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“Sometimes, I really can’t believe I get paid to do something so great,” Teresa says.  Seated in the bleachers above a high school football game, Teresa Volino, a Senior Family Services Specialist in the YAI Network’s Long Island Project Assist program, reflects on how her job impacts her life.

“I’m not saying the position is without its challenges, but it is still one of the greatest jobs I can imagine.  The consumers I work with teach me new things every day,” she continues.  “I feel like I get as much out of the service as they do.”

Teresa is among New York State’s 75,000 workers – known as Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) – who are enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  In her role at Long Island Project Assist, Teresa works one-on-one with different people with developmental disabilities (sometimes referred to as “consumers” or “program participants”) on their personal goal areas.  These goals may include integrating oneself more fully into the community, learning how to take public transportation, becoming more proficient in caring for oneself, among others.

On this particular day, Teresa is working with one of her consumers, Frank, in tandem with another staff member and program participant.  The theme for the day is managing socialization and recreational activity.  Attendance at the football game, in the company of others, is something of a milestone.

“There are some things that many of us take for granted, like the ability to communicate meaningfully, that can be especially difficult for people with developmental disabilities,” Teresa explains.  “Some of our guys have a hard time interacting with their peers.  I love that part of my job is to help them practice these skills in a safe, supported environment.”

Her work with Project Assist is not Teresa’s only exposure to developmental disabilities.  Encouraged in part by her experiences with YAI consumers, Teresa is working toward her master’s degree in education. She hopes that this will enrich and broaden her already valuable professional skill set.

“Teresa is such a respected staff member,” says Assistant Supervisor Zahira Salinas. “Whenever there is extra work to be done, be it working long hours or on a special project, Teresa is always the first volunteer. Everyone values her effort.”

That willingness to help out comes from the deep, personal connection Teresa has to her job.

“It’s just the best feeling when you have been working with a consumer on a skill for weeks, or months, and then finally one day, they just get it.  Without any prompting or reminders, they just remember the skill and they act upon it,” Teresa says.  “That is the greatest moment – I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”