Always Advocating for Others: Austyn Addams, Oregon Talent Development/Trainer

Today we shine a light on Oregon Talent Development/Trainer, Austyn Addams. Although she’s been with us just a few months, Austyn has been impacting lives in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field for over 11 years. Her first role with Dungarvin was as a DSP with Oregon Supported Living Program, and now she’s finding a way to make an impact in a different way. Get to know Austyn’s impact on the world through ‘5 questions with Austyn Addams:’

1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so?

I have always felt a call to help and advocate for others. As a DSP, I got to make a direct difference in the lives of people who need supports and I could see each day the impact I was making. Now as a trainer, I get to help DSPs to be great at their jobs, and support the people served in a different way. This is my way of making the world just a little better.

2. What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t consider them possessions, but my dog and two cats are who I treasure the most.

3. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?

A good sense of humor – it makes the good days even better and the bad days easier to deal with.

4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

I would love to see legislation change so that disabled people can get married without losing their disability benefits.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would say that my greatest professional achievement was when I won the ORA Works of Heart Award. I was nominated for my work with an LGBTQ+ young adult who was going through transition as well as learning to live on their own. It was an honor to be recognized, but more than that, it warmed my heart to know how supported and valued I was able to make that person feel.