Independence Plus
“Serving the Special Needs of Arizona”
A Message from the Executive Director
This newsletter probably finds you ‘basting’ in the desert heat/humidty and looking forward to cooler days. Oh, me too! It is worth it because soon we will be barbecuing while others are shoveling snow from their driveway and sidewalks.
September 8-14, 2019 is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This week is dedicated to recognizing DSPs for their contribution to members, families, agencies, and the community. While not always an easy job- understanding, empathy, and love will always be a requirement of the job.
On Saturday, August 24th, all staff at Independence Plus attended a Positive Behavior Support class held at the center. People were on time and nobody grumbled or complained. That is a testament to our staff who are are dedicated to our mission and the work we do.
Independence Plus is very lucky. We have a low rate of turnover compared to many other agencies in the same field. If and when you get a chance, please give a kind word and say thanks to our direct service workers.
We also send thanks to parents, family, guardians, caregivers, and ADH Providers. Bless you for giving yourselves in the spirit of service. It’s not just a job… it is a calling and a mission!
Yours in Service,
David A. Brieno
WISH LIST
New/Used: Bath Towels, Dish Towels, Sheets, Aprons Recliner Chairs in Good Condition, Black Ink Pens, Multi-fold Paper Towels, Yellow Legal Pads, Hygiene Wipes, Copy Paper
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Sundty Foundation, we now have a battery powered electric lift. This lift can handle members up to 450 lbs with ease. It is a blessing for members and staff. Members get moved safely and gently. Staff greatly reduce back injuries. Win-win solution for Independence Plus!
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SAY HELLO TO ROBIN!*
Robin has been attending Independence Plus since fall of 2011. He actively participates in Special Olympics and has won many gold medals over the years. He competes in ‘Ball Toss’ in Track and Field games and also participates in bowling events. According to his classmates, Robin is VERY good at UNO. Besides card games Robin enjoys decorating his class bulletin board and being involved in arts & crafts.
Robin also loves outings and goes whenever he can. Whether it is visitng a library, museum, stadium or park…it’s all good!
* Only Members with Photo Release can be featured in our newsletters.
June 28, 2019
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Put away belongings, Begin routine morning activities, exercise, and ISP programs as usual
9:30 – 11:30 AM: Arts & Crafts (each program area)
10:30 – 11:30 AM: *Helpers in the Kitchen for KP duty*
10:45 – 11:00 AM: Cleanup, Get REady for Hawaiian Luau!
11:30 – 12:30 PM: LUAU LUNCH- Delicious pineapple and ham pizza, ambrosia, and sherbet drinks
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Clean-up kitchen
1:00 – 2:30 PM Hula Dancing, Limbo, In-House Movie, Bingo, Board Games
2:30 – 3:30 PM Return to Program Areas to finish arts & crafts, Hawaiian Music, Interactive Computer (Smart Board)
3:15 – 3:30 PM Begin to tidy up- wash any dishes or containers used
3:30 – 4:00 PM Gather Belongings, Prepare for Van Departures
*Note: This is a regular program day; member ISP programs continue throughout the day as appropriate
Some of our room bulletin boards decorated for Game Day on 08/30/19