APSI client Brant is determined—determined to be as independent as possible. That is why he is working toward restoration, so he no longer needs a guardian to help him make decisions.
“I just want to be my own guardian, ‘cause I know I can do it. I know there's gonna be obstacles, but still, nothing’s got me down so far. Even in situations, I still get away from it, go through it, and still stay strong,” Brant said.
When Brant first became an APSI client, he perceived guardianship as controlling and thought he had to get approval to live his life. But his Protective Services Representative (PSR) Gabby helped him understand that she is here to support him in reaching his goals, not to limit him.
“He was like, ‘I need to ask your permission for everything.’ I was like, ‘Brant, the only thing I have to give you consent for is medical treatment and your services. You want to have a girl over, and I can't tell you no, that’s your right,’” Gabby said.
With this support, Brant leads the full life he chooses; he enjoys bike riding, fishing with his friends, playing video games, and playing guitar. Living in his own apartment, Brant only needs minimal staffing, mainly to provide transportation for errands.
“He's as unique as everyone else, he's very independent,” Gabby said.
Brant works at a Vocational Habilitation Program doing community service projects. A leader in his community, he was elected to be the president of the Membership Committee at a local social club for people with disabilities called Make A Way.
Ever since restoration was mentioned as a possibility, Brant has been making significant changes to work toward it. He can struggle with his mental health, but since he set his mind on restoration, Brant has taken full control, changing his medications to “as needed” or monthly injections, with Gabby’s help.
“He's really been dedicated to this mission of being his own guardian. And you know, he's been making all of his appointments. He's been keeping all of his appointments. He's been taking his medications as prescribed. He's been going to work,” Gabby said.
Brant and Gabby are also finding financial literacy resources and courses to equip Brant with the skills he needs to one day end his payee services.
His staff currently transports him where he wants to go, but Brant hopes to earn his driver’s license to gain even more independence. However, on Brant’s journey to drive, there was a roadblock: he had unaffordable court fines that inhibited him from getting his license.
Brant did not give up; he went to the courthouse, met with the judge, and they agreed to replace the fines with community service hours. He continues to complete his service hours, and once he does, he can get his license.
“He's a very strong self-advocate, but also a very strong advocate for others as well,” Gabby said.
Through all his struggles and triumphs, Gabby has stood by Brant as a listening ear and a helpful hand.
“She's always been there for me when I needed someone. If I needed some advice, she gave me advice. And she has just been a good friend to me,” Brant said.
“My goal is to have power with you, not power over you. And so that's been my mantra since I started at APSI, and I've even had individuals recite it back to me,” Gabby said.
With support from APSI, Brant continues his journey to restoration, and we cannot wait to see where it takes him.
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