21
May
2025

Chef It Up: Independence in the Kitchen

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What does independence look like? Sometimes it looks like cooking your favorite meal for yourself. Having those skills and the choice to choose your own dinner can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Marissa has perfected her favorite dish, shrimp alfredo, even putting her own spin on it. “I actually put a little cheese in it,” she says.

Victory Akande, a Program Coordinator working in Delaware, has supported her in widening her culinary skills, first taking on a role closer to teacher and now stepping back into more of a mentor role in the kitchen. “When she chefs it up, I’m just like ‘Oh, you go, girl.’”

Good support like this can make all the difference in someone’s life, helping them build confidence and take control of their life.

What Does Good Support Look Like?

People change over time and support should adapt and grow with them. Sometimes people may not need anything at all in certain parts of their lives. As a Direct Support Professional builds a relationship with someone accepting services, they learn when and how much support to give.

The hallmarks of good support include:

  • People accepting services are in control.
  • Their decisions are respected.
  • They’re listened to and can say what they think.
  • They understand what is happening around them and are included and involved.
  • They’re developing new skills.
  • The support is personal to them.
  • Supporters are active, meaning they are paying attention and understand what support a person needs at any given time.

Choice is a key feature of good support. All people like to feel like they can influence their environment and have control over things in their life. This is critical to each person’s wellbeing.

And sometimes, something as seemingly simple as choosing and preparing your own meal can make a big impact.

Keystone Human Services is currently offering hiring incentives for Direct Support Professionals, Program Supervisors, and Program Specialists in Intellectual Disability Services in Pennsylvania. Learn more and search open positions on our website.