The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed March 21 World Down Syndrome Day in Johnson County. Allie Reim, who is served by JCDS, gave a moving speech followed by proud grandpa Ronnie Metsker who spoke about his grandson who has Down syndrome.
Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) will be holding open interviews 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 for jobseekers who are interested in joining our team as a direct support professional (DSP).
We are pleased to announce that Mandy Flower is the new Johnson County CDDO director. Mandy replaces Shelly May who is now the deputy director of JCDS. Mandy will be starting with the CDDO on Monday, March 18, 2019.
How did Drew, Ryan, Cory and Tyler reach their goal of getting their driver’s license? Angela Walsh-Fisher, a JCDS community employment specialist, recalls how the idea got off the ground.
“At one of our self-advocacy meetings, when we asked our group what they would like to advocate for in their own lives, a majority said they wanted to learn to drive,” said Walsh. “Before we left I promised them that I would make some calls to see what I could find out.”
Forrest Austin, a Direct Support Professional with Johnson County Developmental Supports, received the 2017 National Direct Support Professional of the Year award from The American Network of Community Options and Resources. ANCOR gives this award annually for exemplary work in furthering community inclusion for people living with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Judges look at nominees’ success in helping people with disabilities build social networks, participate in the community and advocate for themselves.
