DSP Award Recipient - Ricky Taylor

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Ricky Taylor as a Portage DD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Award Recipient. Ricky works for Better Lifestyles Residential and was nominated by Portage DD SSA Angelia Werner.

Here is what Angelia had to say about Ricky:

Ricky Taylor works for Better Lifestyles Residential, LLC. and has been a godsend! He and his team assisted with one of the most historically complicated yet delicate waiver cases in Portage. Upon the individual's team identifying that the individual needed to be moved out of their residence and current provider in order to ensure health and welfare, Ricky and team sprung into action. They met me at the individual's residence to ensure that they, as an agency, would feel equipped to provide long-term supports in the residential setting. Ricky rented a beautiful, private home for the individual and worked to get the home ready for them. When the emergency move occurred, Ricky and three of his staff (plus a U-Haul he rented!) met PCBDD staff at the individual's residence to facilitate a seamless transition/move with the least amount of distress. Throughout the process, Ricky was flexible and easy to work with. Not only is he a phenomenal advocate for this individual and other individuals he serves from PCBDD, he is also a very lighthearted and enjoyable person who is so kind and thorough in his work. Ricky has shown great attention to detail in ensuring the individual is living their best life and having all of their needs met & beyond that. Last but not least, Ricky sent staff to the individual's old apartment to ensure that it was cleaned out and ready for the key to be turned back over to the landlord. He even sent me pictures and a video walk through as supporting evidence so that the individual would not occur any additional charges for the move-out. I am so thankful for Ricky and his team as they were the sun that broke through the heavy clouds on this case to give the individual a bright future. THANK YOU RICKY & BETTER LIFESTYLES! A++++ 10/10!

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month Award is for those staff who provide direct support or direct services for individuals served throughout Portage County.

This award is an opportunity to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities while also promoting independence and inclusion.

Individual award recipients will receive public recognition from Portage DD and be promoted on our social media channels. Award recipients will also later be considered for Direct Support Professional of the Year.

All nominations will be kept on file for review and consideration for a period of 12 months after initial submission.