DSP Stories 2020

I enjoy interacting with our consumers and helping them to learn and grow as they integrate into the community. I love building relationships with them.

When I started at CPS, I was helping two brothers with math as part of their goals. Things started off very slowly because they just didn’t seem to grasp what I was trying to help them with. I tried everything… repetition, pictures, counting worksheets daily, but things just weren’t sinking in. Finally, I started singing their number sequences to them… 2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? And it worked! We made up songs for every number and it seemed to make math easier for them. After months of not being able to figure out how to help them, it was a total win for all three of us! It is moments like this that I hold on to. These little victories are what make what we do all the more worthwhile.

I really enjoy working at UCP. It has been the best 3 years. I never had a job that was so much like a family.  I love the individuals. My co-workers are great.

The best thing about my job is helping the individuals with their needs and taking them on outings.  The best moment of an outing was when an individual I work with one-on-one got to pet and kiss animals. The outing was to the SPCA and Paulus Farm.  At the SPCA, he was holding a kitten and he gave the kitten a kiss. He had a great time there. At Paulus Farm, he got to pet and feed different animals.

We have other individuals that love fire trucks, so I take them to the fire school and to see Life Lion EMS. We also went to the fire department and the individuals got to see everything on the fire truck and in the fire house. They even got to try on the fire gear. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces!

Working as a DSP has been very rewarding for me. I have built relationships with not only the individuals that I serve, but their families as well.  I’ve enjoyed coordinating outings into the community that I knew my individuals would enjoy. I’ve encouraged new experiences and a lifetime of memories! To me, making a difference in others’ lives is what CPS is all about!

I couldn’t choose just one experience, rather I chose one individual who I believe I have made an impact on. When I first started working at UCP, David was very set in his own routine. He had a favorite spot at the table where he sat every day. He had specific activities that he chose to work on throughout his day. David was not very social other than the occasional “Hi” to his staff and peers. When UCP evolved into more of a community-based program, David was reluctant at first to try new things. This was a major change in his daily routine, but with my support and support from staff, he started to enjoy going out into the community. A trusting relationship formed between us over the years. David became a social butterfly and enjoyed talking to new people within our community. He started to come to me and tell me places that he would like to go in the upcoming weeks. (Eventually he also began telling me of peers and staff that he would enjoy the experiences with.)

Even though David is nonverbal, I have come to understand his form of communication. David can tell lengthy stories through his gestures. I feel the changes over the past couple of years have given David more choices in his daily life. He has numerous activities that he enjoys in program, is very talkative with anyone who visits, and he enjoys community outings. On most days, he would not attend an outing before talking with me first. He wanted me to go over his outing location and peers/staff that would be joining him. At times, David would need my encouragement to either go on outings or complete a program task. Any time staff had a difficult time understanding his gestures or found it difficult to work with David, they would call me over and I could usually resolve the issue.

I worked with David in learning more traditional sign language to add to his own sign language. He learned a lot of new signs and often used them throughout his day. He started to have “nicknames” of staff closest to him. Those nicknames were in the form of animals. His nickname for me was “Miss Kitty” because he knew that I liked cats. He would ask for me by using the hand gesture for “Kitty” on all of my days off. Because of our close bond, I have attended all of the birthday parties he has invited me to. Not only have I impacted David’s life, he also has made an impact on mine!

I enjoy working with all of our individuals. Each has their own unique personality, likes and dislikes that creates a special relationship between them and staff. It is fulfilling to help each individual reach their daily goals, and work with them to build their independence so they can live their lives with more control, and dignity. Just to see our individuals learn and take those qualities with them in their day-to-day life is a blessing.

A memorable experience I had with one of my individuals was the day he first started turning on his own water at the sink, and then turning it back off. You could tell that being able to do that task was really important to him, because ever since then he wants to do it himself each time he washes his hands.

I enjoy the happy expressions from my clients when I come in to work. When my site closed on March 17th, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I ended up working as CPS at Home with an individual. Her laugh is contiguous. She always has a smile on her face. Now my site is open again. Instead of just one happy face, I see many. No two days are the same. That’s what I like about being a DSP—the variety.

My most memorable experience happened when I did CPS at Home with my client. When I was with her at the program, she would only use her iPad when necessary. She only watched wedding videos, but did like to go on outings. When I worked with her at her house, I saw her blossom. I found out that she loved crafts, painting and going on walks. She also loved music and dancing. One particular day, I was working with her on wearing her face shield, when on her own and without prompting she started to “speak” on her iPad. She told me she wanted to go for a walk to the park. What made it funny was that she then “said” she was having a heat stroke…The reason it was funny is this young lady didn’t know what heat stroke was. She had pressed a button on her iPad labeled “medical.” The truth was, she had a headache, so her mother gave her some ibuprofen. My client was laughing the entire time.

