Do you want to learn more about people with Developmental Disabilities, rather than their conditions? This list of TV and Movie Recommendations is for you!

This TV and Movie Recommendations list was developed from suggestions made by Communitas staff & families.

Television Series

Atypical, Netflix Series

Atypical is a coming of age story that follows Sam, an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence.

Born This Way, A&E Series

Honesty, humor and heart are at the center of this original documentary series, which highlights the outgoing personalities and amazing abilities of seven young adults born with Down Syndrome. Hour long episodes follow the Southern California residents as they pursue passions and dreams, explore friendships and romantic relationships, and generally defy society’s expectations. The series also allows the parents to talk about the joy their children bring to their family, and the challenges they face in helping them live as independently as possible.

On Tour with Asperger’s Are Us. HBO Series

Challenging themselves to leave their comfort zones, Noah, Ethan, Jack and New Michael embark on their most ambitious venture yet: a six-week, multi-city journey from Boston to Los Angeles, along the way sharing their unique perspectives on life as an “Aspie” and the community they’ve found in performing together as a comedy troupe. As they travel in an old RV that often leaves them stranded, the four endure highs and lows, playing for alternately enthusiastic audiences and nearly empty houses.

Love on the Spectrum

Finding love can be hard for anyone. For young adults on the autism spectrum, exploring the unpredictable world of dating is even more complicated.

Movies

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

An adventure story set in the world of a modern Mark Twain that begins when Zak (22), a young man with Down Syndrome, runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler by attending the wrestling school The Salt Water Redneck. Through circumstances beyond their control Tyler (32), a small-time outlaw on the run, becomes Zak’s unlikely coach and ally. Together they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whisky, find God, catch fish, and convince Eleanor (28), a kind nursing home employee with a story of her own, to join them on their journey

Wonder (2017)

This film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name, which tells the story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences caused by Treacher Collins syndrome who enters fifth grade and confronts the challenges of attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time. 

Temple Grandin (2010)

American biographical drama film directed by Mick Jackson and starring Claire Danes as Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who revolutionized practices for the humane handling of livestock on cattle ranches and slaughterhouses.

Wretches & Jabberers (2009)

Two men with autism embark on a global quest to change prevailing attitudes about disability and intelligence.  Growing up, Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, were presumed “retarded” and excluded from normal schooling. Now able to communicate by tying, Thresher and Bissonnette put a new face on autism as they travel and meet others with autism in Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland.  This global buddy movie gives viewers an eye-opening perspective on autism, done with compassion and humor.

Riding the Bus with My Sister (2005)

Beth is a spirited woman with developmental disabilities, who spends nearly every day riding the buses in Philadelphia. The drivers, a lively group, are her mentors; her fellow passengers are her community. When Beth asks her sister Rachel to accompany her on the buses for one year, they take a transcendent journey together that changes Rachel’s life in incredible ways and leads her to accept her sister at long last—teaching her to slow down and enjoy the ride.

The Horse Boy (2009)

An autobiographical book and a documentary feature film that follow the quest of Rupert Isaacson and his wife to find healing for their autistic son Rowan. After discovering that Rowan’s condition appears to be improved by contact with horses and other animals, the family leave their home in Texas on an arduous journey to seek help from the traditional shamans in Mongolia.

Profoundly Normal (2003)

Donna Selby (Kirstie Alley) and Ricardo Thornton (Delroy Lindo) were two developmentally disabled children who were taken from their parents and institutionalized. Donna was angry and afraid; she hated the heavy medications, uncompassionate staff, and had difficulty coping. Then Donna met cheerful and optimistic Ricardo, who had a calming effect on her. Their friendship blossomed over 20 years. Then they were told that the institution was closing. Patients were re-assigned to other institutions, group homes and apartments.

Monica and David (2010)

The love story of two adults with Down syndrome and the family who strives to support their needs. Monica and David are blissfully in love and want what other adults have an independent life. Full of humor, romance and everyday family drama, the film uses intimate fly-on-the wall footage to reveal the complexity of their story. While Monica and David are capable beyond expectations, their parents, afraid of mainstream rejection of adults with intellectual disabilities, have trouble letting go.

