Don Gaskins: Living the Dream

Don is a regular guy who lives on his own and has had the same job for over 16 years. He’s a hardworking, independent fellow, known for his drive and passion for the things he loves most. He loves the outdoors, and he also loves cars. Don also happens to be someone with a developmental disability who also is deaf.

Don works for the University of California, San Diego in their Veterans Affairs Department as a groundskeeper. He’s a full-time employee who looks after their lawn and plants five days a week. Like everyone who works, though, he takes full advantage of his two days off each week, and Don especially enjoys the outdoors. Don is an avid sportsman who loves fishing, boating and camping. Not surprisingly, he ‘s a fan of the backcountry, and looks forward to going to Julian each year for the Apple Festival. Don also has a zeal for cars and often goes to car shows around the San Diego area.

Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is an agency that helps people with various kinds of disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities. Don came to TMI in January of 1997 and quickly began receiving assistance from our Community Living Services program. Since then he has formed a great working partnership with his Community Support Facilitator, Alma.

When asked about TMI’s services Don says, “I think TMI is a great program. They come over and help me with things.” Alma helps Don with organizing and completing household tasks like cleaning and cooking. Don believes that he and Alma have such a great relationship because both of them understand the importance of communicating well with each other. They communicate using sign language. With Don’s hectic schedule of work and leisure activities, he makes sure to keep Alma informed of what he is doing. It’s also great for Don to have Alma as a resource, someone he can talk to about difficult situations that crop up in his life. In his other comments Don stresses that good communication is the most important part any working relationship.

The mission of TMI is helping people with disabilities live life to the limit of their capabilities-- to the fullest--not live lives that are sheltered, mundane, and nonproductive. So even though Don is a person with a developmental disability and deafness, these things do not define him as an individual or stop him from living out his dreams. If you are developmentally disabled or interested in learning more about TMI’s services, please contact Laura Gonzales, TMI’s Community Living Services Director at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 858-467-0600.

As told to Andrea Teas, Staff Writer

Main Office: (858) 467-0600 - 4740 Murphy Canyon Rd., Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123 - Fax: (858) 467-9059

TMI Escondido: (760) 839-5255 - 1900 Sunset Dr., Suite E, Escondido, CA 92025 - Fax: (760) 796-4771

TMI Temecula: (951) 296-2090 - 41707 Winchester Rd., Suite 304 Temecula, CA 92590 - Fax: (951) 296-3497

The Department of Developmental Services can be reached at: (616) 654-1987. The DDS Website is located at: www.dds.ca.gov/complaints.

Toward Maximum Independence, Inc. (TMI) does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disabilities in hiring practices or provision of services.