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Expanding Professionalism in Direct Support
National advisers to the College of Direct Support gathered in February to share ideas for reaching the growing number of family caregivers, direct support professionals, and others supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through self-directed services.
A Better Life
In Impact, parent/guardian Rosalie Austin writes about the struggle to gain self-direction for her daughter Gabrielle Joy ("Wob," pictured above). Wob is 32, and lives with significant disabilities, including autism, and has challenging behaviors. It’s very hard to find staff, yet with constant advocacy and research, the family is supporting Wob in directing her own services.
"It’s been blood, sweat, and tears to get my daughter’s needs met. Self-direction shouldn’t be a well-kept secret."
Understanding Disability through a Data Lens
It’s before lunch, and Anna Bolgrien’s (MNLEND 2020-21) work for the day has already touched on mental health, HIV, and water quality. As a senior research scientist and project manager for the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Social Research and Data Innovation, Bolgrien relishes the breadth of data management projects on her plate.
