DSP Talk

Sharon Cyrus-Savary is a licensed mental health professional and program leader with a focus on trauma-informed, evidence-based, and equity-centered care for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences across the lifespan. Her extensive experience encompasses intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, forensic psychology, substance use, and behavioral health program development. Sharon is committed to coordinated care that enhances access, quality of care, and quality of life. Her leadership roles include serving as a trustee and scholarship chair of the American Mental Health Counselor Association Foundation, and she is an active member of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise is joined by Sharon Cyrus-Savary to explore the nuanced care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Sharon brings her wealth of experience to the conversation, discussing models like New York START, and delving into trauma-informed support, the biopsychosocial framework, and positive psychology. Her insights emphasize the importance of quality care and life improvements for those facing behavioral or mental health challenges.

Sharon Cyrus-Savary explains the New York START program's role in crisis prevention and response for individuals with IDD, emphasizing the importance of a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. By leveraging the biopsychosocial framework, the discussion highlights strategies for understanding behaviors beyond their surface level, exploring the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. Sharon underscores the need for direct support professionals (DSPs) to focus on strengths and possibilities through positive psychology techniques, promoting connection and meaningful life experiences over mere behavior mitigation.

Key Takeaways:

• Biopsychosocial Approach: This framework aids DSPs in understanding the reasons behind a behavior, focusing on biological, psychological, and social factors rather than simple cause and effect.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Without needing to know specific trauma details, DSPs can create environments that are safe, respectful, and empowering, acknowledging that trauma affects everyone differently.
• Emphasis on Positive Psychology: Shifting the focus to strengths and potential rather than deficits can improve the care and connection with individuals.
• Role of DSPs: As key team members, DSPs are essential in observing, documenting, and communicating critical information that supports and enhances the quality of life for individuals under their care.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We're not just asking, 'How do we stop this behavior?' Instead, we're asking, 'Why is this happening?'" – Sharon Cyrus-Savary
2. "Not what's wrong, but what's strong. What skill, what connection, what opportunities might we increase?" – Sharon Cyrus-Savary
3. "Trauma shapes our experiences of the world, relationships, and transitions. It impacts everything." – Sharon Cyrus-Savary
4. "Direct support professionals are the key observers, communicators, relationship builders, and advocates for the people they support." – Sharon Cyrus-Savary

Resources:

• New York START/CSIDD

For a deeper insight into how these frameworks and approaches are transforming care practices, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned to DSP Talk for more expert conversations enhancing the understanding and impact in the field of developmental and intellectual disabilities.

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In this engaging episode, Asheley explores critical insights from her discussion with Lace Kitchen. She delves into the essence of who should hold decision-making power in the lives of people with disabilities and emphasize that the answer should always begin with the individual.

Supported decision making is a faith-based practice in people's abilities to make informed choices with the right support and information. Asheley highlights that this process is not merely about making choices but ensuring that these choices truly align with the person's values and preferences. The importance of recognizing the dignity of risk—a concept stressing individuals' rights to make choices that come with reasonable risks—is brought to the forefront. The episode also touches on alternatives to guardianship, driving home the idea that facilitating agency should be prioritized over taking control away from individuals with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Individuals with disabilities often face underestimation in their decision-making abilities; with the right support, they can lead their own decision processes.
• Everyday decisions are vital stepping stones for building confidence in handling larger decisions, emphasizing the importance of practice in developing independence.
• Dignity of risk is a central theme, advocating that people have the right to make decisions involving reasonable risk, and learning from experiences enhances growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "Supported Decision Making is really about something very human: who gets to make decisions about your life."
• "A person's disability should never automatically disqualify them from having a voice in their own life."

Resources:

• AIM Services Supported Decision-Making

Join Asheley Blaise in this enriching episode of DSP Chat to discover how supported decision making is reshaping the way individuals with disabilities are empowered to lead their lives.

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Lace Kitchin serves as the Director of Supported Decision Making at AIM Services. Her journey with Supported Decision Making New York started in 2023 as a facilitator, progressing to Assistant Director, and then Director by June 2026. Known for her passion for person-centered support, she is recognized for training facilitators and educating various stakeholders about supported decision making agreements, advocating for removing barriers, and fostering individual autonomy and control.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise and guest Lace Kitchin delve into the intricate world of supported decision making, emphasizing the importance of the individual's right to choose and the concept of dignity of risk. Lace, Director of Supported Decision Making at AIM Services, shares personal anecdotes that highlight her longtime commitment to fostering autonomy and self-determination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She discusses her early exposure to the field through her mother’s work in human services, which instilled in her a profound conviction that every person deserves the opportunity to shape their own life.

