Text Box: The News

Text Box: Welcome new SPEAK partner agency, Central State ICF/MR Text Box: Central State ICF/MR is a licensed 50-bed facility accredited by JCAHO under Behavioral Health Care Standards.  The organization serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The facility is conveniently located in Louisville.  It has two living units within one building with semi-private and private bedrooms. A continuous active treatment program is provided 24 hours a day 7 days a week by utilizing an interdisciplinary and holistic  approach to care. Direct Support Professionals are an integral part of each individual’s plan of care as they support, teach, and mentor Text Box: them throughout their daily activities. Text Box: Options Unlimited, Inc.’s mission is to assist people with disabilities to become as independent as possible by obtaining opportunities to participate in and contribute to their community through work and educational programs.  In order to achieve this mission, Options operates an employment program and a day program that provides these opportunities.

Text Box: Welcome new SPEAK partner agency, Options Unlimited Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Ask Beth Text Box: Dear Beth,  I have been working as a DSP for the last two years and although I love my job I have periods that I feel bored or unchallenged. I don’t want to leave my job because I love the people I support. What can I do to feel excited about my job?   Signed, Feelings of Boredom.       Dear Feelings of Boredom – Like everything in our lives there are ebbs and flows. I commend you for thinking about what you can do instead of looking for new work.  My advice is to sit down with your supervisor and make a growth plan and use this information to help guide you in the work you do.  As noted in Find, Choose and Keep Great DSPs published by the University of Minnesota, identify 2 or 3 goals to help you improve your skills or grown professionally. Once you identify them then identify specific action steps that you will take to meet your goals.  Part of the action steps should include what resources and supports you will need to meet your goals as well as what your supervisor or agency can do to help you achieve these goals. Finally, top it off with how you will celebrate when you are reached your goals.     We are each the captain of our ship and must take

Text Box: responsibility in guiding our ship.  But input can help so ask folks that are not your personal friends or family members what they see as your strengths. Often, we don’t see what we really are good at. Play to your strengths, you might find a whole litany of new things that build on those and can rekindle your excitement in what you do. Good luck and Happy New Year!!!! -Beth Special note: On January 30, Beth is offering a lecture on The New Supervisor: Strategies for Supporting and Managing Frontline Staff. This is not only appropriate for those supervising DSPs but for those who would like to move up to a supervisory position. For more information go to www.DSPSPEAK.org and check out the calendar for upcoming lectures.   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 1146 South Third Street Louisville KY 40203