Best Boy/Best Man, (1979/1999)

Academy Award®-winning, BEST BOY is a profoundly touching story of love, overwhelming courage, and human dignity. In a style that is both sensitive and engaging, BEST BOY follows Philly Wohl, a cheerful and loveable 52-year old man who’s been mentally handicapped since birth and still lives with his parents. Take the journey with Philly as he takes his first steps into the wider world, building a new life and relationships. BEST MAN revisits Philly 20 years later and continues to tell his amazing story.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter (2008)

A father separates his son from his twin sister at birth to prevent him and the mother from knowing she was born with Down syndrome.  Based on the novel by Kim Edwards.

How’s Your News? (2004)

Five out-going reporters with developmental and physical disabilities hit the road, traveling coast-to-coast in a hand-painted RV and interviewing everyone they meet. Follow the How’s Your News team as they explore hony-tonk bars in Nashville, alligator farms in Arkansas, the Grand Canyon and the wild streets of America’s cities and towns.  Unassuming, funny and genuine to the core, it’s not your typical news show.

Autism is a World, Documentary (2005)
CLIP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1wsiVYCqn0

This Oscar-nominated documentary is a collection of thoughts written by autistic 26-year old Sue Rubin who takes viewers on a poignant journey into her world to educate the public while empowering the autistic community toward their potential. “This is not my voice, but these are my words,” begins Rubin.

Gork! (2010)

Follow the life of Adam Terrill, a loud, charismatic, flag-twirling redhead with a complex mix of creative talents and developmental disabilities.  From his early years as a foster child, through high school and graduation, to his present placement in a group home in Iowa, the film explores the conflict, humor, hopes and frustrations that rise within his family.

For Once in my Life, PBS Independent Lens (2010)

Made up of 29 musicians and singers who all have severe mental and physical disabilities, the Spirit of Goodwill Band is a raucous home-away-from-home where members are free to display their talent, humor, and tenacity. For Once in My Life challenges preconceived notions of what it means to be disabled.

Autism, the Musical, HBO (2008)

Follows five autistic children as they work together to create and perform a live musical production.

Body and Soul: Diana and Kathy, PBS (2009)

The film Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy chronicles the lives of two of the country’s most remarkable advocates for people with disabilities. Diana Braun, who has Down syndrome, and Kathy Conour, who has cerebral palsy, met three decades ago and vowed to fight to live independent lives. Fearful of being shut away in a nursing home or forced into a state-run institution, Diana and Kathy broke the rules, escaped the system, and modeled a grand experiment in independent living.

Freedom Machines, PBS/POV

An unprecedented look at disability in the age of technology, presenting intimate stories of people ages 8-93, whose talents and independence are being unleashed by access to modern, enabling technologies. Nearly twenty years after the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, the film reflects on the gaps between its promise and the realities for our largest minority group – 54,000,000 American with disabilities. Whether mainstream tools or extraordinary inventions such as stair-climbing wheelchairs, Freedom Machines reveals the power of technology to change lives.

Books

Wonder, R.J. Palacio (2012)

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Plankton Dreams: What I Learned in Special Ed, Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay (2015)

Mukhopadhyay crafts a proud, satiric style: the special ed student as literary troublemaker. For all of its comic effects, Plankton Dreams alerts readers to an alternative understanding of autism, an understanding that autistics themselves have been promoting for years. Frustrated by how most scientists investigate autism, Mukhopadhyay decides to investigate neurotypicality, treating his research subjects the way he himself was treated. Why shouldn’t the autist study the neurotypical? This artful parody of scientific endeavor salvages dignity from a dark place.

Fly Me To The Autistic Mind by Tom Brooks (Communitas Employee!)

