We are thrilled to announce that Kumia Lott, an Assistant Program Manager with Ability Beyond, has been named Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year in Connecticut!

“I do everything I can to ensure that the individuals I help support can enjoy a great quality of life,” Kumia said. “It feels really good to be recognized for my effort.”

This month, Kumia will receive her award from the national organization ANCOR, while attending their conference in Boston. We are excited to support Kumia’s attendance, so she can be celebrated—and continue to learn as a care provider!

Each year, ANCOR recognizes one DSP per state with its highest award: DSP of the Year. Kumia was among 550 nominees across the country. Her name was put forward by her supervisor, Jessica Forgione, who has been with Ability Beyond for 24 years.

“When I had the chance to nominate someone, I thought, ‘She’s the one!’” said Jessica, who has nominated others in the past. “I know the ANCOR expectations, and she fits them: someone who consistently steps up and can lead with safety, kindness, and honesty. She is authentic. And she has the best smile!”

A Natural Transition to Disability Care

Kumia started with Ability Beyond six years ago, as a Life Skills Instructor (LSI).

“It was a natural transition because I really enjoy connecting with people,” Kumia said. “I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I jumped in and learned all about the individuals we support.”

Since then, Kumia has grown with the organization, training as a DSP and mentor in our Pathways to Excellence program. She has also supported three workplace mentees. Kumia regularly assists with on-the-job training for new team members; and helps her peers achieve their own learning goals. For instance, she recently taught a peer how to budget with the individual they serve.

Today, as an Assistant Program Manager, Kumia provides direct care to 10 adults with disabilities who live on their own but require some degree of support.

Going the Extra Mile

“Consistent,” “committed,” and “extra mile” are words that Jessica used to describe Kumia on the ANCOR nomination form.

This was the case when Kumia helped one of the individuals she supports reapply for SNAP benefits after the woman had been denied. Understandably discouraged, the woman had little motivation to try again. Yet she was struggling financially and needed the support. Kumia helped her advocate for herself—and she received the full benefit amount!

Not only can she afford groceries now, but she finally has Wi-fi in her home; goes out to eat once a month; and can make trips to the movies—all things that she hoped for.

“We bonded quickly over scary movies, because not everybody likes them,” Kumia said. “I would say, ‘Let me look at the showtimes,’ so we could go together. When I signed her up for SNAP, we made it a routine thing.”

It’s the “Small Things”

Kumia is also “big on the small things.” For instance, she helps people take advantage of free samples and open reward cards at their favorite businesses, like Dunkin’ and Panera.

Then there’s the “small things that are really big things”—like giving someone a ride to the food bank. Kumia helped one individual improve their living space by asking the landlord to repaint the apartment; and finding a local organization to offset the cost of steam-cleaning the floors.

“There’s a million stories like that,” Jessica said. “That’s how we do every day. We strive to ensure that we provide safe and goal-oriented support, to promote independence, having fun, and living their best life the way they choose.”

It’s this quality of consistent care that recently earned Kumia yet another award—this time, from Ability Beyond! Kumia was among five DSPs we recognized in April for their above-and-beyond contributions. Congratulations to Alexandra DeLaCruz, Joshner Reyes, Mercedes Dobbs, and Michael Zonetti!

“Our team members are always striving to provide better care,” said Talent Development & Training Manager Rachael Kaiser-Levitz. “We are proud to provide continuous learning opportunities—and proud that our employees take advantage, to grow and improve in their work.”