For years, Quan, an individual served through Dungarvin Ohio’s Supported Living Services, relied on staff members to help him navigate everyday activities in the community. Trips to the grocery store, ordering food at restaurants or taking a walk around town often required a Dungarvin Direct Support Professional by his side. While he appreciated the support, Quan dreamed of doing more on his own.
That dream became a goal for Quan and the Dungarvin team that supports him. Instead of focusing on limitations, they focused on possibilities, and through patience, encouragement and consistent teaching, the team helped Quan build the confidence and, most importantly, the safety skills he needed to become more independent in the community.
The journey started with small steps. Staff would practice safety skills with him and talk about being aware of his surroundings. They worked on recognizing landmarks in his surrounding neighborhood, using a phone in case of emergencies, checking in with his team, and what to do if he ever felt unsafe or confused. They also helped him practice important social skills.
Over time, those old, supervised outings transitioned to short solo trips. Quan began walking to nearby stores on his own and checking in with staff afterwards. Soon, he was confidently navigating familiar places without needing someone beside him every step of the way.
Today, Quan enjoys a level of freedom he once thought was out of reach. He visits local shops independently, meets up with friends at dances in the community and has the freedom to go by himself to get snacks at sporting events. He proudly talks about the things he can now do on his own.
Stories like Quan’s are a reminder that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, people with developmental disabilities can achieve meaningful independence and thrive in their communities. For Quan, a team that believed in him until he learned to believe in himself made all the difference.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit us at www.dungarvin.com.