Arizona Developmental Services brings light to adults with disabilities

By Hector Campos, ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism

Arizona Developmental Services has helped adults with disabilities build hands-on learning and life skills to succeed in the world outside.

ADS focuses on adults aged 18-35, with 13 members currently enrolled in its program. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday, members learn a range of life skills, including math, hygiene, volunteer work, and job requirements, to help them accomplish their goals.

ADS's current staff includes eight people, each of whom helps coach and build bonds with members to create a positive learning environment, using individual methods to help everyone enrolled succeed.

“For me, this environment means making a positive difference in people’s lives, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and helping each individual feel valued and included”, says Yurina Gaytan, a Direct Support Professional at ADS.

Becky Jackson, the Chief Executive Officer of ADS, explains the benefits this small organization has for its members, such as more focus being put on teaching individually, stating how small organizations can be overlooked due to their size, even though she believes a more condensed group can rely on members being cared for in a more engaging way. For Becky, ADS is more than a job because this community feels personal to her.

“I know what it is like to be a parent to a child with a disability”, she stated when describing her own history, her stepson being an adult who was diagnosed with autism at an early age. “I had no idea of autism at the time and felt isolated, at the time there was no program to help him.”, as she continued to express her dedication and mission to help members succeed in all of their activities and goals.

ADS provided an example of how they help members excel in their learning, as Jackson recalls a member who had an issue with mathematics. A support coordinator, approved by the state, guided a personal learning experience that created immense learning growth for the specific member, to the point where they no longer needed aid or support. Julie Bustamante, creative director and social media manager of ADS, explained how examples such as the formerly mentioned create a trust between the parent and organization, “People are going to easily recognize ADS because of how consistent it is,” believing these to be the reason it stands out from other non-profits.

“Members are excited to come in and greet their friends, hoping to learn something new.”, says Arlette Gaytan when describing how the program is viewed by the members and community. Jackson reconfirmed those statements and spoke about a promising next year for ADS, with more members being enrolled and a possible work environment where members can earn their own money and gain hands-on experience in the workforce, with around three vendors interested in working with them.

ADS continues to be a voice for its community and hopes to expand in the future to help more adults with disabilities learn life skills and gain independence.