DSP Talk

Baturu Mboge: Baturu Mboge is a dynamic advocate for person-centered systems in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). With a diverse career that began in community-driven initiatives across Africa, Mboge brings a unique blend of global and local insights. He has progressed from being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to holding the position of Vice President of Learning and Development at Care Coordination Organization of New York. His work remains deeply rooted in values of empathy, co-creation, and the empowerment of individuals through systems that prioritize the voice and choices of those they serve.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages in an insightful conversation with Baturu Mboge, exploring the transformative potential of Appreciative Inquiry in the realm of person-centered care. Mboge shares his extensive experience in leveraging storytelling as a powerful tool to foster empathy and understanding, thereby creating inclusive communities where people thrive. Through discussions on themes such as collective empowerment, local leadership, and systems change, the episode delves into the impact of being deeply present and genuinely listening to the stories of individuals in the IDD field.

Baturu Mboge, a seasoned advocate for person-centered practices, highlights the importance of co-creation in the quest for meaningful and lasting change within systems supporting individuals with IDD. His philosophical approach, influenced by the African concept of Ubuntu, emphasizes dignity and the interconnectedness of human experiences. Blaise and Mboge explore how shifting conversations from deficit-based frameworks to strength-based dialogues can reposition individuals as the authors of their own stories, significantly enhancing their participation in shaping service outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Appreciative Inquiry as a Tool: Appreciative Inquiry creates spaces for individuals to share their stories, fostering understanding and empathy beyond traditional roles and titles.
• Co-Creation in Service Planning: Valuing lived experiences and engaging in genuine dialogue leads to more inclusive and effective person-centered support systems.
• Listening as an Act of Empowerment: Truly listening and involving individuals in decision-making processes transforms their role from service recipients to active co-creators of their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Through storytelling, we come to know one another beyond our roles, titles, or levels." - Baturu Mboge
• "Co-creation begins when people's stories save the agenda, not just inform it." - Baturu Mboge
• "We are not there to ask what is wrong and how do we fix it. We are there to ask the person what do you want to do and how can I help?" - Baturu Mboge

Resources:

Coordinated Care Alliance New York

For those interested in creating empowered, person-centered support systems, this episode of DSP Talk with Baturu Mboge offers thought-provoking insights and practical strategies. Tune in to explore how these transformational approaches can be integrated into everyday practice, and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes.

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Asheley Blaise explores the intersection of AI and human services, focusing on its impact on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The episode navigates concerns about AI replacing DSPs, emphasizing AI's role in eliminating repetitive tasks and enhancing support quality. Key insights include the need for DSP involvement in tech development and the importance of human judgment and empathy. Ethical considerations regarding AI's data use and the significance of preserving human connection in support services are also discussed, stressing the need for DSPs to shape AI's future use in their field.

Key Takeaways:

• AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance DSP work, not as a replacement.
• DSPs should be integral in AI technology development to ensure practical application.
• Technology can organize and identify patterns, but human judgment is vital for understanding person-centered care.
• Ethical considerations are crucial when implementing AI, as data can harbor biases and miss important cultural context.
• DSPs hold the crucial of maintaining human-centric support in the evolving landscape of AI advancements.

Resources:

·     NY Alliance AI Toolkit

To explore these insightful discussions further, tune into this episode and stay updated with the latest conversations from DSP Chat, where Asheley continues to shed light on the evolving dynamics within the world of direct support professionals.

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Doug Golub is a seasoned thought leader in the healthcare technology and human services sector with over 20 years of pioneering experience. As a founding member of Microsoft Health Solutions Group, Doug has been pivotal in promoting person-centered practices, Medicaid transformation, and data-driven solutions. Currently, he leads Data Potato LLC, focusing on responsible technology and data utilization, while serving on the AI Committee for Access and as a board member of the Anchor Foundation.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise delves into the transformative landscape of AI in human services with esteemed guest Doug Golub. The discussion centers around how AI is reshaping the future of the direct support workforce with a strong emphasis on person-centered care and technological innovation. Doug Golub, drawing from his vast experience, shares invaluable insights on the inclusion of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in AI dialogues, highlighting the importance of integrating their hands-on experience for developing effective AI tools.

With a focus on the potential of AI in enhancing rather than displacing the workforce, Doug outlines practical applications of AI in human services. The conversation reflects on the transformation of administrative and documentation tasks through AI to facilitate more meaningful support relationships. This episode offers a balanced exploration of AI's possibilities, alongside ethical and practical considerations, underscoring the critical role of DSPs in shaping AI advancements.

