An invisible service in need of help
By Blythe Alspaugh
Jeremy Holsing, left, packs food in bags for a local student in need with his DSP, Kyle Casey. Holsing volunteers through the Backpack Program at First United Church of Christ, in Troy.
PIQUA — While there’s a current shortage of help for those with disabilities, Bobby Pritchard and Jason McCabe don’t seem to notice.
“Things are good. She’s been checking up on us almost every day,” Pritchard said. “She’s helping us out very good.”
“She” is Joan Haney, Pritchard and McCabe’s primary direct support professional (DSP), who has been working with them for 10 years and 16 years respectively. As a DSP, Haney helps the two with tasks such as grocery shopping, laundry, cooking and paying their bills. Currently, Haney is on medical leave and while she does still check in on the two, her husband has been helping with some of the tasks she normally does. Pritchard and McCabe’s families have also stepped in to help with things such as making sure they both have food to eat.