Lacie Dearsley provided in-home and community support for Martha and George Fox's son Matthew, who has epilepsy, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy. Lacie accompanied Matthew shopping and to meals, assisted with living skills, and provided respite care for his parents. Martha and George describe Lacie as compassionate, sensible, caring, resourceful, and able to handle medical situations and some behavioral challenges calmly. They would have full confidence leaving Lacie to care for their son, even with his recent health concerns, trusting her judgment and enjoyment of their son.

1. Tuesday March 10, 2012
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Lacie Dearsley
I am writingthisletterinsupportof the application of Lacie Dearsleyforemploymentprovidingone to
one care for support/respite care.
I am providingareference forherinthe contextof her work withour son,Matthew,as his former
Special ServicesAtHome SupportWorkerandnow, occasional inhome worker. Herchange instatus is
because she isnowaway at school.
Alsoinfluencingthisreference ismy perspective of workingforover43 yearsas an educator,26 of
those yearsina post-secondaryinstitution asa facultymember,acounsellorandasan administratorof
the Office forStudentswithDisabilities.
Lacie beganworkingwithMatthewin Spring2011. Duringthe Springand SummerLacie providedin
home and incommunitysupportfor Matthew.Thissupporthas includedaccompanyinghim to
community eventssuchasshopping,goingoutfora meal andstaying withhiminour home,assisting
himwithlivingskillsand providingrespitecare forus,hisparents.
Our sonhas a verydifficult-to-manage formof epilepsy,isdevelopmentallydelayedandhasmild CP.
Lacie is compassionate,sensibleandcaring.She isresourceful andhasdemonstratedthatshe is neither
easilyflusterednorintimidated.She hasgoodboundariesandunderstandsboththe opportunitiesand
limitationsof herrole.
Lacie is enthusiasticandresourceful.Hercalmdemeanourmasksherstrengthandsteadfastness.She
has had to deal withmedical situations andsome behavioural management withMattandhas done so
inways thatreinforce ourtrust inher decisionmakingandreactionsintimesof stressorchallenge.
We wouldnothesitate nowor inthe future to have Lacie stay inour home to care for ourson even
giventhe factthat he hasrecentlyhadsome veryserioushealthconcerns.We know we couldleave,
withconfidence,andtrustin herjudgmentandgenuine enjoymentof spendingtime with ourson.
Sincerely,
Martha andGeorge Fox
905-628-1702
mfox12@cogeco.ca