Pembroke Pine, Florida – My son Caidan just turned 6, and with each passing birthday, I’m so inspired and proud of how far he’s come. Caidan is autistic and mostly nonspeaking. He’s also smart and inventive, and has found plenty of ways to get his point across when he feels strongly about something, whether it’s […]
Ciara LaVelle’s Story – Pembroke Pines, Florida Read More »
St. Cloud, Florida – My name is Karyl Darigan and I have the honor of working for Bishop Grady Villas. I’ve been here almost 4 years but my story actually goes back to 2004 when the Villas opened. My little sister Cindy came to live here on January 4, 2004. She was here for 10
Karyl Darigan’s Story – St. Cloud, Florida Read More »
St. Lucie, Florida – Hi, we are DSPs with 15+ years of experience each. We also advise the advocacy group Stand Up For Independence. We work for an amazing and well respected agency, however we are subcontractors (not employees) for the agency. This means: no benefits, no sick pay, no pto, increased tax liabilities, no
Dana Ekarintaragun’s Story – St. Lucie, Florida Read More »
Martin County, Florida – My name is Dolores and I live on my own. My support staff helps me go out, pay my bills, they take me to the doctor. I do not want to ever live in a group home ever again. My staff keeps me safe and I don’t want them to quit.
Delores Maldonado’s Story – Martin County, Florida Read More »
Martin County, Florida – Hi my name is Mary Jo. I am a self advocate that receives support through the med waiver. My health is important and complex. I have 12 specialist that I see regularly. My support staff is crucial to keeping me safe, healthy and living independently. Minimum wage is not a fair
Mary Jo Pirone’s Story – Martin County, Florida Read More »
Martin County, Florida –My name is Sarah. I have developmental disabilities and a vision disability. Direct support providers definitely deserve better. They take care of people that need support and it is difficult to find quality workers when the pay is so low. Especially, during a pandemic. PAY FAIR FOR MY CARE! Return to the
Sarah Knobb’s Story – Martin County, Florida Read More »
Martin County, Florida – My name is Stephanie and I have multiple disabilities and I am on dialysis. It is impossible to find quality workers to help me because the pay is really low and my health issues are complex. My mom has to work but she is my main helper. She worries and struggles
Stephanie Knobb’s Story – Martin County, Florida Read More »
Broward County, Florida – I have a person with a developmental disability and other disabilities including medical and having a supportive home health aid will keep me in a safe environment and in the home I love. Good home health aid is hard to find and keep because they are asking for more money in
Lisa Smith’s Story – Broward County, Florida Read More »
Orange City, Florida – My direct support worker for my son Kyle are everything. My son Kyle is with multiple disabilities such as intractable seizures of various types , mainly drop seizures, autism, developmental delay ( mentality of a 2 to 3 year old and is 29) he is speech impaired , he is in
Debra Baker’s Story – Orange City, Florida Read More »
Casselberry, Florida – Our son oldest son Valentino is 9 years old. He is diagnosed with Autism, Apraxia of Speech, EoE, ADHD and history of seizures. He currently takes 4 daily medications. After years of continuing therapy intervention he is fully integrated in the school and the community. As family, we want for his future
Nicole Perez Aponte’s Story – Casselberry, Florida Read More »