For 17 years, Ian Kuar has excelled in his role as a Direct Support Professional in AHRC NYC residences. He has been based at the Tysens Lane residence in Staten Island for most of his tenure.
“At a young age, I had to take care of grandma,” Ian recalled. “I was changing adult pampers and giving medicine. That kind of rolled over into this work. My mom worked for the state and thought I would be good at this work, too. I was always working with my hands and wanted a change.”
Earlier this year, Ian was recognized by the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, receiving the Robert Witkowsky DSP Recognition Award. He was attending his son’s graduation the day of the award ceremony and received his certificate at a later date.
Ian said, “It feels good to get recognized. It gives you a little boost. It makes me want to step up my game a little more. It gives me fire to have someone recognize me and my work.”
Jerry Bahn, a DSP and a colleague of Ian, said Ian is always looking out for others. “He’s so experienced. He has great relationships with everyone, from residents to colleagues, and he gets everyone involved. He’s a team player, always making sure everyone is doing ok.”
Ian credited his family and his manager Christine D’Angelo, for instilling an unshakable work ehtic.
“My family came here from Trinidad with nothing. They worked their way up to buying their own home. That inspires me to do my best every day.”
Ian relishes the chance to provide residents with opportunities to experience unique live events and become fully integrated members of their community.
“I love taking them out in the van and getting out of the house,” Ian said. “I really love going out to eat with the residents and seeing them smile when people talk to them. We used to go to Jets games, we went to Brooklyn Nets games, too. The residents are getting a little older, so those types of trips are harder now. We’ve also had scheduling and staffing challenges.”
Staffing challenges arise from a long-term lack of substantive funding in the disability services sector. Professionals such as Ian are responsible for health, safety, and daily quality of life for the residents whose homes they maintain and deserve to be paid a sustainable living wage.
For his fellow colleagues who choose to join this immensely rewarding profession in spite of these challenges, Ian says “Come in ready to learn, and know that you have to have a lot of patience. Always build a bond with the staff you are personally working with. Try to soak up all of the gains you can. It’s worth it.”
