4 minute read
March 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES IN A UNIQUE WAY
Introducing Clearview Developmental Services
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WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH
Clearview Developmental Services is an agency provider that offers Adult Day Support, Homemaker Personal Care, Non-Medical Transportation, and Vocational Habilitation Services in a way that is different from most.
Clearview Owner, Dean Miller Jr. started working with adults with disabilities while studying at Walsh University. As part of his degree in business management, he spent two semesters creating a business plan focused on providing highly sought-after services in a unique way. His vision was to give adults with disabilities the same opportunities he had been given.
“Prior to this job, I had never worked with, nor had experience with, the DD population,” Miller explained. “I fell in love with this field instantly.”
Clearview was established in 2017 as a transportation company to take people to and from community employment locations and day services locations. “The need was much larger than expected since I was operating at all hours seven days a week,” said owner Dean Miller Jr. “It seemed like there were not many options for evenings, weekends, and holiday transportation. I grew faster than expected and I had to quickly hire on additional staff to assist with keeping up with the need.”
At the urging of a client, Clearview expanded its services to provide outings for fun. Homemaker personal care outings became very popular and grew quickly. The company started offering a monthly calendar of events and now offers a calendar for the entire year. Events include concerts, professional sports games, weekend trips, and fun nights out. In 2022, overnight trips included destinations such as Hershey, PA, and Washington D.C.
“It’s great to watch the individuals work up the courage to do things they otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do, like ziplining, going to Cedar Point, or leaving their parents to go on an overnight trip,” exclaimed Miller. “All the trips are created from recommendations that are given to us each year. No idea is too big or too small; if it’s possible we make it happen. Watching the friendships and our individuals make on these events is incredible and we love being able to give them that opportunity.”
Expanding once again, Miller opened Clearly Everything, a vocational program for adults with disabilities was launched in September 2020. The latest service provided by Clearview offers real-life training with the goal of community employment. The company provides training in stocking, quality control, online sales, cash register experience, purchasing, and distribution. Watching the individuals accomplish work tasks they didn’t think or know they could do is most rewarding, according to Miller. In addition to work training, the participants have weekly outings and daily dance parties.
“I love coming to work at Clearview,” exclaimed Anne S., another Clearview client. “I love getting to see my friends and my staff.”
“I like that the work I’m given is challenging and I am able to learn new skills because of it,” added Nick M.
“I am very thankful for my staff,” added Miller. “None of this would be possible without us all working together as a team. Going forward, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Clearview.”
