accessAbilities Inc

Dan’s New Pet

This summer, accessAbilities received 21 animatronic pets funded by a COVID-19 grant from PA Link. The pets are designed to combat social isolation for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Dementia.

Dan was super excited to meet his new furry friend. His caregiver for 20 years, Geraldine, says he loves his new dog so much, he sleeps with her.

When activated, the animals respond to touch, sound and movement. The pets mimic their real-life counterparts, snuggling and providing companionship. The dogs gently bark and the cats purr.

Dan has received services from Home & Community Services since 1986 after sustaining a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. He was unable to work, drive or participate in some of his favorite activities. Enjoying time with his new dog, Susan, is now one of his favorite activities.

In addition, Dan said his caregivers “…have helped me be as independent as I can be…I would not be where I am today without them.”

Stacey Hayes

Why did you choose to work in this field?
My grandmother had a son with special needs and I became interested in helping people with disabilities. I have found it to be a very rewarding career.

What do you like about working with accessAbilities clients?
I enjoy taking the clients out into the community. The businesses and residents are always friendly to the clients and make them feel welcomed when participating in local activities and events.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my family, vacations, swimming, shopping and getting my nails done.

Stacy has worked for accessAbilities for over three years. She lives in the Mountain View area with her three children and their Yorkie named Bella.

Pamela A. Turner

Why did you choose to work in this field?
It’s my passion. I love working with all people, especially those with a need.

What do you like about working with accessAbilities clients?
I find my clients are interesting with their life situations. I want to make their lives more meaningful and productive. I want to give them contentment.

What are your interests and hobbies?
Some activities I enjoy are bowling, taking walks, biking, gardening, playing games and cards.

Pamela has worked for accessAbilities as a personal caregiver for 13 years.

Kylie Mulnix

Why did you choose to work in this field?
I chose this field because I like helping people. It is important to me to be a part of insuring someone’s well‑being while helping them maintain their independence.

What do you like about working with accessAbilities clients?
This is not just another job. Everyone is unique and there is something new every day. I like problem solving with my participants. I am learning so much.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I enjoy painting, drawing and making jewelry. I also enjoy music as a way to relieve stress and help me become centered. My favorite past-time is shopping with my grandmother Patty.

Kylie has worked for accessAbilities for six months. She is a Junior at Seton Hill University working towards her degree in Art Education.

Jozzie Stonebraker

Why did you choose to work in this field?
My experience as a combat medic help me realize how much I really enjoyed caring for others. I considered nursing school, but was not able to enroll at that time.

What do you like about working with accessAbilities clients?
I really like the one-on-one relationship in a home‑care environment. The participants are easy to get along with and make me feel welcome - it doesn’t feel like a job. accessAbilities has great benefits and flexible scheduling.

What are your interests and hobbies?
I enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, fishing and children’s events. I still have an interest pursuing nursing school in the future.

Jozzie has worked with accessAbilities for two years. She is a mother of three and served in the United States Army as a combat medic.

Deborah (Lori) Ruffner

Why did you choose to work in this field?
Originally, I was a young person looking for a job. Thirty years later, I think it’s safe to say that the job chose me. I can’t image doing anything else.

What do you like about working with accessAbilities clients?
I like and prefer the freedom of home care. Each participant deserves and gets one-on-one care. They are all very different from one another and that keeps the job interesting.

What are your interests and hobbies?
Spending time with my family is always first. I also enjoy swimming, crocheting, reading and having bonfires in our yard with family and friends.

Deborah has worked for accessAbilities for 7 months. She is married with 5 children, 2 step children and 4 grandchildren.

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