“My goal with this book is to help those who are just being diagnosed to understand they are not alone in being on this vast spectrum.I also hope to help families and teachers in better understanding this spectrum. A lot has changed from the historic approaches of what to do and how to react.So to answer the question of what does autism mean to me, I would like to say this: Autism to me means a unique take on the world.” 

State Boys Rebellion, Michael D’Antonio (2004)

D’Antonio weaves together the story of a group of State Boys and the history of eugenics and human intelligence policies in the mid-20th century

The Lives They Left Behind, Darby Penney, Peter Stastny (2009)

Profiles of 10 individual patients whose suitcase contents proved intriguing (there were 427 bags total), referencing their institutional record-including histories and session notes-as well as some on-the-ground research.

Riding the Bus with My Sister, Rachel Simon (2003)

Beth is a spirited woman with developmental disabilities, who spends nearly every day riding the buses in Philadelphia. The drivers, a lively group, are her mentors; her fellow passengers are her community. When Beth asks her sister Rachel to accompany her on the buses for one year, they take a transcendent journey together that changes Rachel’s life in incredible ways and leads her to accept her sister at long last—teaching her to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Power Tools, David Hingsburger (2000)

Power Tools challenges the reader to constantly evaluate their use of power when serving people who have disabilities. It is at turns comfortable and at turns reassuring.

A Child Called It, David Pelzer (1995)

The Way I See It: A Personal Look At Autism And Aspergers, Temple Grandin  (2009)

Who Moved My Cheese, Spencer Johnson (1998)

Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs (2006)

Memoir of the author, the story of Burroughs’s bizarre childhood life after his mother, who had an obsession with Anne Sexton, sent him to live with her psychiatrist.

Dry: A Memoir, Augusten Burroughs (2004)

A Wolf at the Table: A Memoir of My Father, Augusten Burroughs (2008)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon (2003)

Mark Haddon’s bitterly funny debut novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is a murder mystery of sorts–one told by an autistic version of Adrian Mole. Fifteen-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone is mathematically gifted and socially hopeless, raised in a working-class home by parents who can barely cope with their child’s quirks. He takes everything that he sees (or is told) at face value, and is unable to sort out the strange behavior of his elders and peers. This is a good read to learn more about people with Developmental Disabilities.

Lottery, Patricia Wood (2007)

Perry’s IQ is only 76, but he’s not stupid. His grandmother taught him everything he needs to know to survive.  Then his weekly Washington State Lottery ticket wins him 12 million dollars, and he finds he has more family than he knows what to do with. Peopled with characters both wicked and heroic who leap off the pages, Lottery is a deeply satisfying, gorgeously rendered novel about trust, loyalty, and what distinguishes us as capable.

The Story of Beautiful Girl, Rachel Simon (2011)

A love story about two developmentally challenged people trying to escape from an institutional system that would keep them physically apart but could not diminish their love for each other

How to Be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism, Eileen Garvin (2010)

Eileen Garvin’s older sister, Margaret, was diagnosed with severe autism at age three. Growing up alongside Margaret wasn’t easy: Eileen often found herself in situations that were simultaneously awkward, hilarious, and heartbreaking. For example, losing a blue plastic hairbrush could leave Margaret inconsolable for hours, and a quiet Sunday Mass might provoke an outburst of laughter, swearing, or dancing.

The Horse Boy, Rupert Isaacson (2009)

An autobiographical book and a documentary feature film that follow the quest of Rupert Isaacson and his wife to find healing for their autistic son Rowan. After discovering that Rowan’s condition appears to be improved by contact with horses and other animals, the family leave their home in Texas on an arduous journey to seek help from the traditional shamans in Mongolia.

Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More – 10 Essentials Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn, Chantal Sicile-Kira (2008)

From an award-winning author and advocate, Autism Life Skills presents a positive and empowering “bill of rights” for every person with autism, regardless of impairment level. With advice and reflections from autistic adults across the spectrum, as well as Sicile-Kira’s own experience as an advocate and parent of an autistic teen, the book covers these ten essential life skills.

