for personal and professional development that provides a platform for learning, growth, and mutual support. In the professional world, it opens doors to new opportunities, fosters collaborations, and allows for the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It can lead to career growth, job referrals, and valuable insights from peers.

Penn-Mar Career Counselor and Job Developer Tricia Zeltwanger knows firsthand the power and importance networking has in connecting people with opportunities in the community. Working with Diana through the E&D process, Tricia was able to determine the kinds of jobs that she would thrive at, which included laundry service, pet sitting, inventory stocking, and assembly. The very latter manifested when Kira connected Tricia with The Anstadt Company’s VP of Administrative Services, Jennifer Doran, whose great-great-grandfather, Reverend Peter Anstadt, founded the company in 1878. Jennifer’s husband Matthew is the company’s president and CEO.

Kira had met Jennifer at a mutual friend’s 50^th birthday party some five years ago, and was reminded of her and Anstadt when it came to identifying businesses that might have job opportunities that Tricia could explore for Diana. Through networking and partnering with businesses in the region, Tricia is able to assess their employment needs, and match those needs and job opportunities with a Penn-Mar jobseeker.

“Kira was very involved in the whole process,” said Tricia, who incidentally had met her at a networking event before Diana’s referral to Penn-Mar. “She gave me some leeway to connect with employers that she was familiar with, and that’s how I ended up meeting with Jennifer at Anstadt who shared with me what their needs were within the company.”

On the job at Anstadt

Diana at her workstation banding sets of envelopes for an e-commerce order at The Anstadt Company.

After Diana officially graduated from Central York High School in 2019, she stayed on in the school system to gain some life skills and explore employment options. For two summers while in school, she landed paid internships at Raycom Electronics and Leg Up Farmer’s Market. From the fall of 2019 into 2020, Diana got a position working in the high school’s cafeteria. However, due to the impact of COVID and the daily changes that it forced, it quickly became a challenging environment for Diana.

Starting at Anstadt, Diana was nervous and concerned people weren’t going to like her or be mean to her, said Tricia, but those thoughts were dispelled immediately with the warm welcome she received by everyone she met.

It didn’t take long for Diana to settle in after a short period of job coaching and building in natural supports, like video recording directions to her workstation and creating templates for the various job orders. Diana’s cognitive disabilities affect her short-term memory, so these tools are essential to her success.

“The work is repetitious, and she seems to love it,” said Jennifer. “Everyone working in the warehouse loves her, and she’s always got a smile on her face.”

“I like my job. It’s fun,” said Diana, who admitted to spending a good portion of her earnings on her dog Loki. “I think everyone is super nice and helpful. I like the hours for now too, but I’ll probably work more in the future.”

Jennifer sees the potential in Diana and noted how self-sufficient she has become. She also noted that she feels that Diana is capable of a lot more than she believes she can do. That she’s capable of handling anything they throw at her as long as there’s some repetition and support. “She’s an asset to our company because it’s an important job.”

“I’m very proud of Diana,” said Kira. “I’m proud that she’s found something that she likes, and she finds fulfilling. You want all your kids to grow up and live the best lives they can. I’m very thankful that she found a professional community where she’s appreciated and that she has potential to flourish.”

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Jobs Working With People With Developmental Disabilities

nvenn — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:46:11 +0000

Are you looking for jobs that make a difference in the world? Well, one of the best ways to positively impact society is by working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of disorders that arise during the developmental period and impact cognitive, physical, or emotional development.

Developmental disabilities affect people differently. Each person experiences their disability in a unique, personal way. Some people may need more support in certain areas of life than other people. Many people may have a disability that presents more subtly. Even though their disability may not be as apparent, it can still impact their daily lives. In this article, we will explore various jobs that involve working with people with developmental disabilities, focusing on roles in the health and human services sector.

Direct Support Professionals: The Backbone of Developmental Disability Services

Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. As the backbone of developmental disability services, DSPs provide essential support and assistance, enabling their clients to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This role is an excellent starting point for those interested in working with adults with developmental disabilities.

The Role of a Direct Support Professional

A DSP’s primary responsibility is to work one-on-one or in small group settings with individuals with developmental disabilities, providing support in various aspects of their daily lives. Some key responsibilities of a DSP may include:

Personal Care Assistance – DSPs assist with personal care tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They ensure that their clients are able to complete these tasks as independently as possible.
Meal Preparation – Preparing nutritious meals is another important aspect of a DSP’s role. They may support someone in planning, shopping for, and preparing meals, taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences. In some cases, DSPs may also support someone as they consume their meals, especially for people with swallowing difficulties.

