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UCP’s Jeffrey Thomas Discusses the Challenges and Rewards of Working with Disabled Adults
"I spend much of my time teaching mentally and physically challenged adults how to overcome what able body adults consider the simple things of life."
I’ve worked in the health field of adult supportive services at United Cerebral Palsy, Adult Care Enrichment (ACE)Services for some time now. Before then, I did volunteer work at Aloysius House for HIV/AIDS individuals with no where to go and preliminary drug testing for childhood infections related to cancers at St. Jude Research hospital.
As a personal assistant, for UCP ACE, I spend much of my time teaching mentally and physically challenged adults how to overcome what able body adults may consider the simple things of life. Things such as: putting on clothing, brushing teeth, preparing meals, managing personal funds, socially interacting with the public, family awareness, and a host of other daily life skills. My part, though small in helping them to overcome these challenges is extremely rewarding. Seeing a smile on his or her face, hearing the joy in their voice when they overcome obstacles and accomplish goals themselves is exiting and reassuring that I and others are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Over a span of some years, we have undergone changes that have enhanced the quality of services that our recipients receive. I have enjoyed helping our recipients undertake the wonderful journey of conquering barriers and becoming productive participants in our society. One of the first success stories I witnessed was a disabled adult overcoming severe anger issues through social skills activities and learning how to interact with the public in a positive way. By being patient and not reading the wrong thing into facial expressions or verbal words, he was able to start working a few hours a day in a public setting. Today, he continues to hold that job some two years after attending our program. There are many success stories such as his; however, there are individuals who have not reached their goals and continue to depend on me and others to teach and guide them to success. Until then, I will continue to assist with our service recipient’s progress and enjoy their life without limits.
Jeffrey Thomas
Personal Assistant
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