Do? Be? Do? What to Teach and How to Teach People with Developmental Disabilities, David Hingsburger (1998)

No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement, Joseph Shapiro (1994)

An Investigative Reporter for NPR, Shapiro chronicles the struggle of those with disabilities and their families in securing basic civil rights for this population. Again, this is an emotional read that gives insight into the dedication and devotion of advocates for students to receive the right to a free, appropriate, public education

Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation, Burton Blatt & Fred Kaplan (1974)

A photo expose’ made by two journalists in 1966 who went into institutions for individuals with disabilities who had hidden cameras on their belt buckles. It is downloadable for free as an e-book and available for purchase from the University of Syracuse.

Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism, Temple Grandin (1996)

Grandin writes from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person. She tells us how she managed to breach the boundaries of autism to function in the outside world. What emerges is the document of an extraordinary human being, one who gracefully bridges the gulf between her condition and our own while shedding light on our common identity.

Closing from Covid-19

Since the Department of Public Health’s order on March 25th to close on-site services for all Day Programs, Communitas has slowly prepared for a return to in-person programming. Our agency has modified services alongside this shifting landscape, starting with the introduction of online programming.

It did not take long for Day Services staff to begin forming ideas on how to provide services for individuals we support during Covid-19. With the launch of online programming via Zoom, staff were able to meet with those we support while safely at home. People who normally attend our Day Services programs in Beverly, Wakefield, and Woburn now log in remotely three times a day to have fun, engaging and educational video classes with their Skills Instructors and friends. The rewards are evident, as Wakefield Day Services Director Nicole McEachern tells us, “Many families have shared that the Zoom classes offered a bit of a routine that was so deeply missed and family members found that they also looked forward to the sessions as well!”

Putting A Plan in Place

While continuing to provide daily remote learning opportunities, staff began planning in-person supports for Day Programs to re-open. Putting together a return to Day Program was no easy accomplishment; Day Service Directors and staff created an entirely new approach to in-person programming, including the creation of a number of new policies and procedures for the operation of Day Services. While we navigate safely during Covid-19, new measures ensure that in-person programming operates with routine prevention at the forefront. As Woburn’s Assistant Day Services Director Marisa Cooke shares, “Preparing for re-opening, we had to understand and plan for every eventuality, as information flow was always changing. We’ve had to adapt. I am beyond proud of my individuals for their flexibility and optimism through this whole process. Safety and health have remained paramount and at the forefront of our programmatic culture.”

“The closing process was conducted as smoothly as possible, given the climate and abruptness of the growing pandemic. I am hugely thankful for our CEO, Paul Cote, who chose to close the program swiftly and take all necessary precautions to maintain health and safety of our individuals as well as our staff team. Preparation for re-opening was a huge undertaking, however staff and management teams remained positive and enthusiastic. Staff were able to transition with ease to remote virtual learning and have created the highest quality interactive virtual curriculum. I’m so proud of my team and co-workers.” – Marisa Cooke, Assistant Director of Day Services

Behind the scenes of re-opening shows a responsive staff committed to adapting with fortitude. Each department played a pivotal role in re-opening our in-person programming and retaining successful support for individuals. When Programs closed their doors in March, our Residential Services welcomed and integrated Day Services staff into their programming to provide additional support to individuals who were now at home each day. “The staff that were re-deployed to our residential homes have proven their true commitment to Communitas, as they had to quickly learn and adjust to their new roles within the homes,” – Nicole McEachern, Wakefield Day Services Director

Meanwhile, our Maintenance, Transportation, and Administration staff worked proactively to support our Residential and Day Services teams to prepare and provide Personal Protective Equipment, and to help build and implement preventative measures in anticipation of re-opening. Alongside Recreation and Family Support’s similar transition to online programming, providing adaptive services for those we support has truly been a team effort.

A Return to Programming

On Monday, August 3^rd of 2020, the first returning program participants waited patiently on their vans to be screened. Day Services staff met arriving vans ready to complete COVID-19 symptom assessments and to escort each person into the building. Once in the building, each participant receives a fresh face covering, visits the hand sanitizing station, and then travels to their room to begin their first in-person class.