Lace describes the broad application of supported decision making across areas such as employment, healthcare, and personal relationships, unraveling its potential to transform lives by recognizing individual strengths and preferences. The conversation also sheds light on the legal framework supporting these practices in New York State, underscoring the opportunity for individuals to craft meaningful lives with dignity and autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

·    Understanding Supported Decision Making: The process involves empowering individuals with disabilities to make informed choices rather than having others make decisions for them, challenging common misconceptions.

·    Importance of Dignity of Risk: Allowing individuals the opportunity to make imperfect decisions fosters growth and learning, a central theme in promoting autonomy and self-determination.

·    Role of DSPs: Direct Support Professionals are encouraged to create environments that facilitate personal choice and self-expression, reinforcing the message that every voice matters.

·    Alternatives to Guardianship: Consideration of supported decision making agreements as a viable alternative ensures individuals maintain decision-making agency and are provided the necessary supports to exercise it.

Notable Quotes:

·    "At the core, that's what I hope for every person—the opportunity to succeed because they were given the opportunity to try." – Lace Kitchin

·    "Supported decision making is about maintaining the individual's right to make their own decisions while ensuring they have the information, tools, and trusted people they need." – Lace Kitchin

·    "Our goal isn't to make good decision makers, but informed ones." – Lace Kitchin

·    "Safety should not come at the expense of a person's right to direct their own life." – Lace Kitchin

Resources:

AIM Services Supported Decision Making

New York State's Mental Hygiene Law, Article 82

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to explore these themes in depth and discover how supported decision making can profoundly impact individual autonomy and empowerment.

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In this episode of DSP Chat, Asheley artfully navigates the delicate balance between assistance and autonomy, posing vital questions about the true nature of support.

Building upon the central theme of independence, she discusses not only the acquisition of daily life skills such as cooking and managing finances but also emphasizes the significance of building communities and relationships outside of the service environment. Asheley encourages DSPs to critically evaluate their roles — are they inadvertently creating dependency, or are they empowering those they support to make decisions and forge their paths? The episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how DSPs can foster confidence and control, ultimately aiming to let the people they help live self-directed, connected lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Independence is subjective and should be defined by the individual's goals, not solely by the DSP's expectations.
• DSPs must discern between supporting and doing tasks for individuals to prevent fostering unintended dependency.
• Encouraging individuals to try tasks on their own can build long-term skills and confidence, despite the potential for failure.
• Fostering community connections and relationships is vital for true independence beyond just skill development.

Resources:

·     The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

DSP Chat is a must for anyone involved in direct support professions or passionate about fostering independence in caregiving communities. Stay tuned for more transformative content that helps redefine the roles of DSPs.

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Sharonda Johnson is a Senior Residential Habilitation Specialist and Support Broker with over 15 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. She began her career as a temporary direct support professional in a day program and quickly advanced to a teacher leader. Sharonda later transitioned into residential services, serving as an Assistant Behavior Intervention Specialist and Shift Supervisor, before taking on her current role. She is known for her ability to bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and truly person-centered, community-focused programming. Sharonda’s work emphasizes empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead self-directed, connected, and meaningful lives.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, Sharonda shares her journey and the steps she has taken to develop a transformative training curriculum aimed at promoting independent living skills among individuals with disabilities. Her expertise in creating person-centered programs that emphasize skill-building, self-determination, and confidence is the focal point of this conversation.

During their discussion, host Asheley Blaise and Sharonda explore the nuances of preparing individuals for independent living, moving beyond traditional models focused on support to fostering environments where individuals learn to navigate life with reduced assistance. Sharonda's curriculum, which was initially part of a broader initiative inspired by organizational goals, is a testament to her innovative approach. The conversation highlights real-world success stories where participants have seamlessly transitioned to more independent living arrangements, showcasing the profound impact of Sharonda’s work.

