“Exceptional.” “Steadfast.” “Creative.” “Level-headed.” “Dependable.” “Patient.” “Hard-working.”

When it comes to describing Marcus Tyler, a few adjectives just aren’t enough for his colleagues. It’s rare for anyone working two full-time jobs to be characterized as “tireless,” but Marcus’s supervisors write that he demonstrates “tireless advocacy…his loyalty and commitment to ensuring the people he serves get the highest quality of support never waiver.” Marcus has been working as a Direct Support Professional for over 20 years.

In their nomination for this year’s SimplyHome’s DSP Tech Awards, the management team of Home and Community Options, Inc. (HCO) wrote a glowing recommendation for Marcus and the team he works with, describing how they have made a difference using technology:

“Marcus’s understanding of person-centered approaches, as well as his knack for instilling self-motivation and confidence in the people he works with, are exceptional qualities that make him very effective at assisting those he supports to meet their goals and build new life skills.

For example, the men in one of Marcus’s programs felt they did not need staff at night. With this goal in mind, Marcus worked with their team to explore ways technology could be used for remote monitoring during the nighttime hours, giving the gentlemen at this home more independence. 

Marcus was directly involved in helping HCO to establish this site as one of the first Remote Monitoring homes in Minnesota, to help make the goal of independence a reality. Once the system was put in place, Marcus ran tests on equipment and assisted in developing a checklist to verify that the system would run each night. He also developed the emergency scenarios for those living in the home to learn when they should call the remote attendant or 911 directly.

Marcus worked with each of the men individually to help familiarize them with the equipment in their home and how it works, as well as taught them how to use it to contact the remote attendant for help. If the men became frustrated when trying to learn the new system, his positive, calm approach kept them interested and working towards their goal to not have staff support during overnights.

The transition from having a person onsite versus one they could call was scary for the gentlemen initially, but they became more comfortable with each night of practice. They now feel perfectly comfortable and empowered in their newfound independence.”

We believe Marcus’s work demonstrates just how critical Direct Support Professionals are to technology integration. When technology supports are paired with person-centered DSPs, amazing things happen! Here’s to greater independence, empowered by technology!

SimplyHome is proud to work as a technology provider with Home and Community Options, Inc. (HCO).

Is your organization ready for technology? SimplyHome can help. Check out our online education offerings for Direct Support Professionals and other vital stakeholders.