Key Takeaways:

• The potential of AI lies in its ability to assist, not replace, DSPs by automating documentation and administrative tasks, allowing more time for direct support.
• DSPs' inclusion in AI development discussions is essential to ensure technology reflects real-world support and avoids biases.
• Training for DSPs should extend beyond utilizing tools to encompass understanding biases, ethical use, and empowering them to question AI's outputs.
• AI tools can help identify trends and provide valuable insights, but they must be interpreted and mediated by humans to maintain effective support.

Notable Quotes:

• "If we understand how the software works, we call it software. If we don't understand how it works and we think it's magic, we call it AI." – Doug Golub
• "The tools that are emerging have to help make it more fulfilling, more opportunity, more robust to be able to make that difference in people's lives." – Doug Golub
• "These tools are changing the way that we work, they are changing the way that agencies are operating." – Doug Golub
• "What makes it better is when we actually involve the people that know what they're talking about, which are the frontline staff." – Doug Golub

Resources:

• Data Potato LLC
• The New York Alliance AI Community
• Anchor Foundation

Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into a conversation intertwined with innovation and empathy, and to better understand how AI can partner with human expertise to transform the future of human services.

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In this episode we unravel the common transition challenges faced when a direct support professional is promoted to a supervisor.

Asheley breaks down several key themes, including the importance of developing people, the art of clear and open communication, cultivating problem-solving capabilities among staff, and the ongoing creation of positive program cultures. From actionable tips on scheduling regular check-ins with your team to encouraging an open-door communication policy, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. By focusing on empowerment, trust-building, and recognition, supervisors can significantly enhance team morale and the quality of services provided to those in care.

Key Takeaways:

• Develop People, Not Just Manage Tasks: Effective supervision requires more than managing tasks; it involves actively developing the team's potential.
• Prioritize Clear Communication: Communication should be open, consistent, and respectful to prevent misunderstandings and build a cohesive team.
• Empower Through Problem Solving: Encourage staff to develop decision-making skills rather than relying on supervisors for every solution.
• Recognize and Support Positive Culture: Celebrate successes and model the behavior you wish to see across your team, thus fostering a positive program culture.
• Continuous Learning and Reflection for Leaders: Embrace continual growth and feedback to refine leadership skills and better support team dynamics.

Resources:

·     The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

Listeners intrigued by the episode's themes and keen on adopting practical leadership strategies are encouraged to tune into the full episode.

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Monica Robinson is a seasoned leader in workforce advancement, with a rich background as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and various leadership roles within the field. She currently serves as the Vice President of Workforce Advancement at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, where she advocates for the workforce's voices and perspectives to be at the forefront. Monica's career trajectory reflects her dedication to valuing people's strengths and contributions.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise dives into the vital topic of transitioning from a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to a Frontline Supervisor. Joined by Monica Robinson, they unravel the mindset shifts and responsibilities that characterize this essential career move. Monica draws on her substantial experience to illuminate the discussion, highlighting the transition's demands and the personal growth it necessitates.

The episode provides deep insights into the core shifts required when stepping into a supervisory role. Listeners will learn about the importance of supporting the workforce rather than just focusing on the people receiving services, and how empowering staff through mentorship and guidance fosters a robust team environment. Asheley and Monica discuss the pitfalls of micromanagement and the power dynamics that emerge when colleagues become supervisors. With real-life examples and heartfelt advice, this episode is rich in practical strategies and emotional wisdom essential for anyone moving up in the Human Services field.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from DSP to a Frontline Supervisor entails shifting focus from direct service to team development and support.
• Maintaining a balance between support and accountability strengthens team dynamics and service delivery.
• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are pivotal skills for managing the responsibilities and challenges faced as a supervisor.
• Leaders should strive to foster an environment of trust and empowerment, reducing reliance on crisis-driven oversight.

Notable Quotes:

• "The biggest mind shift is understanding that I was no longer supporting the people receiving services. My role changed, and I was supporting the team." - Monica Robinson
• "A frontline supervisor's job is to be there, to mentor, to coach, to guide, to support that team." - Monica Robinson
• "Avoiding accountability doesn't protect staff. It weakens the team and affects the people receiving services." - Asheley Blaise
• "Empower your team, and the phone calls will drastically reduce." - Monica Robinson

Resources:

• New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation

Tune into the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of these insights and stay updated with more profound discussions on advancing in the field of support and supervision from DSP Talk.

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In this insightful episode, Asheley Blaise delves into the concept of "Dignity of Risk," exploring its crucial role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. This episode is a compelling narrative that challenges conventional practices and calls for a transformative shift in thinking among caregivers and support professionals. Through Asheley's lens, dignity of risk isn't about compromising safety, but about nurturing independence and potential.