Key Takeaways:

• Person-Centered Planning: It is crucial to tailor programs to individual needs and desires, recognizing that independence is unique to each person.
• Evolutionary Skill Development: Transitioning to independent living requires a structured approach with practical training in everyday skills, from writing letters to managing finances.
• Peer Encouragement: Building a supportive community within the training program enhances learning and confidence among participants.
• Empowering Change: Independence is not about doing everything alone but having the skills and support to make self-directed choices.

Notable Quotes:

• "The ultimate goal is that we are supposed to leave people at a level of independence more so than where they started. And that independence looks different for everybody."
• "I am not defined by my disability. I'm a person, simply put, with different capabilities."
• "It's important to build a sense of community outside of the people that they live with."

Resources:

Services for the Underserved (S:US)

Tune into this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the transformative approaches being adopted in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Join host Ashley Blaise in an enlightening episode of DSP Chat as she unpacks an episode of "DSP Talk" featuring Patrick and his collaboration with Emme, a thoughtful and dedicated DSP.

In a world where it's easy to make quick decisions on behalf of others, this episode emphasizes the difference between helping and empowering. Through Patrick's experience, the story reveals how listening and respecting an individual's voice can lead to incredible growth and independence. The podcast further explores the necessity of building a trusting relationship between DSPs and those they support, which fosters open communication and shared decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

• Empowerment arises from listening and providing opportunities for individuals to use their voices rather than speaking for them.
• Embracing the "Dignity of Risk" enables individuals to make informed choices, learn from their experiences, and gain independence.
• Daily practices, such as asking instead of assuming and waiting for responses, build the foundation for independence and confidence in those supported.

Notable Quotes:

• "People don't need someone to speak for them. They need someone willing to listen."
• "Our responsibility is to help people understand their choices, prepare for challenges, and support them through the outcome."
• "Being a great DSP isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions."

Stay tuned for more episodes of DSP Chat, where we continue to shine a light on the meaningful and impactful work of DSPs around the globe.

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Patrick is known for his vibrant personality and a knack for making people laugh. As a dedicated participant in various programs, including day programs and night recreational events, he is celebrated for his enthusiasm and love for dance. Patrick holds the proud title of the biggest fan of Stewart's Shop and is recognized for the positivity he brings to every environment he enters.

Emme

Emme is a committed advocate for individuals with disabilities and a student at the University at Albany, where she studies human development. With extensive experience volunteering for Special Olympics, Emme has also been actively involved with the ARC of Rensselaer County's Night Rec program as a direct support professional. Emme’s passion for advocacy and empowerment is largely influenced by her sister, who has a disability, an experience that fuels her dedication to fostering inclusive communities.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise explores the critical theme of empowerment and advocacy with special guests Patrick and Emme. The episode delves into the importance of listening to individuals and supporting them to communicate their own choices and preferences, rather than speaking on their behalf. Creating spaces where persons with disabilities can direct their own lives is underscored as a fundamental principle of advocacy.

Patrick shares his personal experiences about choices made with him and the significance of using his voice to communicate his preferences, like his bowling experiences at Uncle Sam's. Emme discusses her role as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and how her background has shaped her approach to advocacy. Through engaging dialogue, they highlight the delicate balance between ensuring safety and fostering independence, using technology to facilitate communication, and building trustful relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in facilitating clear understanding and communication, especially when supporting people who could be misunderstood.
• Respect and patience are fundamental in making individuals feel heard and valued.
• Balancing safety with independence is crucial for empowering individuals to make their own informed decisions.
• Consistent advocacy and the availability of supportive resources and recreational programs can significantly enhance individuals’ happiness and independence.

Notable Quotes:

• "Advocacy is not about speaking for someone. It's about ensuring they have the support, confidence, and opportunities to speak for themselves." – Asheley
• "Empowering the people we support here happens every day. It's about showing that they can do hard and challenging things." – Emme
• "Empowerment isn't about giving someone a voice; they already have one. It's about making sure that their voice is heard, it's respected, and it's valued." – Asheley

Resources:

• ARC of Rensselaer County
• Special Olympics

For an enriching exploration into the world of advocacy and empowerment, listen to the full episode of DSP Talk. Stay tuned for more enlightening content in future episodes!

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In this episode of DSP Chat, Asheley Blaise explores how the revised Code of Ethics reflects the direct support profession's evolution from a caregiver focus to a more multifaceted role that includes advocacy, community connection, and relationship building. The conversation addresses critical topics like cultural humility, technology equity, and self-care, emphasizing their importance in providing high-quality support.

