The first TILL Pathways class reflects on what they learned and why it matters.
They would invest 14 weeks immersed in studies enabled by a new educational partnership between TILL and Bay Path University. In return, they would receive valuable training in health services, three college credits and a generous stipend to cover expenses. It was a promising premise but for the staff members who enrolled in TILL Pathways, it required a leap of faith in a program that had never been tried before.
“I want to thank you for taking a chance and applying,” VP of Program Services Sandy Cummins told the twenty-nine graduates at the first TILL Pathways commencement ceremony in September. Sandy and Director of Special Projects Ilana Gordon-Brown both acknowledged the response from Bay Path.
“Ilana, you are so fortunate to have these staff members and their willingness to learn and grow!,” wrote Leah Frascarelli OTR/L, Adjunct Professor, Professional Occupational Therapy Tutor.
And what was the response from the graduates?
“I view the role and the individuals I may support differently now,” one reflected. “I have a greater appreciation for the importance of seeing each person as an individual first, rather than focusing only on their disability or support needs. I also understand that the role of a Direct Support Specialist is not just to help, but to build trust, promote independence, and help individuals participate more fully in their own lives and communities where they vest in their chartered destiny through advocacy and sustaining dignity, respect, privacy and choice making.”
Another wrote, “One lesson that especially stayed with me is that, for many people, a residential program is not simply a workplace for staff—it is their home. As DSPs, we may finish our shift and go home, but the individuals we support continue living there every day. They deserve the same comfort, privacy, respect, and opportunities that anyone else would expect in their own home. This changed the way I think about providing support.”
This comment sums up the feedback Bay Path received from TILL staff:
“Overall, this course has help me understand how I can provide safer, more respectful, and more effective support as a Direct Support Specialist.”
As Sandy suggested, this first group of graduates have now become ambassadors for the program. “I want to thank everyone for spreading the word,” she said.
Congratulations to Angelina DePaulis, Teresia Ngugi, Lyndia Francois, Linda Belcher-White, Patrice Dreist, Millan Nankunda, Anne Nicoleau, Winfred Otieno, Benjamin Aryee, Gloria Nasanga, Enock Bugembe, Esther Brown, Joyce Wanjiru, Karina Coleman-Liriano, Evelyn Ssemakula, Darling Pierre, Tatiana Shangina, Lisene Belceus, Michelle Francois, Sharifa Kagingo Maganyi, Moses Karugu, Sharo Katusiime Lee, Mustapha Ludan, Exil Lucienna, Martha Muwanguzi, Susan Mwesigwa, Kareni Natukunda, Natacha Pierre and Ritsuko Terajima.