Medication Administration – Direct support professionals are often responsible for supporting their clients in taking any necessary medications according to prescribed schedules. They help to ensure proper dosages, maintain accurate records, and be aware of potential side effects or interactions.

Transportation – DSPs often provide transportation for the people they support, either using vehicles or coordinating with public or specialized transportation services. They may transport clients to medical appointments, work, recreational activities, or other community-based programs.
Employment Support – Direct support professionals may also assist their clients in finding and maintaining employment. This support can include job coaching, resume building, interview preparation, and on-the-job training. DSPs may also work with employers to develop appropriate accommodations and ensure a supportive work environment.

Education and Training Requirements

While the specific requirements for becoming a DSP may vary depending on the employer and location, most positions require at least a high school diploma or GED. Some organizations may prefer candidates with prior experience or training in a related field, such as healthcare, education, or social services.

Many employers offer on-the-job training to help DSPs develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support their clients. This training may include topics such as:

First aid and CPR certification
Crisis intervention techniques
Disability rights and advocacy
Effective communication strategies
Basic medical and health procedures

Essential Skills and Qualities for a DSP

Successful direct support professionals possess a range of essential skills and qualities, including:

Empathy: Working in any human service field requires understanding and the ability to empathize with the unique challenges and experiences we all have.
Adaptability: DSPs must be able to adapt their approach and problem-solving strategies to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of their clients.
Strong communication skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial when working with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and other professionals.
Reliability and trustworthiness: Clients and their families rely on DSPs for consistent and dependable support. Building trust is essential for establishing a successful and meaningful working relationship.
Collaboration: Direct support professionals often work as part of a larger support team, collaborating with therapists, educators, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care.

As the backbone of developmental disability services, direct support professionals have a profound impact on the lives of their clients and their families. Through their dedication and hard work, DSPs support individuals with developmental disabilities to lead independent lives of their choosing.

Other Jobs Working With People With Developmental Disabilities

In addition to direct support professionals, there are numerous other roles in the health and human services sector that involve working with people with developmental disabilities. Some of these roles include:

Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. They assess behavior patterns, identify areas that need improvement, and develop personalized intervention plans. These professionals often hold a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field and are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Key responsibilities of a behavior analyst may include:

Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBA)
Creating and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIP)
Training staff and caregivers to implement interventions
Monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed
Collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists and educators

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders in individuals with developmental disabilities. They hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and are typically licensed or certified by their state’s regulatory board.

Some duties of a speech-language pathologist may include:

Evaluating communication abilities through formal and informal assessments
Developing tailored treatment plans based on individual needs
Implementing therapy techniques to improve speech, language, and swallowing skills
Collaborating with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure progress
Providing education and support to families and caregivers

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) assist individuals with developmental disabilities in developing the skills needed for everyday living and work. They create customized intervention plans and work with clients to improve their motor, cognitive, and sensory processing skills. OTs typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy and are licensed or registered by their state’s regulatory board.

Key responsibilities of an occupational therapist may include:

Assessing an individual’s functional abilities and needs
Developing individualized treatment plans to address identified challenges
Implementing therapeutic activities to improve motor, cognitive, and sensory processing skills
Collaborating with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure progress
Providing adaptive equipment recommendations and training

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers design and implement educational programs for students with developmental disabilities. They modify and adapt the curriculum, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), and collaborate with other professionals to ensure students receive the support they need. Special education teachers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field and are licensed or certified by their state.

Some duties of a special education teacher may include:

Assessing students’ academic and functional abilities
Developing and implementing IEPs in collaboration with other professionals and family members
Adapting instructional strategies and materials to meet individual needs
Providing direct instruction in academic, social, and life skills
Coordinating with general education teachers, therapists, and other support personnel to ensure inclusive and effective learning environments

These diverse roles within the health and human services sector all share a common goal: to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to lead lives of their choosing. Each profession offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those with developmental disabilities and their families.

If you’re looking for a great career that involves helping people, consider a career in healthcare by becoming a Direct Support Professional! At Penn-Mar Human Services, our mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live courageous lives full of self-determination, independence, and equity. Our approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful. Through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider filling out an application to join our team! We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive compensation. You can also get involved by learning more about our services or signing up to volunteer with us today!

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