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Board member Carol Britton Laws spoke at the College of Direct Support's National Advisory Board meeting in February.

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.

Learn more about improving direct support.

Gabrielle Joy ("Wob") Austin holds a page from a workbook at summer camp.

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."

Learn more about self-direction for Wob.

Anna Bolgrien.

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.

Learn more about Bolgrien.