Individuals love this new in-person programming, despite how different it is. Communitas program participants have been adaptive to new changes in the program; their enthusiasm and desire to adapt alongside these changes have made this process a success. As Marisa Cooke, Assistant Director of Woburn Day Services shared, “Providing in-person support, although at a limited capacity, makes my heart so happy! The culture of our program as well as the phenomenal teamwork between staff and participants is a huge component of why I value my job. Seeing smiling faces, laughter and inquisitiveness back in the building is such a joy!”

There is a myriad of preventative measures happening throughout the day. Each site’s program nurse is available to check program participants, and anyone entering the program has their temperature checked upon arrival. Participants spend time outdoors with their masks off while maintaining social distance, providing a break from wearing their masks each day.

“Maggie said she loved her day and didn’t mind wearing a mask! Before bed she said she was feeling so happy!”

The effort cannot be understated, and the procedures are much different, but Communitas Day Services are still the same at their core. Director of Woburn’s Day Services Becky Mann sums it up perfectly, “This experience has challenged us to think outside the box, and while it has been difficult at times, I think it has made us stronger as an agency. I am so proud of the work we have done; not only to provide remote learning but to prepare our programs for in-person services in a safe and fulfilling way. Though it looks quite different than it used to, I am thrilled to have participants back in the program. They have brought life back to the building.”

To our Communitas Heroes, and to all who work at Communitas, thank you for all that you do!

We asked staff members and families to nominate those who work at Communitas that are outstanding employees in a project called Communitas Heroes. Below are a number of our wonderful employees who have been recognized for their great work.

Shenequa White – House Manager of Spruce Street

“What I admire about Shenequa is her compassion and dedication to her job and to the ladies at Spruce. Every day is an adventure at Spruce Street! They are truly a family; Shenequa brings order and structure into the home. She shows fairness, kindness, and graciousness every day towards the ladies living at Spruce St, staff and her supervisors. They also see how close she is with her own family and how dedicated she is to her boys, sisters, and extended family.

Things have changed over the past few months. The hectic times of trying to fit appointments and social activities for four ladies each day has turned into assisting with Telehealth, Zoom and helping them emotionally cope with seclusion from their friends and family, which has been very overwhelming for all of them. During a stressful time, Shenequa has helped them understand their differences better while learning to come to compromises.

Her job is different right now, but it may have also turned into something more meaningful and with possibly more purpose. It’s not uncommon for Shenequa, the ladies, and staff to be doing yoga together in the afternoon when they would otherwise be at Day Program, or a doctor’s appointment. They paint and do crafts together around the kitchen table, play cards games, do their nails, and play basketball outside. Their favorite thing these days are Dunk’n runs! The time they spend together has more quality to it and less craziness.

Shenequa is an outstanding employee. She is humble with her approach, but fierce in commitment to the ladies at Spruce. Communitas is lucky to have her.”

Rachel Pothier – Woburn Day Services Upward Skill Instructor

“Rachel has been with the Woburn program for over 8 years and is consistent, energetic and compassionate for our individuals. Recently, Rachel transitioned to a new role as Specialized Skills Instructor for the Upward Program to open in Woburn, but previously held the title of Lead Skills Instructor/Music Instructor.

Dedicated, creative and positive, she is a fierce advocate for the skill building of all individuals at the Woburn Program. She constantly pushes them to grow independence; make informed choices and challenge them every day to do what they can for themselves. She is also very creative; coined the Woburn site “tech wizard.” She creates new fun ways to embrace changing technology and bring ideas to staff, keeping accessibility in the forefront.

Rachel shines positivity. She is a role model for staff and individuals alike, seeing the glass “half full” and coming up with innovative solutions to program challenges. When an individual might be feeling down, Rachel is quick to pick up on their energy and knows how to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Even when faced with personal and professional challenges, Rachel radiates strength and sets the bar for how to manage adversity. She’s also the resident “DJ” for the program; and the dances, karaoke parties, sing-a-longs and talent shows she helps to orchestrate leave individuals and staff feeling connected and valued.

