With Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), a nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), for 20 years, Beverly Edwards is a shining example of an outstanding Direct Support Professional (DSP) who has truly transformed the lives of our clients. Her dedication is to be commended and we are fortunate to have her with us. Beverly shared with us her hope for the future of individuals with IDD and more. We love what she had to say!
Q. What interested you about working at TMI?
A. I have always had the mindset of contributing or helping others. When I heard about this agency, I was excited to apply!
Q. What is your favorite part about working here?
A. I would say the excitement and satisfaction that I feel when I am a part of my clients achieving a goal.
Q. What challenges do you and/or your clients face?
A. The way the community perceives the clients. I always advocate for and with my clients when people in the community refer to them as children or kids. My clients are adults, who just learn or work differently.
Q. How does making a difference in the lives of your clients make you feel?
A. I feel great and rewarded for giving the support that helps make a difference in their lives.
Q. What are your hopes for the future of individuals with IDD?
A. I hope that all people with developmental disabilities can receive the best support system. I truly believe that having a good connection with their DSP is crucial to their success.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A. I am very active in my church. I also enjoy spending time with my family, most of whom live out of state, but I look forward to our FaceTime.
Q. Who do you admire and why?
A. I admire my ancestors, who faced many challenges, obstacles and barriers, but they were very courageous and never gave up fighting for so many freedoms that I benefit from every day.
Q. What are your words to live by?
A. Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Q. Is there anything additional that you would like to share with our readers?
A. Thank you, TMI family! I have been richly blessed to know you all.
As a Job Coach with our Integrated Work (IW) program under the supervision of TMI San Diego IW Program Coordinator/Division Manager Dennis Moran, Beverly assists her clients Sandy, Shaun and Vanessa who work as Office Aides in the TMI San Diego corporate office. They make an outstanding team and ensure that the office areas are stocked, paper is shredded and supplies are replenished.
"Beverly is a mission driven person who is an absolute pleasure to work with," said Dennis. "I’ve known her since we were both Job Coaches when she joined the TMI family 20 years ago and I have had the pleasure to supervise her for the past eight years. Beverly does an outstanding job working with our TMI Office Aides. The guidance and structure she provides brings out the best in her clients. Beverly exemplifies what it means to be a Job Coach. She is fully aware of what her role is to the individuals she supports. Beverly is well respected by all because of the high standards that she has set for herself and others. The agency is a better place because of her presence. We look forward to Beverly’s continued commitment to enriching the lives of the people she serves here at TMI."
Congratulations, Beverly, and thank you for all that you do!
The TMI Integrated Work day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is designed to meet the employment and community integration needs of individuals who are over the age of 18 and are Regional Center clients. These services are funded by local Regional Centers with dollars from the State Department of Developmental Services at a 1:3 staff to client ratio. Each day, clients have a wonderful opportunity to actively assist in the development of their community schedules. Their participation in making decisions about their day reflects their unique skills, support needs and individual preferences.
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. In 2020, we launched Disabled Veteran Employment Services. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.