Fatimah Howard’s career as a Direct Support Professional has taken her from a classroom in Staten Island to being interviewed on PBS to a panel at the United Nations Headquarters, with many enriching stops in between.
“Every time I think about my career, it amazes me,”
Fatimah Howard
Advance & Earn Beginnings
Her journey with AHRC NYC began when she saw the Advance & Earn program featured on Indeed. Offered through Staten Island Workforce Development Center in partnership with NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development, Advance & Earn offers comprehensive High School Equivalency test preparation, employer-recognized training, credentials and certifications, and paid internships.
“I didn’t think I was going to be a fit,” Fatimah recalled. “I’ve done internships before and didn’t want to do another one.” AHRC NYC’s mission and disability-focused programs and a high-school friendship inspired Fatimah to finally apply.
“One of my friends that I’ve known for a long time has autism. I never thought it connected to my career previously. I helped teach him reading skills at the library when we were in high school. I never felt he was different from me or that I was better than. We used to do the same things and have fun together.”
Fatimah said the online coursework from NADSP’s E-Badge Academy and numerous field visits helped her gain confidence and skills. Her commitment to the program has earned praise from colleagues.
“Fatimah Howard is an inspiration to all DSPs coming into this challenging field,” said Lindsay A. Murray, Project Manager for NADSP E-Badge Academy at AHRC NYC. “It has been my pleasure to support and watch her develop her career and become an ambassador and advocate for the people we support and the direct support workforce. This is only the beginning for her, she is destined for great things ahead.”
She also credited her mentors, Joshua Green and Michela Thomas, with invaluable professional and personal guidance.
“It’s nice to support people but it’s even better to feel that support back. Have felt replaceable in the past. Here I feel people don’t want to replace me—they want to help me and have my best interests at heart.”
Fatimah’s Role as a DSP
From Advance & Earn, Fatimah joined AHRC NYC as an NADSP-credentialed Direct Support Professional. Her work has involved preparing people for employment, numerous volunteering opportunities to instill the value of service, and a women’s group.
“It’s a safe space for women every two weeks. We discuss the emotional and personal issues that they have,” Fatimah explained. One session involved the group learning how to prepare their hairstyles in advance of an employment opportunity “without having to spend a lot of money.”
The DSP role has allowed Fatimah to become a mentor as she was mentored, to people from all backgrounds.
“A lot of them tell me their personal issues—they want to get their own apartments and manage their own money. Whatever they come to me with, I like to try my best and give them all the tools the can use in life.”
Edwin Rodriguez, Jr., Program Director-Day Habilitation with EBS-Brooklyn, said “The compassion Fatimah carries has helped to develop great relationships with the people she supports. She’s been involved in various projects and initiatives to advance the mission she cares deeply about–promoting independence, equality, and social justice for people who are neurodiverse. Fatimah is an inspiration, and we are blessed to have her on our team.”
Sharing Her Experience with the Public
One of the main tools Fatimah has shared with others is the ability to advocate. She has made multiple visits to Albany with the people she supports to meet with legislators. Fatimah also appeared on PBS Newshour, where host Judy Woodruff asked if she was surprised that more people did not become DSPs.
“It doesn’t surprise me, because companies like this are underfunded, and the people who make decisions on how much we get paid doesn’t see it. They don’t play the role that we play every day, so they don’t know how much work we actually do, which is sad for the people we support, because they love their staff.”
Fatimah continued her advocacy at the United Nations as part of the organization’s 60th anniversary celebration of community action and a commitment to end poverty in New York City.
“I’ve never been to a place more beautiful,” Fatimah said. “These people [at the UN panel] were inspiring–they spend their whole lives trying to help other people. To share my story with them was amazing. So many people thanked me.”
Fatimah is planning to attend school in November, working towards an associate’s degree in business. She continues to reflect on the professional and personal journey she has undertaken with AHRC NYC.
“Working here was the best decision I could have made for me and my children,” she said. “I’ve learned to value myself, my abilities and my talent. I’m ready to be a leader and stand up for what is right.”
