Peter Leonard is the father of Kevin Leonard, who receives support and services from New Horizons Resources, a provider organization in Hudson Valley, New York. He appreciates the direct support professionals who have made a positive impact on Kevin's life and continue to help him blossom.
In this episode of DSP Talk, host Gina Scarpa interviews Peter Leonard, the father of a son with developmental disabilities. Peter shares his experiences with the support his son receives from New Horizons Resources and the direct support professionals who work with him. He emphasizes the importance of direct support professionals in helping individuals with disabilities thrive and become active members of their communities. Through personal stories, Peter highlights the positive impact these professionals have had on his son's growth and independence.
Key themes discussed in the episode include the significance of direct support professionals in providing meaningful support, the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community for individuals with disabilities, and the transformative effect of person-centered care.
Key Takeaways:
- Direct support professionals play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with disabilities, providing meaningful support and helping them thrive.
- The support of direct support professionals can help individuals with disabilities develop a sense of independence and identity.
- Direct support professionals create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be active members of their communities.
- The work of direct support professionals is rooted in values of equality, dignity, and respect for the individual.
Notable Quotes:
- “People who work with my son, every single one of them, over a 12 or 13 year period, everyone has been extraordinary and really made a difference for the good in his life.” - Peter Leonard
- “I think what direct support professionals do at their best is they provided the circumstances for [Kevin] to take place within his community.” - Peter Leonard
Resources:
Listen to the full episode of DSP Talk to hear Peter Leonard's inspiring story and learn more about the impact of direct support professionals in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from DSP Talk.
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