Honoring our Developmental Disabilities Nurses
Susan Whobrey: An advocate for people with IDD
Susan Whoebry works in AbleLight homes to assess how individuals are doing. She reviews charts, doctor and dentist visits, and physical therapy. She even meets with guardians to understand the thoughts of those who love the people she serves.
“I look at individuals holistically, assessing their medical, emotional and mental health,” said Susan. “Emotional and mental health both affect us physically. If I’m not looking at all three realms, I’m not doing my best.”
Susan has recognized that people often dismiss or “look right through” people with disabilities. Maybe you’ve seen it too?
“When you go to the doctor’s office, the doctor talks to you. When a person with IDD goes to the doctor, the doctor looks to the staff for answers. When there are two sides to a story people tend to listen to the neurotypical (non IDD) person. We tend to not hear them, not see them because they have disabilities,” said Susan.
“People with IDD are really no different than the rest of us and they may not reach their full potential when the world sees them with clouded eyes.”
Kimberly Bush: Helping people with disabilities thrive
Kimberly Bush is a Lead LPN (that’s a licensed practical nurse) at AbleLight. She joined us nine years ago after working in long-term care.
“I found AbleLight and I’m so glad that I did,” said Kimberly. “As a developmental disabilities nurse, I get to build deep connections with people AbleLight serves, to deliver better, more personalized care.”
Working in our Colorado operations, Kimberly serves people in our ICFs (intermediate care facilities) and in other areas when there’s a need.
“Most days I visit one, two or more ICFs [or our day program]. I communicate and consult with doctors, occupational and physical therapists, and professional colleagues. When there are staffing shortages, I pitch in. Sometimes I troubleshoot issues,” said Kimberly. “Just last week, for example, I was troubleshooting an error with a machine for tube feeding. It was an opportunity to help teach our DSPs what to look for.”
In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys diamond painting. It’s a mosaic-like art form where rhinestone “diamonds” are applied to canvas to create beautiful “paintings.” She created the diamond painting below. See how the Super Heroes are honoring the nurses?
What a fitting tribute to all nurses, and especially our DDNs at AbleLight!
Deborah flourishes with Direct Support Professionals who truly care
Before she came to AbleLight, Deborah was struggling, and her health was deteriorating. Simply put, there was no joy in her life. Then along came Samuel and Beth, two of our most dedicated direct support professionals. Through their heart and dedication, you could say that Samuel and Beth saved Deborah’s life.
AbleLight College students walk across the stage to a bright future
For the last two years, six AbleLight College students at Concordia University – Wisconsin have stepped way out of their comfort zones. They’ve lived on their own for the first time. They’ve navigated new social settings. They’ve discovered jobs they love and met friends they’ll cherish for a lifetime. They’ve proved to themselves—and to the world—what people with developmental disabilities are capable of.
On May 13, to the roaring cheers of the entire Concordia graduating class, these six remarkable young adults walked the graduation stage and on to a bright future.
Congratulations, Graduates!
AbleLight Golf for Change Classic raises over $60,000 for programs in Colorado
AbleLight’s Golf For Change Classic on May 3, was a huge win for people with developmental disabilities. Over $60,000 was raised from the event to provide homes, caregivers and professional services that people with disabilities in Colorado both need and deserve.
Thank you to our sponsors!
“We’d like to sincerely thank Merrill Lynch, our presenting sponsor and the other organizations and individuals who came together to support people with developmental disabilities. The financial gap is smaller thanks to your generosity,” said AbleLight President and CEO, Keith Jones.