With adaption to virtual learning, Rachel leads lesson planning and curriculum building with ease. She regularly runs fun, interactive and engaging Zoom activities with individuals. She is kind and fair, and values each individuals thoughts and opinions, giving them space to have their own voices.

Rachel is a strong leader and member of the Woburn team. We are so thankful for her! She’s a hero in our eyes every day!”

Shaine Alvaranga – Residential Program Coordinator

A graduate of Springfield College, Shaine has moved ranks at Communitas, starting as a Direct Support Professional in 2014, and is now the Residential Program Coordinator of four Communitas homes.

The homes that Shaine coordinates for have some of the most fragile and medically compromised individuals of our programs. Early on, two of Shaine’s homes had individuals and/or staff who had contracted Covid-19. Shaine saw it as vital to assure the safety and proper care of the individuals in his homes and the staff who work within them. Since the start, he has been instrumental in implementing new and necessary protocols to support individuals during Covid-19.

The response to COVID-19 must be immediate and requires someone who is composed and focused on the task at hand; Shaine rose to that challenge. He lead his team in communicating with families, obtaining PPE (personal protective equipment) on the spot, and helping to inform and train the staff in how to properly perform new bylines in a difficult time. Shaine’s forthcoming with staff and families and his ability to communicate with such efficiency is reflective of his empathetic character.

Shaine was instrumental in setting up the plan to support individuals while in isolation. The detailed plan would have to incorporate how staff would meet the needs of individuals (meals, medications and basic needs.) Not only did he help to prepare and create these bylines, he was practicing them by working on the front lines, all while balancing himself between each of his homes.

Shaine is a hero; he worked to maintain the health of his staff and the individuals who live in the homes he oversees, through both policy-creating and front-line care, while also assuring families and guardians that their loved ones were safe and in good care. Shaine, thanks for your continued support and dedication to the individuals, families and staff you work with; you are a true hero!

Kim Anderson – Family Support Coordinator

“Kim Anderson always goes above and beyond! She has been our family support for over 2 years now. My twin daughters adore her and so do I! Kim has supported us in so many ways. She assisted and supported me mentally and physically when my daughter was hospitalized last year for mental health issues.

I couldn’t have been through it all with out Kim! There were times I didn’t think I had the strength and she gave me the best pep talks so I wouldn’t give up! I’ve been raising my daughters alone since my husband passed away from cancer in 2011. Having Kim in our life has been a blessing!! Thank you all!”

Jess Talbot – ACE Director

“JT, as she is know in Recreation & ACE, is a rockstar! Families absolutely adore her and sing her praises often. Her calm yet strong persona makes her a confident leader; her work is so important and impactful to the people we support.

Though only a member of the part-time staff, Jess Talbot makes every effort possible to stay connected with the Communitas Community. She is the most dependable part-time employee, always willing to jump on board to pick up an extra shift or fill in where necessary. Without Jess, many of our programs wouldn’t be possible! She makes everyone’s day at the program easier and our participants absolutely adore her. She is a true ‘Hero’ for the recreation department and the community they serve.”

Alyssa Fisher – Beverly Day Program’s Assistant Director

“Alyssa has made a huge impact on the Beverly Day Program in her time here. She has worked as an instructor, a lead instructor, and is now the Assistant Director. As Assistant Director, she has taken on overseeing the new Upward program and is the ‘resident millennial’ who helps us all out with our technology issues! In her free time, Alyssa is a Master’s student in Mental Health Counseling and loves hanging with her dog Zoey, reading, visiting the beach, and recently ran her first 10K! She certainly keeps herself busy and inspires us all to do the same!”

Ijeoma Onwuogu RN, Healthcare Coordinator for Residential Division

This week’s Communitas Hero is Ijeoma Onwuogu RN, the Healthcare Coordinator for the Communitas Residential Division and also the Communitas MAP Trainer.

