Uplifting People with Love: Andrew Davis' Journey to Senior Manager of Inclusion Services
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
For Andrew Davis, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is more than a job; it's a lifelong calling. Now, Senior Manager of Inclusion Services at New Avenues to Independence, Andrew empowers people with IDD to engage with their communities, discover their interests, and live independently. His journey began decades ago as a volunteer at New Avenues, bringing his story full circle over 20 years later.
Growing Up with a Passion for Inclusion
Andrew’s passion for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities started at home. With a father working as a house manager for an IDD agency and a mother teaching preschool, he grew up surrounded by care and support.
Attending Deepwood dances and spending time around individuals with developmental disabilities shaped Andrew’s early appreciation for inclusion and community. Today, he shares those experiences with his daughter Avery, hoping she gains the same understanding and appreciation. These early experiences sparked his lifelong passion.
Where His New Avenues Journey Started
As a teenager, Andrew volunteered at New Avenues’ Therapeutic Summer Camp, later becoming a camp counselor at Broadmoor, where the camp is held. These roles gave him valuable experience and confirmed his desire to support people with IDD—a field he felt drawn to from the start.
Learning Every Side of Disability Services
After high school, Andrew spent 11 years at a disability agency, starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and then as a House Manager while attending college. He deliberately learned the field from every angle.
“I started as a DSP and moved my way up,” he said. “I wanted to see the field from all perspectives.”
His career path eventually led him into education, where he worked as a special education aide (paraprofessional) in both the Chardon and the Shaker Heights City School Districts. Looking to expand his skills even further, Andrew returned to college to pursue a master's degree in mental health counseling. However, during his internship, he realized something was missing. “That’s when I found out my heart was really in this field."
"Andrew returned to working for another disability agency as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) and continued to grow as a leader. However, after a few years, he was ready for a change.
A Full-Circle Return to New Avenues
Andrew transitioned to New Avenues to Independence, serving as the QDIP for our Lakewood, Overlook, and Clifton Homes. For Andrew, returning to New Avenues was more than a full-circle journey; it opened doors to new career opportunities while working with familiar faces, including two former colleagues.
Just a few months into working at New Avenues, Andrew was promoted to Senior Manager of Inclusion Services, officially joining our Senior Leadership team. For him, the opportunity represented much more than a promotion. It was a return to the organization where his journey first began, where he would lead a team, and support the disability community from a new perspective.
Now, Andrew leads programs that empower individuals with IDD to connect with their communities and reach their goals. His experience gives him a unique leadership perspective. “I feel like I can really help staff because I’ve been in their shoes,” he noted. Having lived the work firsthand, Andrew understands the challenges and realities his staff face.
Creating Meaningful Community Inclusion Opportunities
Andrew focuses on person-centered experiences, emphasizing individual interests, goals, and preferences. “I don’t push anything I like; I make activities person-centered,” he said.
From baseball games and boat rides to community recreation programs, equine therapy, and outings throughout Northeast Ohio, Andrew is exploring every opportunity that the individuals may find meaningful in the community.
“The role has taught me to be adaptable,” said Andrew. “I can spend a week planning one activity and it can go completely wrong.” Meanwhile, “I can plan an activity quickly and they love it,” he continued with a smile. “That’s why I encourage an open-door policy and ask my staff to share ideas with me. I’ve been doing this for 23 or 24 years, and I’m still learning.”
Andrew’s willingness to listen, learn, and embrace new ideas helps create an environment where both staff and individuals can thrive.
Bringing People Together Through Inclusion Services
Andrew’s favorite memories at New Avenues involve bringing our community together. Spring Fling at the Hub and Cedar Point were some of his favorite activities because “I love when the different houses come together,” expressed Andrew. However, the lunch cruise on the Lady Caroline really stood out to him because both Residential and Community-Based Services enjoyed the outing.
Looking Toward the Future
As he leads Inclusion Services, Andrew brings experience, adaptability, and an open mind.
After more than 20 years in disability services, Andrew approaches each opportunity with confidence and a willingness to keep learning. For him, leading Inclusion Services is about creating opportunities, fostering connections, and empowering people to live meaningfully, a journey that’s brought him back to where he began.
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