The InVisionary

Throughout my years with InVision (12 really sneaks up on you!), I have witnessed firsthand many failures and successes as an organization. Together, we have made many strides in a positive direction. It’s what makes us unique. We strive to do better and learn from our mistakes, as much as our successes.

An example of this is the development of our guiding principles – another benchmark in our journey of growth as an organization. These principles are a symbol that we choose; not to stay with the status quo but rather to challenge ourselves through learning our strengths, and what areas we can focus on further to improve. 

Although the title of the guiding principles is relatively recent in InVision history, many of these principles are things that have always been in the background driving us forward. One in particular is “We Put People First.”

In my experience, putting people first has always been a key component to our success, especially in the supports we provide to the people we serve. It echoes through our leadership teams, our supervisors, behavior specialists, and most importantly, our DSPs. I could list countless examples from planning fun beach vacations, pushing for better medical care, scheduling a new tattoo appointment because of what it means to the person supported, to fun filled days at Kennywood for someone who previously did not enjoy getting out of the house often.

One story (or series of small stories) that sticks out to me centers around two brothers supported by InVision for several decades now. While facing challenges at first, both brothers developed trust with a handful of team members that have been instrumental in their progress. The support teams of both brothers focused on what was important to them, what they wanted their lives to look like, and who they wanted to share it with. For these brothers, family was important. The teams worked closely together to help the duo stay in communication with each other, get homes closer together, and plan holiday events and outings such as turkey on Thanksgiving or a morning out at local diner to share a nice breakfast. With the support needed, the brothers fostered a stronger relationship; overcoming differences along the way (butting heads as brothers on occasion do), as well as continuing to build strong relationships with the DSPs that helped them get where they are over the course of almost 20 years. All of this has been possible because this group of dedicated team members share the same principle, even if it didn’t have a name at the time. They put people first.

These stories each have a common element, and that is team members of InVision – regardless of position or tenure – all having one thought in mind: what does the person we support really want and value? We have all used this question to drive person-centered practices to ensure the people we support have the opportunity to meet their goals as they discover their life vision. Those around me and the teams I am apart of are no stranger to hearing me say “We’re in the passenger seat, you (person supported) are the one driving us.” We are here to point out obstacles and a possible detour, give positive feedback and encouragement, and maybe help top of the “tank” with some extra motivation to help get them to their destination, wherever that may be.