Title: The Meaning of Direct Support Professional
1 The Meaning of Direct Support Professional
2 History of Disabilities
- Disability History Timeline
- In 355 B.C. laws required that no deformed child
should live. - Attitudes were slow to change. The growth of
modern religions-particularly Christianity and
Islam- gradually caused people with disabilities
to be treated, if not equals, as worthy of some
protection
3History- continued
- The Catholic Church, the most powerful and
influential force in Europe by the 5th century,
taught charity as a virtue. Basing its position
on frequent depictions of Jesus as showing
kindness and even healing the disabled. - St. Paul called to comfort the feeble-minded,
making the first steps toward establishing basic
human rights for people with developmental
disabilities.
4History- continued
- However,treatment of most people with
disabilities improved little. People born with
disabilities still faced mistreatment and abuse.
They were often kept as jesters (fools) in the
courts of the nobility- abused for the
entertainment of the wealthy and powerful.
Although it did move out of the manors of lords
and into the streets.
5History- continued
- In town squares, idiot boxes steel cages where
people with mental illness or mental retardation
were confined to keep them out of trouble, were
not uncommon. Theses were, more often than not,
used more for the cruel entertainment of the
townsfolk than for any more humanitarian purpose.
(it is from this practice that the term village
idiot is derived.
6History- continued
- From there we went to a movement to create
hospitals to care for people with disabilities.
The first such institution, founded in 787 A.D.
Italy. - Now lets fast forward to the United States..As
in Europe, the establishment of the almshouse
was created where
7History- continued
- the government placed people with developmental
disabilities with the mentally ill, unemployable
poor, drunkards, criminals and runaways- the
conditions of the government houses were less
than ideal. - It should be understood that the almshouses, the
correctional institutions, and the hospitals were
primarily for the benefit of those who were
without family supports.
8History- continued
- While scientific advancements at the end of the
19th century offered hope for new medical
treatments, they also brought about many negative
changes for the treatment of people with
disabilities. - Eugenics the breeding of a superior race or the
protection of the gene pool. Laws mandating
sterilization of people with disabilities became
prominent.
9History- continued
- Indiana became the first of 23 states (over half
of the states in the U.S. at the time) to pass
legislation requiring the involuntary
sterilization of any confirmed criminal, idiot,
rapist, or imbecile in a state institution. Seven
additional states passed similar legislation.
10History- continued
- Since, at this point, the vast majority of people
with DD were confined to state institutions, it
was nearly a foregone conclusion that if a person
had a DD, that person was going to be subjected
to an involuntary sterilization procedure. - It is not insignificant that Virginias eugenics
law became the model for Nazi eugenics
legislation, and was a key piece of defense in
the Nuremburg trails.
11History- continued
- In 1915, Good Housekeeping magazine advised its
readers that people with mental retardation are
born of and will breed nothing but defective
stock and, without citing any source, asserted
that seven-eights of our criminals are
recruited from this population. Take care of
the morons, the magazine said, and crime will
take care of itself.
12History- continued
- It was not until 1950s (although there was some
activity in the 1930s) that society as a whole
began to question the wisdom of involuntary
institutionalization for people with
disabilities. With the formation of the ARC and
following the Brown v. Board of Education case in
1954, was ARC able to assert the rights of people
with disabilities to receive and education.
13History - continued
- Although Brown v. Board of Education was
primarily seen as an anti-segregation case, Brown
was far broader in implication, affirming the
right of all citizens to not face discrimination
in the educational system. - By 1960 Senator Robert Kennedy and other
political figures began to raise the alarm about
the conditions in public institutions.
14History - continued
- Public sentiment did not begin to change
dramatically, until the media took up the cause. - Burton Blatt and Fred Kaplan(photojournalists)
documented the conditions in state institutions
over Christmas. The photo and accompanying text,
entitled Christmas in Purgatory, shocked the
public.
15History - continued
- As a result of such exposure, states began
passing laws recognizing the rights of people
with disabilities. This process, known as
deinstitutionalization, continues today.
16New Models
- As people were moved out of institutions and into
the community, the focus of services to these
individuals began to shift from caretaking to
support. - This was a significant difference in that
embodied a new attitude toward people with DD
instead of being people who needed attending,
they were people who had goals and dreams of
their own and simply needed assistance in
achieving them.