What I enjoy the most is seeing my participant smile. I enjoy helping her live a normal everyday life, by helping her become more independent with her activities of daily living and her outcomes. I enjoy getting my participant out into the community. I’ve worked with her for a year and a half now. Within that time, she has made great progress with her outcomes and also exhibits less negative behaviors. It makes me happy to know I am part of the Residential team Olympia and I contributed to the participant’s success.

My participant and I have so many memories, especially memories from being in the community and meeting new people. Seeing my participant’s wonderful smile is a memory itself. Just seeing her have fun is something I will always remember.

I think what I enjoy the most is when my individuals are so filled with excitement when they accomplish a goal or try something for the first time. But especially when we learn and see new things together. And when they are treated and accepted the same as you and me; we’re all different in our own unique way. That is what I enjoy about working in a direct support role.

There are so many memorable moments, it is hard to choose just one. But I have a first for me, when we took our individual to an “Everybody Plays Park” in Selinsgrove. It is a park designed for individuals with special needs. I was just in awe when one individual who uses a wheelchair became so excited… all she wanted to do was swing on the swing. Well, she got her chance and it just melted my heart. I can’t explain the emotions I felt to see the amazing joy coming from this individual. And that is why I do what I do.

My son, Kevin Smith, has been a part of the UCP family in Camp Hill for over 30 years.  During that time, Ruth Ann Ryan has been an important part of Kevin’s life.

He began visits to UCP at Linda Lane shortly after we moved to the area in 1985. He received vital physical therapy when he was young, but he also began to form bonds and even friendships with the staff. Kevin has Down Syndrome and he developed Autism during this period, so he did not become close to many people. Ruth Ann was the major exception. Kevin made it clear that she was special to him. When he entered the room and saw her, he immediately gave her a big hug. If you know Kevin, you know he doesn’t like to touch people, so a hug is a big deal for him. Even his mother and I have to ask for a hug before we get one, but not Ruth Ann.

Kevin’s Autism seems to prevent him from doing anything spontaneously. He will not even go to the toilet without being asked. So to keep Kevin involved you really need to know and understand him. Ruth Ann excels at that. She knows what he likes, what he doesn’t, and what he needs to do whether he likes it or not, and she gets him up and a part of the group. She has learned to interpret his signs and respond to them. I believe that’s the reason Kevin responds so well to Ruth Ann. She really “gets” him and he knows it.

We held a big birthday party for Kevin’s 30th Birthday.  When Ruth Ann showed up at our house, Kevin beamed, even before she gave him his gift. She is such a special person in his life. She has become close to the whole family and speaks with us frequently, about Kevin, but also about our other children and grandchildren. She’s not just doing her job, she is genuinely interested in all of us.

I believe Kevin will always remember Ruth Ann. We have worked with many fine professionals while Kevin has been with UCP, and we are grateful to all who have helped and guided him, but Kevin chose Ruth Ann as his best friend early on and she has filled the role with love and compassion. Ruth Ann will always have a special place in our hearts.

I feel so privileged that families are willing to spend an hour of their day with me as their EI physical therapist!  I am energized by the development of trust that comes from a parent or caregiver willing to allow me to coach them to help their child move and play.  I know that I have connected when a parent will send me a text with a photo or video at random times during their day to share and celebrate their child’s accomplishments.

My most memorable experience?  Well, that was just recently when I received a call from a parent who just had a new baby – and named her Diane! When asked if she was named after her brother’s PT, Mom answered “Well, we have always liked the name, and Diane has done so much to help (our son) move, so yes, I guess we did!”

Having the opportunity to work as a DSP for UCP Central PA before my retirement in two years has been a unique and wonderful experience.

Most of my families do not speak English and it is for me a commitment and a responsibility to serve and help them. They open the door of their home and of their heart and that for me is priceless. It is also  priceless to see the looks of satisfaction and joy when working together they see that their children have made great progress or have reached their goals.

We work with great sensitivity, respect, and flexibility depending on the needs of each family. We are present every time they need us… whether it’s to translate the label of a toy they got or a document they received, or to celebrate their successes. We also know how to listen when they just need to vent.

