Sky’s Story: I’m Actually in Charge

Skyler (Sky) Chehovich, 23, overcame blindness and intellectual disabilities to complete high school and become an Eagle Scout.

Sky’s mother helped him every step of the way, but she knew she couldn’t help Sky become a self-sufficient adult on her own. She enrolled him in an agency-based habilitation program, but it wasn’t a good fit; Sky spent most of each day in a single room, doing activities that did not help him grow, she said.

“I felt like I was failing my child,” Jen Chehovich said. “You always worry about your kids. When your kid has a disability, you worry more.”

Then they found Unity House’s Self Direction Program. It changed the trajectory of Sky’s life.

“Unity House, for me, they’re one of the good (organizations) that actually listens to us,” Sky said.

Self Direction puts people with disabilities in control, empowering them to select the services they need using a budget that they control. With guidance from Meghan Eddy, one of Unity House’s self direction brokers, Jen and Sky hired Dusty Archambo as Sky’s direct support professional.

Unity House is Dusty’s employer – providing his salary, benefits, training and other necessities – but Sky determines how much he gets paid. They work together to determine Dusty’s schedule.

“We’re there to guide them in the process,” Meghan said. “Sky is the real boss here.”

Dusty spends about 20 hours a week with Sky. Together, they practice life skills such as budgeting, banking, shopping and cooking. They also find time for fun activities, including hikes, cookouts, concerts and amusement parks.

“We have this friend / professional relationship,” Sky said. “We kind of look up to each other.”

With help from Dusty, Sky is now working toward an important milestone: to move out of the family home and into an apartment by the end of 2025.

“Dusty helps Sky embrace who Sky wants to be,” Jen said. “He’s taken Sky’s world from four walls to as far as the map can see.”

Sky agreed.

“I’m actually in charge… I’m headed toward being totally independent.”