The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recently selected Julian Cadavid as the recipient of its Massachusetts Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award. This prestigious award is given annually to one outstanding individual who works to support people with intellectual, developmental and other significant disabilities to live and thrive in the community. Mr. Cadavid is currently employed by WCI – Work, Community, Independence. He is a leader among peers for his work supporting people with disabilities, helping them to live meaningful and productive lives as part of their communities.
Julian works 
as a Support Coordinator in a community based Deaf Employment Program at WCI. Julian’s role is to support the Individuals in making successful connections through volunteer and paid employment opportunities. For example, Julian supported one Deaf Individual in totally integrating to work at PeaPod through use of technology. Julian taught the Individual how to use FaceTime, how to text, and how to use the phone to track her work hours and work breaks. After learning these important skills, the Individual was able to do her work more independently and was able to communicate her needs with her employers.
Julian is knowledgeable about our Individuals with significant challenges and their Behavior Support Plans. He demonstrates to staff how best to implement different strategies in the most challenging situations. His calm demeanor and his respect for the Individuals communicates to staff and to others in the community that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. His staff and peers trust and respect his abilities to support their needs and the needs of Individuals in the program and in the community.
We hope you will join us in recognizing Mr. Cadavid for this significant achievement, and for the incredible difference this Direct Support Professional makes in the lives of others every day. If you would like to congratulate or have any questions for Mr. Cadavid, please contact him via Nancy Silver Hargraves, CEO of WCI, at nshargreaves@wearewci.org.