Sharon Byerly
Adult Day Support Program
For Sharon Byerly, 2009 was a year of growth -- a time to conquer her mountains and gain independence.
Sharon first started attending the adult day support program in Troy in 2008. In the beginning Sharon would occasionally try new things but usually kept to herself and preferred coloring. Sharon had personal space and trust issues with several of her male peers at the center. Staff often had to intervene to calm her down and assure her she was safe. She also had a strong fear of falling that suppressed her independence.
At that point, several goals were put into place to help Sharon gain some independence and develop choice-making skills.
Staff quickly began noticing changes in Sharon. Now just over a year later, Sharon has shown significant improvements.
“Sharon is very personable, polite and uses manners,” said Christina Smith, adult day support activity specialist for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley. “She is optimistic and ready to enjoy every day to the fullest. She inspires me to always start my day out fresh, with a smile on my face and to try to find the good in every situation that comes my way.”
In addition, staff members hardly ever see Sharon color anymore. She will independently engage in verbal conversations with her peers and cleans up after herself without having to be reminded.
The most drastic difference is Sharon’s willingness to be less fearful of falling. Every morning at the center, she gets up from her wheelchair and walks, holding on to a wall bar for 15 to 20 minutes and then returns herself to her wheelchair independently.
Sharon’s family members have also noticed great changes in Sharon’s abilities.
“Sharon is more independent and enjoys doing things for herself, said Judy Byerly, Sharon’s sister. “She picks out her own clothes and loves dressing up. She used to just sit and color and now she enjoys crafting and playing games and interacting with other people. My mother and I are so grateful to those who care for Sharon. They have been diligent in helping Sharon grow and realize that she can do so much more than she, or we thought she would ever be able to do for herself.”
