November 21, 2023
GT Community: Stewart of Ohio
We value making space for the people we serve to tell their own stories. This is the story of Stewart in Ohio. He started self-directing with GT in 2022. In this post, you can hear about his experience in his own words.
Meet Stewart
Stewart is a motivational speaker, author, life coach, and human rights consultant living in Ohio. He attended Southern New Hampshire University where he received a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. Under the pen name S. Jones-Marshall, Stewart has published many books, including Insightful Thoughts, Dealing with Life, and A Matter of Perspective. Stewart has also worked many jobs over the years, some of which were at Goodwill, Walmart, and Taco Bell. He currently owns his own business called Dream Building, which gives him opportunities to do public speaking, coaching, and advocacy work. He also sits on the Franklin County Human Rights Committee.
Stewart’s Injury and Care Needs
When Stewart was 11 years old, he was waiting to cross the road. He saw a car heading straight for him, but wasn’t able to get out of the way in time, and was hit by the car. Doctors performed surgery on his brain to help with the swelling in his head. He spent the following eight weeks in a coma and no one knew if he would ever wake up. Thankfully, he did!
Stewart experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) because of the accident. Since then, he has dealt with tremors in his arm and issues with limited control of one of his legs. He often uses a walking aid to help him get around. His speech is also affected. Those things don’t stop Stewart from achieving his dreams, though.
How Self-Direction Helps Stewart
The SELF Waiver program in Ohio enables Stewart to be his own boss. He can interview, hire, and manage his own support staff. This allows Stewart to get the exact care he needs, when and where he needs it.
Stewart is able to live independently because of self-direction. He recently moved out of the family house and into his own home. Stewart is safe and thriving in his newfound independence because of the care he receives.
If they want a better say-so in how their services are delivered, go for it. Self-direction will allow the person the ability to blossom.
Stewart
Learn More About How GT Independence Can Help You
With self-direction, you have the right to live the life you choose—regardless of age or ability—in your own home or community. At GT Independence, our job is to help make self-direction easy.