Michael Harley and Nicholas Jacovelli Explore Their Interests and Community Through At-Home Day Program
Michael Harley and Nicholas Jacovelli explore their interests at home at the Kirkland Drive residence in Greenlawn through day services supported by Direct Support Professionals Marie Antenor and Jaxon Placide.
Finding places that are not overstimulating and are open to the public are two essential elements considered when developing activities. Nicholas and Michael work closely with Marie and Jaxon and have visited the local firehouse, museum, and garden center.
As they explore, Nicholas and Michael show Marie and Jaxon what they like. Uncrowded environments and sitting places are key, but so are discovering new things.
“Nicholas loves basketball, which I didn’t know because we didn’t try,” Marie said. “We tried things with him, and it looks like he loved it.”
Discovering New Places Through Day Program
During visits, Marie and Jaxon will spend time enjoying the space. They’ll discuss what’s happening, how things feel in their surroundings and pay attention to objects such as plants or public statues. Marie and Jaxon will explain to Nicholas and Michael what they’re looking at and ask them questions about their experiences.
In the afternoon, Nicholas, Michael, Marie, and Jaxon return home for lunch before heading out again to a new destination. This past Halloween, Nicholas and Michael got dressed up to join in neighborhood trick-or-treating.
“Nicholas was happy,” Marie said. “He was jumping. He usually doesn’t do that.”
Nicholas and Michael receiving these new services has required creativity from Marie and Jaxon, who spend time researching new places to go.
“We went to a Guitar Center,” Marie said. “I showed them the guitar and the keyboard, and they tried to play. Sometimes it’s new for us because we don’t know what they like.”
Since starting this day program with Nicholas and Michael, Marie and Jaxon have observed their increased focus and eagerness to explore the community.
Thank you to Marie and Jaxon for your creativity, tenacity, and dedication in organizing Nicholas and Michael’s day and supporting them as they pursue enjoyable activities.