17Models- continued
- We moved to group homes, active treatment,
freedom of choice, inclusion,
person-centered, American Disabilities Act
Olmstead decision and so on. - Views of people with DD have progressed from
subhuman in ancient times through patient and
client to finally citizen. As such, the
decisions about their lives are being made less
frequently by doctors and other professionals,
Instead, they are made by the individual himself
in concert with his/her circle of support.
18Today
- Today the focus is on self-determination.
Self-determination is based on four basic
principles - Freedom to exercise of the same rights as all
citizens. People with disabilities (with
assistance, when necessary) will establish where
they want to live, with whom they want to live
and how their time will be occupied. They do not
have to trade their inalienable rights guaranteed
under the Constitution for supports or services.
19Self-Determination - continued
- Authority and control of whatever sums of money
are needed for ones own support. This control
includes the re- prioritizing of these dollars
when necessary. This is accomplished through the
development of an individual budget that moves
with the person.
20Self-Determination - continued
- Support through the organization of thee
resources as determined by the person with a
disability. This means that individuals do not
receive supervision and staffing. Rather,
folks with disabilities may seek companionship
for support and contract for any number of
discrete tasks for which they need assistance.
21Self-Determination- continued
- Responsible and wise use of public dollars.
Dollars are now being used as an investment in a
persons life and not handled as resources to
purchase services or slots. Responsibility
includes the ordinary obligations of American
citizens and allows individuals to contribute to
their communities in meaningful ways.
22People First Movement
- These principles are part of the People First
movement, an effort to promote the idea that,
first and foremost, people with disabilities are
people. - Values and services continue to evolve as needs,
understanding, and attitudes change. As our
history demonstrates, this is inevitable.
23The Direct Support Professional
24Direct Support Professional
- The primary purpose of the DSP today is to
assist people who need support to lead
self-directed lives and to participate fully in
our communities and nation. - This emphasis on empowerment and participation is
critical because of the prejudices of society
form powerful barriers that prevent many people
with mental or physical disabilities enjoying a
high quality of life.
25Direct Support Professional
- Therefore, it must be the mission of the DSP to
follow the individual path suggested by the
unique gifts, preferences, and needs of each
person they support, and to walk in partnership
with the person, and those who love him or her,
toward a life of opportunity, well-being,
freedom, and contribution.
26Credo of SupportBy Norman Kunc and Emma Van der
Klift
- Do Not see my disability as the problem
- Do Not see my disability as a deficit
- Do Not try to fix me because I am not broken
- Recognize that my disability is an attribute
- It is you who see me as deviant and helpless
- Support me. I can make my contribution to the
community in my own way
27Credo of Support cont
- Do Not see me as your client. I am your fellow
citizen. - Do Not try to modify my behavior
- See me as your neighbor. Remember, none of us can
be self-sufficient - Be still and listen.
- What you define as inappropriate may be my
attempt to communicate with you in the only way I
can
28Credo of Support- cont
- Do Not try to change me, you have no right.
- Do Not hide your uncertainty behind professional
distance.
- Help me learn what I want to know.
- Be a person who listens and does not take my
struggle away from me by trying to make it all
better.
29Credo of Support- cont
- Do Not use theories and strategies on me.
- Do Not teach me to be obedient, submissive, and
polite.
- Be with me. And when we struggle with one
another, let that give rise to self-reflection. - I need to feel entitled to No if I am to protect
myself.
30Credo of Support - cont
- Do Not be charitable towards me. The last thing
this world needs is another Jerry Lewis. - Do Not try to be my friend. I deserve more than
that.
- Be my ally against those who would exploit me for
their own gratification. - Get to know me. We may become friends.
31Credo of Support- cont
- Do Not help me, even if it does make you feel
good. - Do Not admire me. A desire to lead a full life
does not warrant adoration.
- Ask me if I need your help. Let me show you how
you can best assist me. - Respect me, for respect presumes equity.
32Credo of Support- cont
- Do Not tell, correct, and lead.
- Do Not work on me
- Listen, support and follow.
- Work with me.
33 National Alliance of Direct Support
Professionals (NADSP)
- Unfortunately, until recently there have been no
set criteria to guide these journeys as there are
for other professional groups (such as nurses,
social workers, service coordinators and doctors)
who have intimate knowledge of and responsibility
for another persons emotional,financial or
physical being.
