Mike Luongo, Employment Specialist
at the Island Lane Day Program
This national, annual award recognizes the best of the Direct Support Professional workforce and, at the same time, raises awareness of the devotion, professionalism and quality supports DSPs provide in their daily work. Most people are not aware of the vital role DSPs play in their communities; and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)'s National Advocasy Campaign is out to change that.
We congratulate Mike and thank him for the amazing job he is doing with the folks he supports at Marrakech! They are clearly as special to him as he is to them! We are honored to have had him as a part of the Marrakech family for over 22 years!
What are some of the activities and accomplishments Mike has shown in assisting the individuals in achieving person-centered positive outcomes?
18 years ago, Mike’s keen eye and
character changed the life of AC. Mike noticed that AC, who he knew from a
previous position at the day program, was eating lunch alone frequently, not
interacting with anyone and looking sad.
AC had been inappropriately placed with a group of higher functioning
individuals with whom he could not relate. Knowing that AC knew the folks in his current
group, Mike got permission and invited AC to join them in an activity one day.
AC entered the room his eyes lit up as he began immediately interacting with
the others. When he realized the difference in AC's demeanor, Mike knew he
could never let him go back. AC has become the “helper” to one of the women in
the group who often needs assistance and a friend to the rest. This has given
AC purpose, importance and a place to belong.
Description of the relationships Mike has developed with the people he supports.
While working with them for 22 years, Mike has built a
connection with every individual in his group, and they are like family to him.
They count on him and know he will be there for them. They are also there for
Mike, giving him something to smile about every day. On the rare day when Mike takes
a day off, however, one of the individuals actually refuses to go to day
program! Mike knows each of the folks so well, and they know him so well, even
down to the music they each enjoy. He noticed how music calmed and quieted the
group, so he created a play list for each person on his personal ipod, and he rotates
the playlists so everyone gets a turn to have “their” music played. They learned
to respect each other’s tastes and look forward to their turn, which makes them
feel special.
Examples of how Mike has advocated or affected change with and/or on behalf of people with disabilities.
It has been
important to Mike over the years that everyone in the community understands and
accepts the folks he works with and that everyone treats them equally. Years ago, when he was responsible for finding
employment in the community for his group, he worked hard at developing relationships
with companies and encouraged the management to get to know each person so they
became invested in them. This worked so well that it resulted in an education
and mind shift for many employers. One business owner, after employing his
group and getting to know them well, ended up inviting the group to his family
picnic that summer. He introduced them to everyone there and they all had a
great time. He approached Mike afterwards and told him that he never knew he
and his company would get so much out of the experience he gained out of their
employment.
Description
of the sacrifices Mike has made in order to be a Direct Support Professional.
It is important to Mike that he support each
individual in his group to feel that they are important and that they matter, even
if it means that he sacrifice his own money to do so. For each of their
birthdays, he purchases and brings in a cake and birthday treats so that they
are able to have a celebration on their special day. He has also been known to
host individuals at his home for holidays when they did not have a special
place to go. Once, upon learning that one of the individuals in his group, a
woman who’s favorite thing to do is listen to music, didn’t have a stereo at her
home, he brought one in from his own home to give her and also included a bunch
of CD’s that he made for her on his own time by her favorite musical artist.
What are some examples of creativity Mike has shown in individualizing supports and services provided?
When Mike was a Job Coach, one of the individuals in his group,
VM, was having a difficult time maintaining employment because of behaviors she
was displaying. No other Job Coach was
able to get her to work. “It was so bad,”
his former supervisor said, “She would lie down and outright refuse to leave
the building.” Mike knew he had to get
creative. He understood VM and recognized
what motivated her and what she needed, so he began to build up her confidence
by complimenting her on her clothing and on the crafts she would make and bring
in. He used his sense of humor to make her laugh and feel important, and
encouraged her by telling her what a great job she was doing by staying on
task. She was then able to begin a job, which turned out to be the longest job
she ever held.
Select one tenet of the NADSP Code of Ethics and show how Mike exemplifies the chosen ethic.
Every day there is evidence that Mike understands and embodies each tenet of the Code, and helping the people develop and maintain relationships is just one. VM was having a problem this past Thanksgiving. Her brother, with whom she has a close relationship, was expecting her to come to his home for the holiday, as she has every other year. VM, however, was torn because she overheard all of the planning in the weeks approaching the holiday and wanted to spend the holiday at her Group Home with her peers for a change. She was afraid of her brother’s reaction and didn’t know how to approach it. Mike worked with her to understand that if she was honest with him and talked to him about it, her brother would understand. She was able to get her wish while maintaining the relationship with her brother.
