Don't let this 2019 ARRM Cares winner's quiet, humble personality fool you; she's a force to be reckoned with! Working for CCRI—Creative Care for Reaching Independence as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Madie Uglem's spirit, creativity, determination, and highly skilled approach dramatically improves the quality of life for those she supports. Whether providing inconspicuous de-escalation, teaching people to use technology to stay connected with friends and family, or simply making dreams come true, Madie makes a huge impact.
A great team
Delivering high quality service to empower people with disabilities to receive support in the way they want, and to access and engage the natural community around them, is a huge part of a DSPs role, and Madie excels at it. Madie has been recognized particularly for her work with Liz, a bright and friendly young woman who loves life, people and being social. "Liz will go up to someone on the street and say 'You look so beautiful today!'" says Alita Hanson, Madie's supervisor.
However, Liz also has health and emotional obstacles which can make doing some of the things she loves, and bringing that joy to others in her community, challenging at times. She can experience anxiety and react in ways that draws unwanted attention or makes others uncomfortable because they don't know her. Madie, who is both highly perceptive and has a strong bond with Liz, can sense when she's not feeling right, and provides calming and de-escalatory support to Liz in a way that no one else can even notice, making it easier and more comfortable for Liz to engage with new people and go where she wants to go.
Supporting Liz to be Liz!
So much of the work of a DSP is supporting people to be the person they want to be. Madie has worked with Liz to do the things and have the experiences that any young person does, like using social media to connect with friends and family, or take duck-face selfies (watch the video!). She also goes above and beyond to create opportunities for experiences that need to look a little different because of Liz's support needs, like a dream backwoods camping adventure (again, video!).
Madie is a rockstar, exemplifying the kind of work DSPs do every day, playing a critical role in the lives of the people they support.
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