Tabitha Morin is the new independent living specialist with Independence, Inc. of Minot. She joined the agency this spring.
Independence, Inc. helps individuals with disabilities attain their independent living goals.
Morin has worked in the social services field in Devils Lake. At Independence, she's focusing on transitional skills for youth with disabilities making the transition to adult life, and on an upcoming women's empowerment group for women with physical disabilities.
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Katina Tengesdal/MDN •
Tabitha Morin, Independence Inc.’s independent living specialist, focuses on providing services for those with disabilities who want to reach their independent living goals.
"My previous employment really focused on mental health. I wanted to focus on all individuals with disabilities. Being able to expand my knowledge was really important to me, and that's why I picked Independence. It's so diverse," Morin said.
Shortly after Morin started at Independence, she was working at leading a series of independent living skills classes for youth.
"Some of the things we worked on this summer were self advocacy, adult living and work ethics. Learning to be your own advocate depends on learning your rights and learning how to ask for accommodations at school or in the workplace," Morin said.
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Morin is excited for the beginning of the school year. She's hoping to get a youth leadership group formed and to continue offering independent living skills classes.
"Those interested in a youth leadership program would be those who want to be their own advocate, to talk with other youth with disabilities so they can network and help each other," Morin said.
"I also really want to get into the school system and be able to be where they're at and provide some independent living skills classes there," she added.
In addition to those projects, Morin assists individuals on a one-on-one basis, providing information and referral services as well as helping individuals meet the independent living goals they have set.
"We may have someone coming in who doesn't necessarily understand every application. We're a support person and we can navigate together so they don't feel like they're left out there alone," Morin said.
Morin hopes that she can continue to help individuals with disabilities reach their goals.
"I'm very optimistic about the upcoming programs. I like what I'm doing, and this field is really rewarding," Morin said.