FULTON – More than 20 years ago Bryan Heffler made a decision that would prove to be his first step to achieving the life he dreamed of.

Dealing with a variety of developmental disabilities Bryan endured turbulent teenage years. His disabilities made it necessary for his family to find help for him. Eventually, Bryan’s family found him a living facility in New Hampshire. While Brian’s new residence was comfortable, and he was learning to cope with the challenges he faced, finances made it impossible for him to stay there once he turned 18. Returning home to live with his grandmother was not an ideal situation for Bryan. He wanted the freedom of having his own place to live. That’s when fate and Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) changed his life.

While looking for available services, Bryan’s Grandmother met Renee Clark, a coordinator with OCO’s Developmental Disabilities Program. After discussing Bryan’s living arrangement they decided that OCO’s Developmental Disabilities Program could be a perfect fit for Bryan.

With Bryan and his grandmother showing interest in the program they met with Program Director Michele Canfield who explained the opportunities Brian would have in the program.

“Individuals wishing to join OCO’s Developmental Disabilities program are able to visit our living options, said Canfield. “With the support of a parent or guardian, they will either choose placement or be placed based on acceptance. We currently have 12 apartments and 9 houses, ranging from 4 to 9 beds, throughout Oswego County.”

Bryan’s journey with OCO began when he entered the program in 1999 and lived in one of OCO’s Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA) homes. Brian had his own room and 24/7 staff support that provided assistance with everyday living skills, personal care, medication administration, meal preparation, behavior management, activity planning and community access.

“I really enjoyed it there,” remembered Bryan. “The other residents were friendly and we all got along well. The staff also helped me become more responsible and organized.”

As Bryan’s daily living skills and level of independence improved he was anxious to have a place of his own. In 2009 Bryan moved from the IRA home to one of OCO’s supervised apartments. While his new living environment provided him with his own apartment, Bryan still had the benefit of staff support during the day and evening, as well as 24/7 on-call. Staff assistance now focused on meal planning, grocery shopping, household management, medication management, and necessary appointments.

Thanks to the assistance and support Bryan received from OCOs direct support professionals, his independent living skills increased exponentially and in 2021 he achieved the goal he strived for…living on his own in one of OCO’s supportive apartments. The level of support Bryan now receives is based on his particular needs.

Bryan now enjoys the level of independent living he longed for. While he now has the responsibility of handling his own money, and doing his own shopping, OCO staff support is still available 24/7 as needed.

“I love it!” said Bryan. “The assistance I am receiving with managing my finances and getting to my appointments is helpful. I’m now working as a forklift driver at Oswego Industries and my ability to establish a spending budget allowed me to save enough money to purchase my own motorized scooter. It’s the best investment I ever made. I love the freedom of mobility the scooter provides for me.”

“Bryan’s level of responsibility and organization has had a profound effect on his quality of life, said OCO Lead Direct Support Professional Renee Ross. “He is very conscious of what he does and what is expected of him. Bryan makes sure his phone and scooter are charged and ready to go and always wears his helmet and brings his phone with him whenever he is out on his scooter.”

Bryan is enjoying the freedom of living in a supportive apartment and the many benefits it has to offer. He looks forward meeting his friends for coffee at Stewarts and joining OCO staff members on shopping trips and special events such as local concerts and, his favorite, the New York State Fair, where he can enjoy salt water taffy.

“I like everything about this program,” said Bryan. “OCO changed my whole life for the better. I liked every residence I was at. I made friends at each place I stayed that I am still in touch with today and OCO staff members were all great! If not for this program I may have found myself homeless. OCO is awesome!”

“Bryan is a perfect example of hope and encouragement that our Developmental Disabilities program provides for its participants,” said Canfield. “The overall goal of the program is for each individual to receive person centered support to meet their needs to live the best life that they can live. Our direct support professionals see that each individual has a plan of service that outlines what their desires are and identifies goals to help each individual live as independently as they can in their home and in the community. We focus on individual strengths and interests as well as needs to provide the support each person needs to be comfortable in their home and to learn and grow.

Our direct support professionals assist individuals with health treatments such as insulin medications and oxygen treatments, occupational activities, medications and more. They also provide support through Day Hab as they work with individuals in encouraging recreational and volunteering opportunities, developing job seeking skills, and forging attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion. It’s rewarding see the difference our Developmental Disabilities program and its staff makes in the lives of those we serve.”

For more information of OCO’s developmental Disabilities Program visit www.oco.org.

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