Yared Neseran – Nominee, MITC 2021 Hero Award
Yared is a direct support professional (DSP) working in Community-Based Day Services in Massachusetts. Yared’s work was invaluable during the pandemic. He helped convert the day program space into a COVID recovery unit and took took responsibility for the deep cleaning and restocking that was needed after every shift. Yared made sure everyone was trained and ready to work at their landscaping jobs, despite the loss of staff during the lockdown. When the regular crew couldn’t get the lawns done, Yared cut lawns himself. Yared helped individuals stay connected via technology by advocating for the people he supports to get iPads. When things opened up, Yared started a walking group every Friday on one of the local rail trails.