Asheley highlights that ethics are about everyday decisions, underscoring the need for DSPs to align their actions with the desires and dignity of those they support, navigating the challenges of balancing safety, independence, and advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

• The NADSP Code of Ethics is an essential guide for daily practice rather than just a training tool.
• Ethics are integral to everyday decisions and interactions, not just in major crises.
• Professionalism in direct support involves investing in personal growth and maintaining well-being to better support others.
• "The evolution of the Code is really about the evolution of our profession." – Asheley Blaise

Resources:

• NADSP Code of Ethics

Tune in to the full episode for a detailed exploration of how ethics and evolving professional roles redefine direct support. Stay updated for more engaging content from DSP Chat, where each episode sheds light on the nuances of this vital profession.

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John Raffaele is the Director of Educational Services at the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), with over 40 years of experience in the human services field. Throughout his career, John has focused on direct support, social work, professional education, and workforce development. He has made significant contributions to training and mentoring thousands of direct support professionals across North America. John is recognized for elevating the professional identity and voice of direct support professionals, helping shape a respected workforce committed to dignity, inclusion, and ethical practice.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise and guest John Raffaele discuss the timely evolution and integral revisions of the NADSP Code of Ethics. Amidst changing societal dynamics and post-COVID-19 realizations, the conversation delves into why this ethical framework needed to adapt. John, a veteran in human services, highlights the transition from a primarily custodial focus to a recognition of direct support as a specialized, essential profession. This transformation aligns with broader themes such as person-centered support, cultural humility, technology, justice, and equity, which are increasingly central to the field of direct support.

As the episode unfolds, the discussion emphasizes the need for ethics that adapt with the times, fostering not just skills but a culture of respect, inclusion, and professional growth among direct support professionals. John underscores how the revised code embodies these modern issues, including increasing professional recognition and self-care importance for DSPs. This commitment to evolving best practices ensures that direct support professionals continue to enrich the lives of those they serve, fostering a supportive, self-directed, and dignified environment for individuals with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• The NADSP Code of Ethics has been updated to reflect contemporary challenges and priorities, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, highlighting the profound role of DSPs.
• Core values such as person-centered support, respect, and dignity remain central, emphasizing the nuanced, complex nature of direct support work.
• Modern elements like technology, social media, and cultural humility are included in the revised code to ensure relevance and efficacy in DSP practices.
• The new Code stresses professionalism, integrity, and self-care, imparting that DSPs must bring their best selves to their roles to support others effectively.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We need to help guide direct support professionals with more than just mandatory health and safety training; we have to contribute an ethical code." — John Raffaele
2. "The revised Code of Ethics speaks directly to DSPs, elevating their role and acknowledging their professional contributions." — John Raffaele
3. "Being person-centered means my loyalty, my allegiance, the reason I'm employed, is based on that person." — John Raffaele
4. "Ethics are not just something we hang on a wall; they're something we live in every conversation and choice." — Ashley Blaise

Resources:

• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)

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In this episode of DSP Chat, host Asheley Blaise delves into the power of appreciative inquiry in direct support work. When we shift from traditional 'fix-it' methods to approaches that emphasize listening, co-creation, and honoring the voices of individuals being supported we support the whole person. Emphasizing the importance of asking better questions, this episode invites listeners to reconsider the expert is in the DSP and person receiving services relationship, proposing partnership and co-creation over fixing and power over.

Key Takeaways:

• Transformative Listening: Shift focus from behavior fixing to listening and acknowledging what is already working well for individuals.
• Co-Creation in Planning: True person-centered planning involves creating plans with individuals, prioritizing their voices and aspirations.
• Role Reflection: DSPs should reflect on arriving in their roles not as experts, but as partners sharing power with those they support.
• Problem-Solving vs. Potential-Dwelling: Focusing on potential rather than just challenges can lead to profound impacts on individuals' lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Co-creation begins when people's stories shape the agenda." - Baturu Mboge
• "Are you arriving as the expert or as the partner?" – Asheley Blaise
• "Appreciative inquiry is about refusing to let challenges become the whole story." – Asheley Blaise

Concluding this episode, Asheley Blaise invites listeners to reflect on their roles in direct support, urging them to shift from fixing behaviors to building partnerships based on listening and co-creating meaningful support plans. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for the full episode of DSP Chat and stay engaged for more insightful discussions in the series.

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