34 NADSP - continued
- andthere is no other position today in which
ethical practice and standards are more important
than direct support.
35NADSP
- Who is the NADSP?
- The NADSP is a coalition of organizations and
individuals committed to strengthening the
quality of human service support by strengthening
the direct support workforce. The group has
representatives from the fields of mental health,
developmental disabilities, child welfare,
education, and many others in the human services
community.
36NADSP- continued
- The Alliance has developed a national agenda to
address conditions chronicled for 25 years that
are harmful to people who rely on human services.
These conditions include high staff turnover, low
social status, insufficient training, limited
educational and career opportunities, and poor
wages.
37NADSP - continued
- The NADSP believes that service participants and
direct support professionals are partners in the
move towards a self-determined life, and in
complimenting and facilitating growth of natural
supports. NADSP recognize that people needing
support are more likely to fulfill their life
dreams if they have well-trained, experienced,
and motivated people at their side in long-term,
stable, compatible support relationships.
38NADSP- continued
- These undermine the commitment of the Direct
Support Professionals, and have made it very
difficult to recruit and train qualified and
committed individuals in direct support roles in
every area of human services.
39 Code of Ethics
- In 2000, The National Alliance for Direct support
Professionals (NADSP) convened a national panel
of DSPs, advocates, families, professionals, and
researchers who constructed the Code of Ethics.
Focus groups and surveys regarding the draft
language were conducted throughout the country
and were integrated to create the final code.
40 NADSP Code of Ethics
- The Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a
straightforward and relevant ethical guide,
shedding some light on the shared path to a
self-directed life. It is intended to guide DSPs
in resolving ethical dilemmas they face every day
and to encourage DSPs to achieve the highest
ideals of the profession.
41Person-Centered Supports
- As a DSP, my first allegiance is to the person I
support all other activities and functions I
perform flow from this allegiance. - As a DSP, I will
- Recognize that each person must direct his or her
own life and support and that the unique social
network, circumstances, personality, preferences,
needs and gifts of each person I support must be
the primary guide for the selection, structure,
and use of supports for that individual.
42Person Centered Supports- cont
- Commit to person-centered supports as best
practice - Provide advocacy when the needs of the system
override those of the individual(s) I support, or
when individual preferences, needs or gifts are
neglected for other reasons. - Honor the personality, preferences, culture and
gifts of people who cannot speak by seeking other
ways of understanding them.
43Person Centered Supports cont
- Focus first on the person, and understand that my
role in direct supports will require flexibility,
creativity and commitment.
44Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being
- As a DSP, I am responsible for supporting the
emotional, physical, and personal well-being of
the individuals receiving support. I will
encourage growth and recognize the autonomy of
the individuals receiving support while being
attentive and energetic in reducing their risk of
harm.
45Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being - cont
- As a DSP, I will
- Develop a relationship with the people I support
that is respectful, based on mutual trust, and
that maintains professional boundaries. - Assist the individuals I support to understand
their options and the possible consequences of
these options as they relate to their physical
health and emotional well-being.
46Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being cont
- Promote and protect the health, safety, and
emotional well-being of an individual by
assisting the person in preventing illness and
avoiding unsafe activity. I will work with the
individual
47Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being - cont
- and his or her support network to identify area
of risk and to create safeguards specific to thee
concerns. - Know and respect the values of the people I
support and facilitate their expression of
choices related to those values. - Challenge others, including support team members
(e.g. doctors, nurses, therapists, co-workers,
family members) to recognize
48Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being - cont
- and support the rights of individuals to make
informed decisions even when these decisions
involve personal risk. - Be vigilant in identifying, discussing with
others, and reporting any situation in which the
individuals I support are at risk of abuse,
neglect, exploitation or harm. - Consistently address challenging behaviors
proactively, respectfully, and by avoiding the
use of aversive or deprivation
49Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being - cont
- intervention techniques. If these techniques are
included in an approved support plan I will work
diligently to find alternatives and will advocate
for the eventual elimination of these techniques
from the persons plan.
50Integrity and Responsibility
- As a DSP, I will support the mission and vitality
of my profession to assist people in leading
self-directed lives and to foster a spirit of
partnership with the people I support, other
professionals, and the community.