Key Takeaways:

·    Empowering individuals with developmental disabilities requires balancing safety with opportunities for personal growth.

·    "Dignity of Risk" advocates for supporting individuals to make choices, experience mistakes, and subsequently learn.

·    Support should be a partnership, whereas control can inadvertently restrict personal development.

·    "Dignity of risk asks us to reflect. Who is this decision protecting—the person or our own anxiety?"

·    "Support is partnership. Control is restriction, dressed up as we care."

Resources:

·     Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation | Code of Ethics & Core Competencies for Direct Support Professionals

Stay connected for more episodes that inspire leadership and courage in direct support roles.

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Christopher Lyons is the CEO of AIM Services Incorporated, a role he has held since 2018. With a rich background as a trial attorney, Christopher has over 25 years of legal experience across various U.S. jurisdictions. He has also served in the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and has worked as national counsel for a major human services insurance program. Christopher has significantly expanded AIM's reach, supporting over 4,000 individuals across the state. He is well-versed in topics like dignity of risk, provider liability, and standards of care in human services.

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Christopher Lyons, CEO of AIM Services Inc., to delve into the often overlooked right of "dignity of risk." This episode explores how individuals in the developmental disabilities field can benefit from embracing risks rather than being shielded by fear and liability concerns. Christopher extensive knowledge and experience to this discussion, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in the caregiving and support sectors.

The discussion unveils a transformative approach to person-centered support that prioritizes autonomy and self-determination over traditional, risk-averse paradigms. Christopher emphasizes the importance of recognizing individuals with disabilities as unique people entitled to their agency and capable of making decisions involving risk. Through illustrative examples and legal insights, he effectively advocates for a shift from a control-focused model to a supportive one, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. The episode also includes practical insights into moving away from a risk-averse culture towards one that champions dignity and autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of "dignity of risk" involves balancing safety and the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to make autonomous choices, even if that involves risk.
• A paradigm shift from agency-driven to person-driven models is essential for supporting autonomy and fostering genuine inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
• Legal liability should not overshadow the importance of supporting individuals to experience life fully, learn from failures, and achieve personal success.
• Collaborative decision-making, transparency, and documentation are vital for balancing risk and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on supporting individual autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

• "At the core of our human dignity is our ability to own our own successes, to have the results of our choices, our free will."
• "It's not just enough to invite somebody to the table. You have to believe they belong there."
• "We are not a guarantor of the safety of the people we support."
• "Never say no, always say how, and then work through that together."
• "Support isn't control; it's support. Shed your selfish fear."

Resources:

• AIM Services Inc. Website
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Olmstead Rights

Tune in to this enlightening episode for a thorough understanding of how embracing dignity of risk can lead to richer, more autonomous lives for individuals in the developmental disabilities community. Subscribe for more insightful discussions on DSP Talk, where every episode aims to redefine support systems for the betterment of the community.

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Explore the essential themes of rights, responsibilities, and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities with Asheley Blaise in DSP Chat. This episode simplifies complex topics like self-advocacy, supported decision making, and creating life plans, emphasizing that people with disabilities are active decision-makers and self-advocates. Learn about promoting independence while respecting autonomy and humanity. Discover how life plans reflect personal goals and choices and understand the balance between support and control. This discussion ensures compassionate service delivery that prioritizes the dignity and respect of every individual.

Key Takeaways:

• Human Rights: Individuals with developmental disabilities have the fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect, make choices, and be active in their communities.
• Self-Advocacy: This involves empowering individuals to speak up for themselves in various ways, including non-verbal communication.
• Supported Decision-Making: This respectful approach supports individuals in making their choices without relinquishing control over their decisions.
• Life Plans: These plans should be developed collaboratively with the individual, reflecting their goals and desires.
• Responsibilities Parallel Rights: Both individuals and support staff have responsibilities that empower and safeguard rights, advocating with individuals being supported.

Resources:

·     OPWDD/SANYS Rights, Responsibilities and Advocacy Booklet | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

Stay connected with DSP Chat for more insig

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Katrina Hazell is a dynamic motivational speaker, life coach, and author, known for her inspiring book "Special Education to College the Katrina Story, Breaking Those Glass Ceilings". As the founder and Executive Director of Disability Champion Mentoring Network Incorporated, Katrina is dedicated to empowerment, self-direction, and disability advocacy. She holds the position of Vice Chair of the Council on Developmental Disabilities and serves as an advocate lead for the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation. Katrina is also a graduate of Kingsborough Community College, where she earned her Associate's degree.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Katrina Hazell, a prominent motivational speaker and life coach, to discuss self-direction for people with disabilities. As individuals set new goals for the year, Katrina delves into the significance of self-directing one’s life, focusing on using one's unique gifts and strengths rather than conforming to external expectations. Katrina shares how she navigates the systems designed for individuals with disabilities and underlines the importance of supportive relationships with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to foster true independence.

