Thirtieth Anniversary Issue on Progress and Priorities in Direct Support

Think back to the day that you graduated from high school. You are 18 years old and about to start a brand-new chapter of your life in the world as an adult. You are going to go out to get a job, and you become a contributing member of society. Everything you have ever dreamed of will come true—earning our own money, buying what you want, making friends at our jobs. Pretty typical dreams and goals, right?

John Kellas, Executive Director of East Central Solid Waste and Brian on his first day of employment.

Now, imagine being told by the State of Minnesota that you will never be able to get a job in the community and will not be a contributing member of society. That you will spend the next 31 years of your life in a day support facility, making little to no money because your jobs will pay you pennies on the dollar, all because you have a disability and they believe you cannot succeed in community employment.

This was a reality for Brian Hiljus of Mora, Minnesota after he graduated from high school. Brian had a stroke when he was younger, had juvenal arthritis and a developmental disability. Due to the stroke and arthritis, he uses an electric wheelchair and has limited movement in his upper extremities. Brian joined PHASE-Industries Incorporated in 1995 and spent Monday through Friday the next 31 years in a day-habilitation facility.

I joined the PHASE-Industries team in 2015 and for the next nine years I was a direct support professional (DSP) working with some amazing individuals. In 2024, I accepted the position as an Employment Support Specialist and a year later became certified as a Credentialed Employment Support Professional.

Amber Kram

Supporting people in competitive employment was a new world to me. As a DSP, I had seen firsthand how some of the people I support are treated out in the community. Sometimes the people I support are treated like they had a plague or are contagious. It is heart breaking.

I met Brian in December of 2025 when he had expressed interest in finding community employment. That is when I learned he had been told he was deemed “unemployable,” yet he still wanted to look for a job. The first thing I always ask a job seeker is, “Why do you want a job in the community?” Brian answered with, “Because I want to make more money. I want to feel important and live the life I want.” Plain, simple, and to the point, he wanted to feel like he had control over his life.

As we were leaving, I noticed that Brian stopped in the processing area of the building where all the garbage and recycling is brought in by the trucks. He then started asking the manager several questions about the recycling process and what was involved in it.

My job was to help him find the right position and the right company that would accept him openly and appreciate his skills and talents. Brian has a lot to offer a business. I asked myself; how can I complete this assignment? Simple, I needed to get to know Brian. I learned about his hopes, dreams, interests, and talents. Then little by little all that information that I compiled led us down the path to the perfect job for Brian. I started to get to know Brian, I visited him at his home. He showed me things that interest him. During the home visit, I noticed that Brian had collections of professional wrestling memorabilia and several models of muscle cars. I asked Brian more about the muscle cars and why he liked them. He stated, “I like them because they have big motors and I like to tinker with and take motors apart.” While at his house, I interviewed his DSP and the house manager. They both also stated he enjoys anything with a big motor, and he has a small engine in the garage that he has been taking apart. After talking with Brian and his support staff, I started thinking about businesses we could visit to learn more about vehicles with large motors.

Informational Interviews

The first place that I thought of was our local garbage company. I reached out to Quality Disposal located in Ogilvie, Minnesota and asked if we could do an informational interview to learn more about maintaining garbage trucks and what it takes to keep them running correctly. Brian and I arrived at Quality Disposal and went to their truck repair shop. Brian was excited to learn about the trucks and how to maintain their engines. As we were leaving, I noticed that Brian stopped in the processing area of the building where all the garbage and recycling is brought in by the trucks. Brian asked the manager several questions about the recycling process and what was involved in it. When we left, I asked Brian if he wanted to visit the local landfill in Mora to learn more about the recycling process. He said, “Yes, please.” I then reached out to East Central Solid Waste and spoke with the executive director, John Kellas. John agreed to meet Brian and said it would be his pleasure to answer any questions Brian had about the recycling process. When we met John at the landfill, Brian asked questions about the recycling process and landfill. Brian also asked if he could see one of the machines up close. Brian also a picture next to the machinery.

Brian Follows His Interests

Brian and I left the landfill and Brian said, “That place is amazing! I would love to be able to work there!” BINGO! Brian had identified where he wanted his career path to start. I contacted John at the landfill and asked him if I could do a follow-up meeting. I explained to John what my job was and asked if he would be interested in partnering with Brian and me in creating a position at the landfill where Brian would not only have competitive employment but would meet the company’s needs. I explained that I would support Brian on-site to complete his work correctly until Brian knew his job and did not need me anymore. John said he loved that idea. On July 17, 2025, Brian was hired at East Central Solid Waste making competitive wages and working at a company in the community.

Brian next to the Volvo sand loader at the landfill.

After 31 years of sheltered work and being told he would never have a competitive job, Brian left PHASE-Industries to work solely at the sanitation center. Today he continues employment there. He is thriving at his job. He recently used his income to buy professional wrestling tickets for himself and his family. He has made amazing friendships with his co-workers and with his manager John.

I had the privilege of supporting Brian at his job for 8 months. I watched him excel and grow in his position and develop relationships with his colleagues. In fact, he now hosts a monthly meeting with the other locations of East Central Solid Waste on how to correctly recycle batteries. He goes to professional wrestling matches with John, and I no longer support him on location. Now, the only support he needs is a monthly check-in to make sure he has what he needs.

So, what is the takeaway from this story I shared? All it takes is one DSP to ask a person they support, “what do you want for your life?” You can support the person to make the impossible possible. Ask the questions that others may not have asked and get to know the people you work with.