The best DSPs care for the health and welfare of individuals as a whole. Often times, that means getting creative in finding ways to support them and help them grow. A recent example of that creativity was on display at the latest “Dance Club” session for residential staff and participants.

That’s when former DSP and current Residential Supervisor McKenna Mosey showed up with a hand-crafted “Skee-ball game” she built for individuals to work on both physical and cognitive skills while engaging with each other and having fun at the same time.

McKenna learned early on in her years as a DSP that caring for the social-emotional needs of residents is every bit as important as caring for their physical and mental well-being. She recently took inspiration from a video she saw online… and within no time at all her modified Skee-ball game was born.

 

McKenna’s makeshift Skee-ball is an adaptation of the popular Skee-Ball arcade game. Rather than roll a ball up an inclined lane and over a hump that jumps the ball into one of the bullseye rings, the UCP participants roll the ball down a ramp and off the table into one of the designated bullseye rings. The stated object of the game remains the same: to collect as many points as possible by having the ball fall into holes with higher point values. In reality, the game proved beneficial to the players in more ways than one.

“I really tried to adapt the game for residents of all our homes,” McKenna explained. ‘I knew some individuals have physician recommendations to work on grip strength. This game helps with that. I also designed the ramp with bumpers and made sure the angle was just right so it works no matter where the ball is dropped on the platform.”

When asked what has been the response to the game?… McKenna shared the following: “They are really enjoying it! I noticed that competing with their peers and earning points really motivated the participants to work on their grip strength and keep going. Some of them acknowledged that their hands were getting tired, but they asked for another turn anyway!”

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McKenna is just one of many UCP direct care staff who started out as DSPs and have progressed into supervisory or management positions. She began her career in UCP’s Residential Division in May 2020 as a part-time DSP and soon moved to full-time. It wasn’t long before she was promoted again. “Being a DSP is a challenging but enlightening career. Watching people overcome struggles and live happier lives is the greatest motivation. The individuals I have supported are some of the strongest people I know. There is so much to learn about and from them.”

Of the current UCP leadership team, several began their careers on the frontlines as DSPs. They include:

Maddy Keiper, Manager of Quality and Compliance: “I loved the work; especially how you could build strong long-term relationships with the individuals. I felt like I had found my calling.”

 

 

 

Violet Mwangi, Director of Residential and Clinical Services: “I started as a direct support professional and my experiences [with the young ladies] molded my values and perspective in life, I am grateful to them for opening their hearts and allowing me in their lives and homes. This was the beginning of my journey that has now become my passion.”

 

 

 

 

Bridget Pugh, Senior Director of Operations: “After college I picked up a part time job as a Direct Support Professional, which was my first experience working with individuals who were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. What I learned I have carried with me ever since. I have spent the next 38 years supporting and empowering participants to have a full and meaningful life. As I progressed in my career, I have also had the pleasure of meeting, hiring, training, and mentoring many supervisors, managers, and DSPs who strive daily to do the same.”