Throughout the episode, Asheley and Katrina explore how being in control of one's own goals translates into daily life, highlighting the need for a balance between independence and support. Katrina shares her experiences advocating for herself, such as her journey with supported decision-making, and the impact it has had on bolstering her confidence. By underscoring the importance of emotional support and positive reinforcement, Katrina emphasizes building empowering partnerships rooted in trust and accountability. As Katrina shares her vision for a life that transcends societal limitations, Asheley encourages listeners to focus on the bigger picture, creating a life guided by one's own aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Direction Empowerment: Katrina emphasizes that effective self-direction begins internally and is strengthened by supportive networks that truly recognize and believe in one's goals.
• Daily Goal Control: Effective DSP relationships enable individuals to retain control over their goals by offering accountability and positive support, ensuring alignment within provided systems.
• Partnership Dynamics: Empowering DSP partnerships involve sharing goals, fostering trust, and providing accountability support, ensuring that individuals can achieve their aspirations.
• Bigger Picture Perspective: Katrina advises that both individuals and DSPs should focus on creating and pursuing a holistic vision for life, transcending system-imposed limitations.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I do not allow myself to feel limited or dwell on my disability. Instead, I focus within my gifts, abilities, and superpowers." - Katrina Hazell
2. "I knew I didn't want guardianship, but a village to support me along the way." - Katrina Hazell
3. "A truly empowering partnership with a DSP is having accountability support where you can see yourself thrive." - Katrina Hazell
4. "Create the bigger picture of the life that you want to see within yourself, not what the system sees for you." - Katrina Hazell

Resources:

• Episode Transcript
• Special Education to College The Ketrina Story: Breaking Those Glass Ceilings
• Disability Champion Mentoring Network
• The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

For more inspiring discussions and insights into disability advocacy and self-direction, tune into the full episode and stay engaged with DSP Talk for future episodes.

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Nick Filarelli is the Executive Director at Core Services of Northeast Tennessee. With nearly two decades of experience, Nick has been transformative in the field of disability services, particularly in integrating technology to promote independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He began his career as a direct support professional and became an advocate for enabling technology, sharing his expertise widely across the United States and Canada. In 2022, Nick testified before the Arkansas state legislature, successfully advocating for the inclusion of enabling technology in the state's waiver program.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Nick Filarelli, an eminent figure in the realm of disability services. Nick elaborates on the pivotal role of enabling technology in enhancing the independence of individuals with disabilities, explaining its profound impact on both the people served and the workforce supporting them. As a seasoned leader and advocate, Nick shares insightful anecdotes and innovative strategies that Core Services of Northeast Tennessee has integrated to become a tech-first organization.

Throughout the conversation, Nick addresses the nuances of employing enabling technology as a solution to the staffing crisis that plagues the disability service field. He discusses common barriers and how technology can overcome them, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities. He also highlights the importance of addressing potential risks and ethical concerns, emphasizing the essential role of intentional and thoughtful integration of technology in daily routines. Nick's insights illuminate a path toward a future-shaped by independence and empowerment for everyone involved in this vital field.

Key Takeaways:

• Enabling technology is redefined as a crucial tool for promoting the independence of individuals with disabilities, minimizing reliance on paid staff, and addressing the staffing crisis.
• The integration of technology should focus on overcoming barriers to independence, such as medication administration, emergency response, and daily living tasks.
• Risk management involves ensuring technology is used ethically and for the right reasons, not for inappropriate monitoring or control.
• The introduction of new technology-centric positions creates promotional avenues and flexibility for staff, improving their work-life harmony.

Notable Quotes:

•  "Technology is probably by far the best tool we have in our toolbox right now to try to do things differently and plan for a changing future."
•  "I find that the larger concern is not the technology not working, but it's people using it for the wrong reason."
•  "We're always going to need people with big hearts and no interest in a computer. And we're going to put those with folks that need that type of support."

Resources:

• Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
• OPWDD Home-Enabling Supports

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode for a deeper understanding of how technology is revolutionizing the field of disability services. Stay tuned for more inspiring and informative episodes from DSP Talk!

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