Each nomination should also include an affirmation letter or statement from the person(s) served and/or a family member.
To Whom It May Concern,
It is a pleasure to say that I have known Michael Luongo for well over ten years. During this time, Michael has been the job coach for two of my consumers, one of whom he continues to work with on a daily basis. I cannot count the number of days he was an angel in disguise. One of my consumers, BO, has unfortunately had her share of “not so great” days, and it seemed that no matter how distressed she may have been in the morning, the minute Michael pulled into the driveway she underwent a major transformation. Whereas we were experiencing non-stop complaints or a barrage of tears, Michael always got the infamous “BO smile”, with many mornings a dance to go with it!
Many of the staff, myself included, would try to convince him that he should come work for our agency, more specifically with BO, for he had such a positive effect on her behavior. Needless to say, we didn’t win that argument, though BO did, for she had been given the opportunity to work with Michael all of these years at her vocational site. The only time we ever encountered a problem was when Michael felt the need to take a vacation. How we so dreaded those days, for we knew this was not going to sit well with BO. I realize this was a small price to pay. Knowing that she was well taken care of and not only enjoyed, but actually looked forward to going off to work and interacting with Michael made those long days pass quickly.
I must say that I have never seen Michael without a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he encountered. He even won the hearts of the other consumers in the home, and they always shared with him their day’s events when he brought BO home. Though I no longer have the opportunity to see Michael due to a change in the transportation system, I think of his smile often.
I cannot think of anyone who deserves such an honor more than him. His dedication and concern for those that he serves goes beyond what most can ever imagine. This truly has been his life’s calling and for all of the consumers he has worked with, I am sure their world is a better place for having him in it. I know firsthand how he positively impacted the life of BO and how much she cares for him. For this, I could never thank him enough.
Select one tenet of the NADSP Code of Ethics and show how Mike exemplifies the chosen ethic.
Every day there is evidence that Mike understands and embodies each tenet of the Code, and helping the people develop and maintain relationships is just one. VM was having a problem this past Thanksgiving. Her brother, with whom she has a close relationship, was expecting her to come to his home for the holiday, as she has every other year. VM, however, was torn because she overheard all of the planning in the weeks approaching the holiday and wanted to spend the holiday at her Group Home with her peers for a change. She was afraid of her brother’s reaction and didn’t know how to approach it. Mike worked with her to understand that if she was honest with him and talked to him about it, her brother would understand. She was able to get her wish while maintaining the relationship with her brother.
Each nomination should also include an affirmation letter or statement from the person(s) served and/or a family member.
To Whom It May Concern,
It is a pleasure to say that I have known Michael Luongo for well over ten years. During this time, Michael has been the job coach for two of my consumers, one of whom he continues to work with on a daily basis. I cannot count the number of days he was an angel in disguise. One of my consumers, BO, has unfortunately had her share of “not so great” days, and it seemed that no matter how distressed she may have been in the morning, the minute Michael pulled into the driveway she underwent a major transformation. Whereas we were experiencing non-stop complaints or a barrage of tears, Michael always got the infamous “BO smile”, with many mornings a dance to go with it!
Many of the staff, myself included, would try to convince him that he should come work for our agency, more specifically with BO, for he had such a positive effect on her behavior. Needless to say, we didn’t win that argument, though BO did, for she had been given the opportunity to work with Michael all of these years at her vocational site. The only time we ever encountered a problem was when Michael felt the need to take a vacation. How we so dreaded those days, for we knew this was not going to sit well with BO. I realize this was a small price to pay. Knowing that she was well taken care of and not only enjoyed, but actually looked forward to going off to work and interacting with Michael made those long days pass quickly.
I must say that I have never seen Michael without a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he encountered. He even won the hearts of the other consumers in the home, and they always shared with him their day’s events when he brought BO home. Though I no longer have the opportunity to see Michael due to a change in the transportation system, I think of his smile often.
I cannot think of anyone who deserves such an honor more than him. His dedication and concern for those that he serves goes beyond what most can ever imagine. This truly has been his life’s calling and for all of the consumers he has worked with, I am sure their world is a better place for having him in it. I know firsthand how he positively impacted the life of BO and how much she cares for him. For this, I could never thank him enough.
Susan
Marcell
Program Coordinator
Institute of Professional Practice
Program Coordinator
Institute of Professional Practice
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