Gwen Dean has been employed for the past twenty three years as Personal Assistance Services Unit Director for Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), a nonprofit agency with programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles. In 1988, Mrs. Dean worked in collaboration with Maricopa County Long Term Care in the development of their Attendant Care Program. She subsequently developed the ABIL Personal Assistance Services Program, including Attendant Training, referral process, and all program policies and procedures. To date, this program has provided attendant care services to over 10,000 consumers. Mrs. Dean worked in collaboration with the Arizona Medicaid Program to develop the Consumer Directed Care option.
