Feature Issue on Employment and IDD

Tony Sampson (left) and Rebecca Salon at the Reinventing Quality Conference in Baltimore.

What I love about my job is that I get to do more than I’m told, help other people, and take initiative. I want to extend myself. I want to do more than just what I’m told, and I have all the equipment I need to get the job done.

I want to lead by example. I want others to see my example so they can get the job done, no questions asked. I help them get all the trash and clean up the garden section, not because they are told to but because it needs to be done. I want them to have the right attitude. I don’t want them to think “that’s not my job” because it’s in a different department. You need to do the work that is needed. If I don’t know what to do in a different department, I call for assistance.

After graduating high school in 1991, I was in and out of agencies for a decade. Since connecting with Shared Support Maryland, Inc. (a support brokerage) about 15 years ago, I hire and pay my support staff and support brokers using assistance funds, which also allow me to get job coaching, training, and supplies that I need. I don't need to be told what to do all day, and all the time. I get guidance when I need it. My staff is there for me when I need them, and not all the time.

I have also been a self-advocate for 30 years, and employment and housing are rights I advocate for strongly. Not everyone can get affordable housing, because some people with disabilities can't get housing because some of them make too much to get benefits, and they work two jobs to make ends meets. A person's Social Security check should not be the only source of income to pay the rent. Some people earn too much money to get housing benefits, and other benefits, like Medicare, SSI, and others, but yet, they can't afford to make the American Dream, like paying the rent. It is like, “Too old for an allowance, but too young for a credit card.” A person should have the right to live and work in a safe neighborhood. They should not have to worry about living in fear, danger or even in hate! In their homes, they should live with roommates that the can get along. (One bad roommate spoils the bunch!) They should live in safe neighborhoods, and not get robbed by break-ins. Transportation should be near all people with disabilities.

When I first started at work, I was very ambitious. I wanted to take on the world (whether I was ready or not). They said I had to start from the bottom and work my way to the top. I’ve done well at the job I have now, and today I help other employees do what needs to be done.