Ij provides support to individuals in regard to their overall health and wellbeing, oversees the medication system, and is our liaison between medical providers and training staff on specific medical treatments and protocols for individuals in our residencies.

During Covid-19, Ij has modified many aspects of her job. In order to train staff on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), she developed a video training series on the proper donning of PPE and how to dispose of PPE properly. When outside MAP testing halted, she quickly learned how to conduct virtual testing with the state so trainees could become MAP certified.

Ij was central in developing a specific step by step protocol of guidance for staff who work in our residencies and work with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. On top of it all, IJ developed a specialized training for individuals with Dementia and continued onward with MAP Audits !

IJ’s tremendous hard-work and ability to adapt protocol with our changing landscape has been instrumental to the success of Communitas. Thank you Ij for being our hero, and for being a tremendous support to the individuals in our Residential Division!

Sarah Hemingway

Sarah Hemingway has worked at Communitas for two years. Early in Sarah’s employment, she supervised two programs that were without Program Directors; she was able to manage her time to ensure that the individuals were being cared for and the staff were supported. Recently, four individuals in one of her programs tested positive for COVID-19; some individuals had difficulty understanding the need to be in isolation. To ensure everyone was comfortable and safe, Sarah went to their program each day to provide them with support, while following our Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and individuals. Sarah is a hero to individuals and staff as she continues to provide direct support to her programs while they recover. Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do!

Brittney Malionek

Brittney Malionek has worked at Communitas for 13 years, always dedicating herself to provide leadership and support to the individuals and staff in the homes she oversees.  When an individual in her programming tested positive for COVID-19, Brittney immediately rose to the occasion to practice our active case protocols.  Brittney provided the home with more Personal Protective Equipment and guided staff in how to efficiently support the individuals in the program during an active Covid-19 case. She comforted and reassured individuals in the home of their safety and path towards recovery.  With Brittney’s consistent support, all individuals recovered and are out of isolation. After, Brittney volunteered to have her programs assessed by the Department of Public Health to ensure strong infection control measures were in place.  Brittney is a true hero; Thank you Brittney for all you do!

Roger Plourde – Director of Residential Services

The Residential Program Coordinators and Healthcare Coordinator would like to nominate Roger Plourde for the Hero Award

“Roger has been a true leader during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

He has spent countless hours working with DDS, city and town Health Departments and many other outside agencies to ensure proper protocols. This work extends past work days, well into the evenings, on scheduled days off and weekends.  

Roger has written and rewritten countless Residential specific policies for individuals, staff and families to follow.  He has taken part in most, if not all, Continuity of Operations of Planning Teleconferences and ensured the proper information was relayed to us.  He has also organized COVID-19 Testing at our Audubon site, sometimes sitting out in the rain for hours to check people in and to ensure all testing was accurately completed. 

Roger goes out of his way to thank our essential staff for the work we do to support eachother, those we support and families. Because he started out as DSP worker at a young age, he has a genuine understanding and appreciation for what we all do.

When this Pandemic first began to affect us in March, we had a stressful and confusing Residential Team Meeting. It wasn’t pretty, but we all walked away knowing what we had to do and what we were in store for.  Looking back at that day, we are proud of what we have accomplished by keeping everyone informed and safe! None of this could have been accomplished without Roger’s leadership and support.  

There’s never any doubt that when any of us walk into his office for to meet for guidance, he is 100% and ready to help any way he can.  The best part of any of our meetings, individually or as a team, is that you can count on a couple giant laughs from Roger, which if anyone knows him – can be contagious.”

Roger, you’re a hero – thank you for all that you do!

You can nominate too!

The Communitas Heroes project is ongoing! If you would like to nominate a Communitas employee for the Communitas Heroes project, please send your nomination and a quote to our Contact Us page. Kindly include Communitas Heroes in the description, or contact us via email at , or with the hashtag, Communitas Heroes (#CommunitasHeroes).

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