Sky’s Story: I’m Actually in Charge

We first shared Sky’s story in March 2025. Since then, Sky has made wonderful progress, taking important steps toward greater independence. We’ve updated their Story of Hope and hope you’ll enjoy reading about all the exciting developments in Sky’s journey.

Sky Chehovich, 24, didn’t let blindness and intellectual disabilities stop them from completing high school and becoming an Eagle Scout.

Since then, Sky has continued building the skills needed for an independent life. Now, Sky has reached perhaps the biggest milestone yet: living on their own.

Sky’s mother, Jen Chehovich, helped every step of the way, but she knew she couldn’t help Sky become a self-sufficient adult on her own. She enrolled Sky 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 little to help with their growth, Jen said.

“I felt like I was failing my child,” Jen 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 participants to select the services they need using a budget 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 employs Dusty, providing his salary, benefits, training and other necessities, while Sky determines his pay. The two work together to set 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, practicing life skills such as budgeting, banking, shopping and cooking. The two also make time for fun, including hikes, cookouts, concerts and amusement parks.

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

With Dusty’s support, Sky has expanded their world and gained the confidence to pursue greater independence.

“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.”

Earlier this month, Sky took the next big step: moving into an apartment of their own. Self Direction staff helped Sky shop for furniture and household items, preparing the new apartment for move-in.

For Sky, it’s another step toward the life they’ve been working to build.

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