Ian and his family have been a part of the PHSS community for many years, and recently joined the You at Home program. The family-directed program allows individuals and families to design their own care plan, bult to their unique support needs and goals. Ian’s freedom to make choices about his daily activities, has supported him in his journey towards a more independent life. He has been thriving in this program as he feels his day is centered around his goals. Ian and his staff work on life skills, building confidence, recreational activities, and engaging with his community.
Ian invited his family and support team to gather for a person-centered planning celebration. Person-centered plans are an opportunity to celebrate the person supported, their story, and goals for the coming year. Ian’s person-centered plan included his strong interest in all things that move, and expressed he would love to go for a ride in a Sprinter Van. An advocate for Ian reached out to the local Mercedes Benz-London dealership, and they generously offered Ian a test drive in a Sprinter Van.
Ian was very excited to hear where he was going that day. Ian and his staff were greeted by a Mercedes representative, Ridley, who took Ian for a test drive. He was very happy when he returned to the dealership and could not wait to check out the Sprinter Vans on the showroom floor. They answered all of his questions, shared interesting facts, and viewed the customized vehicles. Ian’s favourite part of the experience was the test drive and checking out the Sprinter Van on the showroom floor. Mercedes was kind enough to give Ian a miniature model of a Mercedes Sprinter Van to take home. If you talked to Ian in the weeks after his experience at Mercedes, it was he could talk about, with the miniature Sprinter Van in hand.
“I checked that off the list, said Ian. “The test drive was fun”.
Thank you, Mike and Ridley at Mercedes-Benz London for inviting Ian into their dealership. Your time and generosity was greatly appreciated!
To read more inspiring stories like Ian’s, visit the PHSS newsroom.