51Integrity and Responsibility - continued
- As a DSP, I will
- Be conscious of my own values and how they
influence my professional decisions. - Maintain competency in my profession through
learning and ongoing communication with others - Assume responsibility and accountability for my
decisions and actions.
52Integrity and Responsibility continued
- Actively seek advice and guidance on ethical
issues from others as needed when making
decisions. - Recognize the importance of modeling valued
behaviors to co-workers, persons receiving
support, and the community at large.
53Integrity and Responsibility- continued
- Practice responsible work habits.
54Confidentiality
- As a DSP, I will safeguard and respect the
confidentiality and privacy of the people I
support. - As a DSP, I will
- Seek information directly from those I support
regarding their wishes in how, when and with whom
privileged information should be shared.
55Confidentiality - continued
- Seek out a qualified individual who can help me
clarify situations where the correct course of
action is not clear. - Recognize that confidentiality agreements with
individuals are subject to state and agency
regulations. - Recognize that confidentiality agreements with
individuals should be broken if their is imminent
harm to others or to the person I support.
56Justice, Fairness and Equity
- As a DSP, I will promote and practice justice,
fairness, and equity for the people I support and
the community as a whole. I will affirm the human
rights, civil rights and responsibilities of the
people I support.
57Justice, Fairness and Equity continued
- As a DSP, I will
- Help the people I support use the opportunities
and the resources of the community available to
everyone. - Help the individuals I support understand and
express their rights and responsibilities. - Understand the guardianship or other legal
representation of individuals I support, and work
in partnership with legal representatives to
assure that the individuals preferences and
interests are honored. -
58Respect
- As a DSP, I will respect the human dignity and
uniqueness of the people I support. I will
recognize each person I support as valuable and
help others understand their value. - As a DSP, I will
- Seek to understand the individuals I support
today in the context of their personal history,
59Respect- continued
- Their social and family networks, and their hopes
and dreams for the future. - Honor the choices and preferences of the people I
support. - Protect the privacy of the people I support.
- Uphold the human rights of the people I support.
- Interact with the people I support in a
respectful manner.
60Respect - continued
- Recognize and respect the cultural context (e.g.
religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
social-economic class) of the person supported
and his/her social network. - Provide opportunities and supports that help the
individuals I support be viewed with respect and
as integral members of their communities.
61Relationships
- As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to
develop and maintain relationships. - As a DSP, I will
- Advocated for the people I support when they do
not have access to opportunities and education to
facilitate building and maintaining relationships.
62Relationships - continued
- Assure that people have the opportunity to make
informed choices in safely expressing their
sexuality. - Recognize the importance of relationships and
proactively facilitate relationships between the
people I support, their family and friends. - Separate my own personal beliefs and expectations
regarding relationships (including sexual
relationships)
63Relationships - continued
- From those desired by the people I support based
on their personal preferences. If I am unable to
separate my own beliefs/preferences in a given
situation I will actively remove myself from the
situation. - Refrain from expressing negative views, harsh
judgments, and stereotyping of people close to
the individuals I support.
64Self- Determination
- As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to
direct the course of their own lives. - As a DSP, I will
- Work in partnership with others to support
individuals leading self-directed lives. - Honor the individuals right to assume risk in an
informed manner. - Recognize that each individual has potential for
lifelong learning and growth.
65Advocacy
- As a DSP, I will advocate with the people I
support for justice, inclusion, and full
community participation . - As a DSP, I will
- Support individuals to speak for themselves in
all matters where my assistance is needed. - Represent the best interests of people who cannot
speak for themselves by finding alternative ways
of understanding their needs,
66Advocacy - continued
- Including gathering information from others who
represent their best interests. - Advocate for laws, policies, and supports that
promote justice and inclusion for people with
disabilities and other groups who have been
disempowered. - Promote human, legal, and civil rights of all
people and assist others to understand these
rights.
67Advocacy - continued
- Recognize that those who victimize people with
disabilities either criminally or civilly must be
held accountable for their actions. - Find additional advocacy services when those that
I provide are not sufficient. - Consult with people I trust when I am unsure of
the appropriate course of action in my advocacy
efforts.
68Do As I Say
69Evaluation