DSP of the Month: Traci Noonan
Congratulations to Traci Noonan, November’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Traci began her career journey as an accountant and stayed in that field for over 30 years.
“Working with numbers was satisfying for projects and assignments, but the real joy in my life came from nurturing and advocating for my son, Ryan,” Traci said. “When he left school, I felt there was so much more I could do to help him understand and participate in the world around him. When the opportunity was presented, I dropped my career as an accountant to become a full time DSP as a shared living provider, and I’ve never looked back.”
A shared living provider (SLP) is someone who lives with an adult with a developmental disability in their home and offers daily support and companionship. SLPs are also known as host home providers. SLPs help people with developmental disabilities live independently and participate in the community. They teach skills like cooking, laundry, and shopping, and help with meal preparation, medication, and transportation. SLPs also provide opportunities for socialization and community participation.
Traci said since becoming an SLP for Ryan her main focus has been to foster his independence, teach him to navigate his world based on his interests, and advocate for himself.
“Ryan typically waits for instructions, as he always wants to obey the rules,” Traci said. “I am teaching him that he can make decisions for himself, by giving him choices, encouraging his initiation of activities, and supporting decisions he does make for himself, such as what clothes to wear, and what activities to participate in. I am also encouraging him to engage in community activities by seeking out volunteer activities for us to do together. We participate in community events, such as concerts in the park, park explorations, theater, and sports events.”
In addition to Ryan, Traci also has two typical sons around the same age as Ryan.
“I often find myself asking, ‘What do they enjoy doing, at their age?’ and consider those opportunities for Ryan,” Traci said. “For example, little did I know how much he would love watching sports like football and soccer! But why not? He may not understand the competitiveness, or the rules, etc., but I recently discovered how engaged he is in watching sports activities!”
Traci said there are 3 specific goals she is working on with Ryan in order to foster his independence.
“Number 1, Ryan is incontinent, and this can sometimes present issues when out in the community,” Traci said. “So, we began a toileting routine at home. With instruction and lots of encouragement, Ryan now uses the toilet independently when at home. He no longer needs instructions! We are now working on communicating the need to use the restroom when away from home. Number 2 is communication. Ryan is non-verbal and has aphasia (understands minimal spoken language). We are working on Ryan’s ability to communicate effectively through the use of sign language, gestures, pictures, and augmentative communication. Effective communication has helped eliminate frustration and confusion of expectations. Number 3 is community engagement. We are active in the community through volunteer work, participating in community events, and visiting our local libraries, parks, restaurants, and seasonal activities.”
BCBDD SSA II, Holle Metz said since Traci became an SLP for Ryan he has blossomed and made great strides in his independence, communication, and overall quality of life.
“Traci takes her job seriously,” Holle said. “She is a strong advocate for people with developmental disabilities and encourages Ryan to be an active part of his community. Ryan has made so much progress. He has been able to take advantage of so many opportunities from volunteering to vacations. She has had the time to fully focus on his well-being and development. Ryan has almost mastered personal care tasks, his communication has improved, and he is obviously just happier. Traci is amazing. Her kindness and compassion are boundless. She is a fantastic care provider. She is truly a wonderful person. Beyond being a SLP, Traci is just genuinely GOOD. She has an amazing heart.”
Traci’s goal in becoming an SLP was to teach Ryan about the world around him, but she says Ryan is teaching her so much more.
“This is the most joyful and satisfying ‘job’ I’ve had,” Traci said. “To see the joy Ryan exudes over the simple things in life, keeps me grounded, and makes me realize it is the simple pleasures, and not things, that bring the most joy. Meeting with Ryan’s friends at his day program and other Butler DD events is so uplifting to me. I often say working in the DD field is like capturing a glimpse of heaven. This is not a 9-5 job that you leave behind at the end of the day. This is a life changing opportunity, that will carry over to every aspect of your life. It’s a satisfying and positive experience that will uplift your spirit beyond measure.”
This year at the annual BCBDD Community Recognition Awards, Ryan was name Community Advocate of the year due to his volunteer efforts around the community and demonstrating that people with disabilities are valuable contributors. Watch the 2024 Community Advocate of the year video featuring Ryan and Traci!
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for December’s DSP of the Month are due by Monday, December 2.