“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.”
Working in this field requires frequent shifts in perspective; throughout the day, I wear many hats. When relating to clients, I try my best to see the world through the lens of their experiences. This helps me to understand where they're coming from, so that I and my staff can be more responsive to their needs. Accessing programs and services can be a bewildering, overwhelming experience.
Without trained professionals to ensure their needs are being met, people with disabilities can find themselves stranded. There is often a disconnect between client needs and services; at times, they have difficulty advocating for themselves, or knowing the right questions to ask. Navigating the system to access needed supports can be a confusing and daunting experience for adults with developmental disabilities. We're here to throw them a lifeline!
“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.”
Nothing is ever as it seems to be in this field. I challenge you to shift your perspective, and try to see what I see when I look at our clients. I don't ask myself to focus on what they can't do; that only serves to limit all of us. Instead, I open myself to a new point of view; I try to see their strengths, respect their experiences, and learn from their wisdom.
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
Finding the Magic in Each New Day,
Molly J. Anderson
Program Director
