Dayana Ramos has a passion for makeup artistry and is a young mom. In the best of times, it can be a lot to juggle. It’s even harder when you have a disability, and your support network has limited English speaking skills.
Dayana was told she had to be in a day program to get disability services—even though it wasn’t what she wanted to do with a baby on the way. The family was worried they would lose services if Dayana didn’t go to a day program. They didn’t have the language skills to navigate the system. They turned to Breaking Barriers for help.
Breaking Barriers Manager Lisa Lorraine communicated with Dayana and her mother, and then with DDA on the family’s behalf. Lisa clarified that Dayana could receive support without being in a day program—but they would have to act fast. It was urgent that they apply for Maryland’s Governors Transitioning Youth Initiative before time ran out to ensure that Dayana received funding for services.
Lisa coached the family through the process of applying for the initiative, and Dayana was approved to receive support at her family home. Now, Jubilee direct support professionals assist Dayana several hours a week. Jubilee staff help her with nutrition, exercise, setting and keeping medical appointments, as well as working toward life goals like becoming a professional makeup artist.
“Helping Dayana and her family overcome language barriers and miscommunication to get the support they need is what Breaking Barriers is all about,” said Jubilee’s Breaking Barriers Manager Lisa Lorraine. “I’m thrilled that Jubilee is now supporting Dayana in the way she wants to be supported thanks to Breaking Barriers’ intervention.”