SPEAK receives Moving Mountains Award
The
Alaska Alliance for Direct Service Careers and SPEAK (Support Providing
Employees Association of Kentucky) are the recipients of the 2007 Moving
Mountains Awards from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).
The two organizations were honored during the recent Reinventing Quality
Conference 2007 held in Charleston, S.C., in early March.
These awards are presented to organizations and agencies that have
demonstrated best practices in direct support workforce development. They are
awarded by the Research and Training Center (RTC) on Community Living at the
University of Minnesota in partnership with NADSP.
The Alaska initiative began in 2000 and its mission is "to promote the
development of a highly competent direct support workforce that supports people
with disabilities in achieving their life goals." In presenting the award, Amy
Hewitt of the RTC and the NADSP said the award "is for excellence in developing
ongoing statewide initiatives that build direct support professional careers."
From that mission, the Alliance conducted a successful statewide media
campaign, created a website to expand the recruitment pool of Direct Support
Professionals (DSPs), developed a four-pronged effort to retain the best DSPs,
and asked the Alaska legislature to educate lawmakers about the poor wages
earned by DSPs and make DSPs aware of all benefits for which they are eligible.
In April 2005, the Alliance hosted a summit out of which came a revised
strategic plan to address the issues of recruitment, retention, and career
development of DSPs.
For more information on the Alaska project, contact Heidi Frost at
heidi@uaa.alaska.edu or call
1.907.269.8999.
SPEAK is a DSP organization in the metro Louisville, KY., area that is
guided by two lead agencies – The Council on Mental Retardation and Seven
Counties Services, Inc.
DSPs are offered a variety of services by SPEAK, including pre-service
orientation, access to a mentor/apprenticeship program, training and discussion
opportunities and monetary and commemorative recognition for reaching tenure
milestones. In less than two years, 220 DSP applicants have completed the
pre-service orientation; 43 experienced DSP have become mentors; and turnover in
partnering organizations has dropped from 62% to 27% in three years.
“We are honoring SPEAK for excellence in pre-service orientation, mentoring
of new hires, its in-service training and promoting DSP recognition and
professionalism,” Hewitt said.
For more information
about SPEAK, visit its website at
www.dspspeak.org or call Sandra Mlinarcik at 502.459.5292 (Ext. 7112) or
email her at
smlinarcik@sevencounties.org.
And the winner is…
SPEAK
of Louisville, KY., was honored during the recent Reinventing Quality Conference
2007 in Charleston with the Moving Mountains Award from the National Association
for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). (Picture on page 1) Amy Hewitt, left,
of the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center, presented the
award to SPEAK. Representing SPEAK were, second from left, Beth Richardson, CMR
Leadership and Training Institute director; Alex Gibbons, senior therapeutic
aide; and Jeff King, the Project’s Coordinator. At the far right is Dr. Sheryl
Larson, on hand representing NADSP.
Respect and Dignity In The Support of Others
Being a DSP often means knowing the intimate details of other peoples’ lives.
Things like their favorite foods, how much money they have (or don’t have),
where they live, their successes and perceived failures, how often they use the
bathroom, what they look like in the shower, how many showers they take each
week, how they spend their free time, and so on. DSPs called upon to make
independent judgments on a daily basis that involve both practical and ethical
reasoning.
The Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) identified the kinds
of ethical situations that DSPs face and developed a set of ethical guidelines
referred to as The Code of Ethics. The beliefs and attitudes that are associated
with being an effective human service professional are the cornerstones of this
code. It address: Person-Centered Supports; Promoting Physical and Emotional
Well-Being; Integrity and Responsibility; Confidentiality; Justice, Fairness and
Equity; Respect; Relationships; Self-Determination and Advocacy. It is clear
that all of these are most important, however in this writing I want to reflect
upon Respect and Dignity.
“Respect is the objective, unbiased consideration and regard for the rights,
values, beliefs and property of all people.” (Wikipedia, 2006) Being respected
is very important to all people but most importantly to people receiving health
and support services. People receiving support want those who care for them to
be patient, kind and take the time to listen to them and not rush in the
provision of care and support. Getting to know the person, their history, is key
to providing person centered support.
The meaning of dignity within the realm of supporting others has been
identified with four ideas that have common characteristics that not only
include respect but privacy, identity and sense of self-worth, and autonomy.
People with disabilities and their families value respectful delivery of
services over task oriented care. Often it is described by such consumers as the
“little things” the DSP does. Maybe it’s making a special effort in assisting
the person in their appearance, or providing a pleasant environment to live or
work in. Or being sensitive to a person’s personal space; recognition of ones
modesty and privacy in personal care; and finally, respecting confidentiality of
supports and personal information; and speaking to them with dignity and
respect. Each DSP is a personal agent, or ambassador and often can be quiet
powerful in how non-disabled people relate to people with disabilities.
DSP’s are invited into a person’s life and must never forget the sanctity of
that. Often, they are asked to be the coach, cheerleader and/or advocate. It is
the DSP who must listen carefully in what is shared by the person; and respected
without condescension as the person faces the many life transitions that lie
ahead. It is the DSP’s responsibility to honor the self-worth of each person
supported with rigorous honesty. The DSP actions or lack there of covey’s the
value of the person they support.
In closing, I want to remind DSPs who do this most important work, not to
become too familiar with those supported but remember the importance of
“professional ethics.” Remember, the essence of the person and honor them in all
that you do for and with them.
Ask Beth
Dear
Beth,
What is the appropriate etiquette for giving a tour such as a Pre Service
Orientation at the workplace or residence of the people with disabilities? Often
people want to talk about the consumers/participants who are present. It can be
terribly awkward. What do you suggest?
Sign,
Uncomfortable
Dear
Uncomfortable:
What a great question! Pre Service Orientation and tours can be imposing
when visiting homes or workplaces. Although we want to expose possible new hires
to the work that they will do; as well as provide a “birds eye” view of the
people supported; we must remember professional etiquette.
Just as if someone came into your home/work introductions should be made
including all people who are home or in the immediate area- including those
people you support. Discussions regarding those that receive supports should
never focus on sensitive or confidential information. If a person is hearing
impaired then share that if it is pertinent to the situation. Or, if a person is
highly sensitive to certain things, assist your guests in avoiding such actions.
Tours should focus on the kinds of support provided and the activities people participate in. Speak generally, unless the consumer themselves want to be more specific. If the guest wants more information that is considered appropriate, or it is your agency’s policy to be more specific about the kinds of supports provided regarding behavioral supports- then pull your guest into a room that offers privacy.
It is all about respect. We must all be vigilant not to get too comfortable
talking about those who receive services and supports.
Beth
Do
you have a question that you would like to
“Ask Beth?”
Email your questions to:
brichardson@councilonmr.org
Or send them to:
Beth Richardson
101 Witherspoon St
Louisville KY 40202