FIVE QUESTIONS
Five Questions with Robert Maggiolino: Saratoga Bridges celebrates Direct Support Professionals week September 9-15, along with thousands of other agencies nationwide, in recognition of their dedicated employees who give continuous creativity, energy and passion to their positions while providing the highest level of quality services and programs, a news release said. Their valuable, faithful, committed, conscientious and appreciated DSPs ensure individuals with disabilities have more meaningful, productive and independent lives. They support individuals’ goals, hopes and dreams as they work, volunteer and socialize throughout our community. Saratoga Bridges philosophy is that every day is full of possibilities, the release said. They believe that they enrich lives by providing opportunities and partnerships. Maggiolino is one of their 2018 Employees of the Year and an excellent example of a DSP who brings humor, wisdom, common sense and novel approaches to his position. As a result, he is well-loved by the individuals he supports. Robert was honored in 2016 by the New York State Association Day Service Providers from their Central East Region. He was chosen as a DSP who provides strong and consistent leadership and these exemplary qualities – initiative, passion, compassion, commitment, self-management, teamwork, intelligence, integrity, professionalism, creativity and innovation.
1 Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you worked at Saratoga Bridges and what was your career path to the agency? I spent many years working at many different places such as nursing homes and a lot of retail establishments. I knew I needed a change and hoped for a job that would be my permanent placement until I retire. When my good friend told me about Saratoga Bridges and their mission, I thought that I would look into it. Who knew that four years later, I would still be here working for Saratoga Bridges and loving my job and the individuals I work with every day?
2 What do you do at Saratoga Bridges? I am an Instructor at our Wilton Day Program. Each day, I ensure a safe and fun environment for our individuals. I also work to help them live the fullest adult lives as possible and assist them in completing their responsibilities. I work with three other Direct Support Professionals as a team and gain a lot of support from them. It is the best feeling to know that you have great people by your side!
3 Who gives you inspiration? The individuals I work with everyday are who inspire me the
most. When I come to work, they are so happy to see me. When I help them to be successful in something new — with huge smiles on their faces— I feel as though I have done my job well. Knowing how excited they get and that they look up to me, is beyond inspiring 4 What do the agency and the people it supports mean to you? The agency and the people we support are like having a second family. When I come into work each morning, I am reminded of how many different types of people I have in my life and what each of those personalities and abilities have taught me – that no matter what life hands you, we all have our own disabilities and can make a positive impact on someone else’s life 5 What do you think is the purpose of Direct Support Professionals week? Direct Support Professionals week to me means, showing all the DSPs how much they are appreciated and needed. When people are recognized for their work, it gives them such a confidence boost. Highlighting and sharing the great work they do, spreads the word to everyone that their role is extremely rewarding. It also showcases to others that they too can have the same rewarding job and the confidence boost to make it through this thing we call life.