Client Spotlight: Southern Indiana Developmental Disability Services
Evelyn and Direct Support Professionals Sandy and Jeanne posed for a photo at Disney World.
Over the past few years, Evelyn, a resident living in our Southern Indiana Developmental Disability program, has been saving her money by sharing expenses with a roommate and living simply so that she could take a vacation.
After brainstorming with our staff and working with a travel agent, Evelyn decided to go to Disney World, with a stop at the beach in Hilton Head, so she could see the ocean.
Evelyn chose Volunteers of America Direct Support Professionals Sandy Deweese and Jeanne Hawkins to accompany her on her trip. As with any road trip, the ladies faced a couple travel mishaps, but they arrived safely to Hilton Head. Evelyn was able to put her feet in the ocean for the first time and enjoy the beach before they headed down to Disney World. They had perfect weather while in Disney World and Evelyn enjoyed getting to see and do things she had not had the opportunity to experience before.
"Meeting the characters was my favorite part of the trip," Evelyn said. She was also thrilled to see all of her planning and work come together to make her dream of going to Disney World a reality. Working with a travel agent and having the opportunity to make all of the decisions about how she would spend her time on vacation was also a new and exciting experience for Evelyn.
"I loved seeing the smile on Evelyn's face," Sandy said of their time in Disney World. Sandy and Evelyn agreed that they would both love to take another trip together again, they just have to decide where to go next!
Program staff's commitment to assist Evelyn with her vacation plans demonstrates Volunteers of America's focus on "the good life" model followed in our Developmental Disability programs. This model aims to breakdown isolation barriers that developmentally disabled individuals can face and empower the individuals we serve to lead lives full of quality, purpose and fulfillment.
For more information about our Developmental Disability Services in Southern Indiana, click here.