Every now and then, an intern walks through our doors and reminds us why this work matters so deeply.
As a genetics major heading into genetic counseling, Aiden Thom arrived for his Direct Support Professional internship with The Alpha Group with a set of assumptions about developmental disabilities. He’s leaving with something far more powerful: the lived understanding that the gap between ability and capability is almost never about the individual, it’s about the opportunities they’re given and a life full of connection, humor, meaning, and community.
During a community outing this spring, Aiden took a group to the mall on what he described as “probably the windiest day of the year.” As they walked back to the shuttle, the adults in the group huddled around him, like penguins, so he wouldn’t fly away. Aiden said it took him a moment to realize what that gesture really meant. They were protecting him. They cared about him. That’s what this work looks like when it’s done right.
Aiden is leaving with a perspective that will shape how he supports families navigating developmental disability diagnoses for the rest of his career. That’s the kind of ripple effect that keeps us going.
Thank you, Aiden, for your care, your curiosity, and for choosing to do this work. @Ohio Wesleyan University should be proud.
🔗 Read his full story. It’s worth every word.