I am well aware that every time I receive a referral and visit a family I am proudly representing UCP Central PA.

With the experience I have received working as a DSP, I am determined that once I return to Puerto Rico I will work as a volunteer for UCP of PR.

It is very difficult for children to pronounce my name. It is for that reason that for years children and their families call me “Nonni.”

I have been working since February with a family from Nepal. We had a positive connection from the beginning. Recently, we have had to do Tele-Intervention due to COVID-19. In each session the child told me in Nepali, “I want Nonni come home.” A month ago, we visited this child in person on two occasions and when we arrived, the child was at the window saying: “Nonni is here, Nonni is here!”

Two weeks ago the child had a Speech Therapy consult. The therapist called me afterwards to tell me how much the child’s family loved us. She was also curious as to why the child called her “Nonni” the entire time she was there. She had to say: “You can call me Nonni, it doesn’t matter as long as you play with me!” And we both laughed.

I became a DSP in 1994. At that time, I became aware that the key to becoming a productive/successful DSP, is to have patience, tolerance, and the ability to not take personally things a person in our care may say or do to us. It is our task to take those in our charge and lift them up. We are care-takers. If you notice, I have not used the word work or job. When I report to my home, I am going to be with my family. And as it is with family, we must meet them (consumers) where they are at! As a DSP, we should leave our personality issues at the door. When we do that, the people we care for get our best. I guess for me, I have not worked in 25 years. It’s challenging, but that’s what it is !!!

I have been assigned to a UCP residential home for the past 4 years. I have a great relationship with one of our guys. We high five, slap hands, fist bump, chest bump, etc. We have fun when I am there on overnights. One night he was on one of his couches. He stuck out his hand. I thought he wanted a hand slap, but instead, he pulled me on the couch, put my arm around him, and laid his head on my shoulder!!! Do I need to say more!!! DSP??‍

It can be really fun to work with Carol. She enjoys the same things that we all enjoy: relaxing and listening to music, taking car rides, eating good food, and taking walks. Sometimes she says or does something funny, and it can really make me laugh. it is a privilege to work with her and serve as her DSP.

I enjoy nearly everything about my role as a DSP. I love getting to know the participants and I especially love taking them on community outings. There is so much to learn about each individual, and they’re all such loving and appreciative people. Every day is different. I love coming to work. Nothing feels better than arriving to work and getting big smiles and hugs.

I haven’t been in the field long, but I’ve had plenty of memorable experiences so far. One memory that makes me smile happened during my first few weeks at the Upland house. I had never used a Hoyer lift before, and I was very nervous. The individual who required the lift walked me through each step and was very patient if I made a mistake or was clumsy.

Another fun memory happened at the Dover house. A mother rabbit had made her nest in the backyard. When the babies were big enough to start exploring around the nest, we spent an evening on the porch watching them learn about the world.

I enjoy the daily change and grind of working with our individuals. Every day is a new challenge or a new accomplishment, and each accomplishment comes with new rewards and smiles.

One very memorable time was working with one of our troubled individuals who had just gotten out of a difficult place. I was told he was aggressive and violent. We hit it off immediately. The 16-hour shift that I spent with him was filled with movies, playing video games, and laughs. He helped me make dinner and then we played video games the rest of the night till it was bedtime.

What I enjoy the most about being a DSP is the comfort that the individuals have with you.  The way they consider you family due to the fact that most of them don’t have family members to receive love and affection from.  Forming a bond with each individual and watching the excitement on their faces when you walk in the door is a feeling that is indescribable.  Helping individuals better themselves, and giving them a chance to learn and do things they possibly never could is what being a DSP is all about.

One memorable experience also explains why I continue to do the job I do.  One of the individuals that I support on a day-to-day basis has formed an extremely strong connection to me.  When I first started working with her, she was nonverbal, and had multiple behaviors each day due to not being able to communicate her wants and needs. Over time, she interacted with me, and I would have a conversation with her whether she talked back to me or just looked at me.  At that point, anything was progress with her.  Fast forward to a year and a half later; she now says small phrases, and can tell you what she wants… including “I get a shower”… “I want milk”… “I want water” and much more.  She no longer has multiple behaviors a day. Instead, we have learned she has a full sense of humor, and enjoys joking with her staff.  She is very self-absorbed, and loves to hear staff tell her how “cute” and “pretty” she is; she even says the same things when she looks at pictures of herself.  So, I would say that my favorite memory is helping my individual find her voice, and listening to her now talk and laugh every day.