Three Seymour residents recently were recognized by Developmental Services Inc. for providing opportunities and support to citizens with disabilities.
Brenda Wade of Seymour received the Direct Support Professional Award during the organization’s 42nd annual awards ceremony in Columbus.
Sandy and Doug Royer, also of Seymour, received the Volunteer and Service Award.
Wade has worked in a group home for several years, assisting people with disabilities to live more independently while allowing them opportunities to experience life to its fullest, event emcee Sam Simmermaker said.
He said Wade was not one to let consumer mobility challenges stand in the way of attending community functions. Wade figured out the logistical challenges of transportation, managed individual mobility needs and dispensed medication for a group of individuals, therefore making it possible for the group to have an enjoyable outing.
Wade’s supervisor considers her a loyal and committed advocate for the rights of her consumers and a caring leader of a team of direct support professionals that provide exceptional care for consumers, Simmermaker said.
Wade is known for treating her clients like part of her own family, and her clients feel the same about her, he said.
The Royers received the Volunteer and Service Award for their support of individuals with disabilities throughout the year.
Simmermaker said the Royers approached DSI several years ago about doing something special for the residents of the Elm Street Group Home around the holidays.
Since then, they have purchased and delivered gifts to the clients on Christmas Day.
The Royers made birthdays more special for the Elm Street residents by baking cakes and purchasing gifts for them. The Royers personify the idea that anyone can make a big difference in somebody else’s life, Simmermaker said.
DSI staff also noted the Royers regularly attended client events and donated to Special Olympics so consumers could engage in some healthy competition and make new friends.
Other award recipients were Joe Broomall of Nashville, Consumer Achievement Award; Emerge Wrestling of Columbus, Volunteer and Service Award; GECOM Corp. of Greensburg, Industry of the Year; Brandon Shumaker of Columbus, Professional of the Year; Amy Rogers of Muncie, manager of McDonald’s in Muncie; and Olivia Ortman of Columbus, William K. Hadar Scholarship.
DSI is a nonprofit organization that provides services for children and adults with disabilities in 55 counties in Indiana. Those services include early intervention, job training and placement, residential living options, music therapy, education and enrichment, respite support, networking and community participation and after-hour programs.
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For information about Developmental Services Inc., visit dsiservices.org.
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