Meet Emily! She has been working with Kate since 2015. I had first noticed her in high school volunteering for sports programs involving special needs students. She was a good friend of my younger son. She is bubbly and outgoing. I thought she would be a good match for working with Kate. Little did I know that she would come to mean to us and what a big part of our family she would become.
Emily started as Kate's PASS worker. Together we developed one of the more successful PASS programs in our state agency. There isn't much they haven't done together. Throughout high school Emily helped Kate attend all the school dances, hang out with friends, successfully navigate social situations, be a four year varsity cheerleader and more. They have cooked, baked, traveled, crafted and enjoyed so many activities. Anything I throw at Emily she handles and handles well.
Although Emily had intended on becoming a teacher, she ultimately decided to make a career in the Direct Care and Support field. We were thrilled! As soon as Kate turned 21 and had to leave the PASS program for state adult services Emily signed on for our new program.
We had many fine choices in the adult support arena, but instead opted for a plan called Self Direct Services. Direct Services allows for disabled individuals and their families to create their own care plans. Living out in a more rural area and with very few local resources it seemed a better option. Also, knowing Kate, it would be a much better fit. We can structure activities and daily living assistance to suit Kate's needs and wishes exactly. It's really exciting and such a tremendous resource. We are having so much fun planning it all.
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