Every Iowan deserves access to quality services within their community. Thanks to LSI’s Services for People with Disabilities, Iowans with disabilities are empowered to thrive, have a voice, and lead independent, fulfilling lives.

LSI’s Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities and mental/behavioral conditions, allowing them to live independently in their chosen communities. By helping individuals in their homes, DSPs work to reduce hospitalization or residential care, promoting greater community engagement for Iowans.

LSI is piloting a new program that allows DSPs to conduct virtual “check-ins” with individuals in their care while still having at least 50% of their interactions in person. DSPs will provide virtual support for tasks like confirming medications are taken on time, answering questions about a recipe the client is preparing, and helping with grocery lists or budgets.

Mickaela Barrios, Service Coordinator in LSI’s Services for People with Disabilities, expresses the primary goal of LSI’s pilot program: to engage closely and more frequently with individuals to achieve their goals and help them live more independently.

“This innovative technology program will allow clients to step forward and take the reins on their independence and freedom, allowing for exploration, adventure, and growth,” said Mickaela.

By reducing commute time, the pilot program allows for more frequent and valuable client interactions.

“Virtual meetings will streamline daily tasks like medication management, allowing us to maximize in-person sessions for overarching goals and personalized goal setting,” said Mickaela. “This approach ensures a more present, one-on-one connection with our clients.”

Alongside helping clients live more independently, LSI also strives to help persons with disabilities engage and become active citizens in their communities.

“We hope to increase community accessibility by helping our clients learn how to use the bus routes and community resources more independently,” explained Mickaela. “For example, many clients are uncomfortable practicing skills on a bus with staff members present. With the pilot program, staff will offer assistance through the phone so clients can still receive emotional support without the staff member standing nearby during their practice sessions.”

“While the pilot program is in its early stages, we’ve already initiated activities for our clients participating remotely,” said Mickaela. “This includes exploring safe, online recipes and virtual grocery shopping.”

LSI remains committed to innovation, continually seeking new ways to provide our clients with the best care and to reach even more people in Iowa.