Check out the newly updated version of the “Our Story” presentation that has been developed to commemorate the agency’s 40th Anniversary. It contains additional information about the agency’s humble beginnings, current accomplishments and vision for the future. Filled with new pictures of our dedicated team members and the individuals who have been growing and developing with us through the years – you will want to take a look and see how so many lives have been positively impacted.

Designed as a MS PowerPoint slide show, it is also available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, as well as viewable online. Please download the presentation below by selecting your preferred format (For slower connections we suggest the Acrobat PDF format).

Watch TSI's 40th Anniversary "Our Story" Presentation Online
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Download TSI's 40th Anniversary "Our Story" Presentation in PDF Format (2.8 MB)
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Download TSI's 40th Anniversary "Our Story" Presentation in MS PowerPoint Format (20.1 MB)
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From the CEO's Desk - Beginning a New Chapter

As the years go by and one begins to get on in age, one thinks about the end of their career and the beginning of a new chap- ter: retirement. When I have mentioned my own retirement to people, I have gotten mixed responses. Some have looked at me in amazement and asked, “What would you do?” I always say that there are plenty of things that I’d like to do that I don’t have time for now. Others who are already retired smile and say that they don’t know when they found the time to work. I think that the latter is the right outlook.

Sooner or later we all arrive at the point where it is just time to retire. I don’t think that it signals the end of our lives necessarily. I also don’t think that it is a time to disconnect and stay home and vegetate. It is a

“I see retirement as another phase in life
as opposed to an ‘end of a career or work”

time when we can give back to the community in which we live, engage full-time in the hobbies we enjoy, spend quality time with our friends and family, look at a second or third career if we want and take life at an easier pace if we choose to do so. I see retirement as another phase in life as opposed to an “end of a career or work,” and it is the way I plan to live it when it becomes my time to retire.

When I finally am able to retire, I plan to continue my volunteer work but perhaps engage in different areas. For example, I love animals (my personal medicine for those who are familiar with Pat Deegan) and would consider doing more of that. Or as I look at my own blighted community, I think that I could help to revitalize it as I have done in this community. I know that I would be thrilled to have more time to visit with friends, garden and read—what I want!

So regardless of your station in life (family member, staff or someone we serve), we will all eventually arrive at the retirement age. Don’t even think about deactivating. We all still have plenty to give and should use the wisdom that we’ve gained through the years to help others. If you are someone who has mental illness, think of this time as a time to share what you have learned about the journey with others. They can benefit from what you have learned along the way.

Sharon Alberts
CEO, Transitional Services, Inc.

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Taking the Fear out of Dental Care

Access to proper dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in much of Pennsylvania remains a significant problem…but in southwestern Pennsylvania, improved access to treatment has come a long way in the last couple of years.

“Edith’s dental experiences at Accessible Dental are a complete turn-around for her,” said Gretchen Oliverio, CSS II at TSI. “Edith always got really worked up before and during her dental appointments. She cried and complained. She changed dentists twice in one year before going to Accessible Dental.” Edith was, and is, not alone.

Now treating more than 600 patients over the past 3 years, Accessible Dental Services Inc. (ADS) has literally begun to restore confidence as well as smiles among organizations and families who support individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In fact, in addition to Ms. Oliverio’s comments, ADS hears from a number

ADS provides friendly and caring professional staff,
specially trained to identify with the patient’s potential fear, anxiety and discomfort at a dental appointment.

of satisfied caregivers that individuals who have been treated by their compassionate professionals just “want to go along for the ride” when their house mate is going to an appointment: the fear of going to the dentist is over; they want to go back to visit their new friends at ADS!

ADS began in December 2006 as a pilot program to provide treatment for individuals supported by Passavant Memorial Homes, a 115-year-old IDD supports provider in southwestern Pennsylvania, and the parent of ADS. Passavant understood the need for what ADS provides—friendly and caring professional staff, specially trained to identify with the patient’s potential fear, anxiety and discomfort at a dental appointment. In November 2008, ADS treated its first non-Passavant supported patient, and since then, the rest is only to smile about for all concerned.

Accessible Dental Services clinics are open to provider organizations and families who will transport patients to locations in Murrysville, Rochester, Greentree and Uniontown, where a broad range of dental treatments and services are available, including professional anesthesia services, as needed. The ADS professional team includes dentists, anesthesiologists, nurses and dental support staff—all of whom are familiar with, and dedicated to, patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Looking forward to late spring, or early summer 2010, a fully outfitted, lift-equipped mobile dental unit will be available to reach out to a broader segment of the underserved areas of Pennsylvania, thus overcoming additional barriers to receiving quality dental care.

When asked how she feels about Accessible Dental, Edith said, “All the people there are so nice to me. They don’t hurt me like other dentists have, because I’m asleep when they work on my teeth.” Ms. Oliverio added, “Edith gets less nervous about dental appointments now. She has handled all her dental work under sedation well and is more willing to have her teeth cleaned with no sedation.”

If you are interested in having your own “Edith experience,” contact Accessible Dental Services at 412-820-1010 x633. For more information, visit www.accessibledental.org.

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Why I Donate To TSI…

At first I donated to TSI because of the passionate request of a group of supervisors who visited my orientation class. As time has passed, I see how those served benefit from donations with such things as new household items, yearly holiday celebrations and unit recreational activities. I feel good when I see the gratitude of those served for simple items and/or activities that I may take for granted. I now understand the passion behind that initial request, and I strive to do what I can to help those served and the agency as a whole.

—Sheri Cook

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www.GoodSearch.com

 

GoodSearch is a Yahoo-powered internet search engine which donates 50% of its revenue to the charities identified by its users. Financial support for TSI can now be easily generated every time an internet search is made, and it does not cost a single penny. The money GoodSearch donates comes from its advertisers. Just think, now when you are trying to find a restaurant or identify the largest bug in the world you can help TSI at the same time.

To use GoodSearch, go to their website, www.goodsearch.com, and follow the simple directions to identify TSI as the nonprofit of your choice. More specific information will be provided to TSI’s supporters in the next months. An even greater way to help TSI is to spread the word to all the people you know. Remember, there is power and impact in numbers.

For more information on making a contribution to TSI, please contact:
Gerry Henry, 412-461-1322 ext. 222 •

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