Meet Barb Butler Thomas, Independent Living Specialist and Youth Transition Coordinator at the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL).
An integral member of the staff, Barb has the responsibility of going into schools in our service area to help students with disabilities prepare for their future.
“I put students through trainings that help them to prepare for employment on a one-on-one basis. The students that need a little more help are the ones I remember most,” said Barb.
First introduced to ACIL while studying Rehabilitation Services at Wright State University, Barb knew she wanted to work at the center as soon as she heard about our services.
“I love ACIL and everything we do for people with disabilities. I knew I wanted to work here from the moment I first encountered Maria Matizik as a student. It took some time, but I was able to get a job here a few years after graduating,” she said.
Barb started out helping people transition out of long-term care facilities through HOME Choice then switched to working as an IL Specialist helping people with disabilities of all ages gain greater independence. Not too long after she switched positions, an assistant director realized she had a knack for working with youth and gave her the additional duties and title of Youth Transition Coordinator.
“I am an introvert but working with youth has really pushed me out of my shell, so I really appreciate the opportunity,” she said.
While Barb enjoys working with youth, she admits that doing so can be challenging at times.
“The sooner people with disabilities can get help to reach their full potential the better. I love helping young people. It can sometimes be difficult to get parents on board, which is a shame because ACIL offers so many services free of charge that could supplement what is being offered in schools. I tell people about our services whenever I can.” she said.
When working with students, Barb does her best to be person-centered and offer freedom of choice.
“Even if after working with me a little while a student decides to no longer be part of a program, I honor that because I feel giving students freedom of choice is the ultimate respect,” she explained.
In addition to working with youth in schools, Barb helps ACIL to host Dayton’s Youth Leadership Forum (YLF).
My favorite part of YLF is seeing students come back as mentors to help others. It is awesome when students see people like them succeeding and realize that they can too,” said Barb.
Facilitating a group called Living Well in the Community that helps people develop healthy habits is another of Barb’s duties.
“I like helping people to achieve their goals, but it’s really cool when people participating in Living Well in the Community help one another to achieve their goals,” said Barb.
A mother to three-year-old CJ, two-year-old Honor, and another baby scheduled to arrive in early July, Barb, and her husband of four years, Cartez, stay busy with kids, but she still makes time for hobbies when not working.
“I grew up in church and my sister and I both always sang. Writing and singing Christian music is something I have always enjoyed doing,” she said
A travel enthusiast, Barb loves visiting down south particularly to Georgia and South Carolina where her and her husband’s families live. She hopes to one day get a passport and travel aboard.
“I feel like Africa is depicted a certain way in the movies and the media, but I have done my own research. Towns and cities there seem beautiful. I would love to go to Africa, Paris, or even take a world tour with my family someday. I was not able to travel growing up, so I really want to provide that to my children,” said Barb.
Barb’s children are her priority which is one reason why she is glad to work at ACIL.
“CJ was recently diagnosed with Autism. Early intervention is extremely important. Being able to catch certain delays early and get him into early intervention programs has allowed CJ to overcome so much already and flourish in a short amount of time. Working at ACIL helped me to see the importance of early intervention. I am grateful for that,” she said.
Need to get in touch with Barb. Call 937-341-5202 Ext 102 or email [email protected]
