Direct Support Professional
What does DSP stand for? Double points for the description of the position!
Direct Support Professional- assist people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by supporting them with their goals and helping them in their activities of daily living.
Name an Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome,
Myth or Reality:
Individuals with disabilities cannot get married or have children
Myth- people with all disabilities get married, have children, grandchildren- and live relatively normal lives.
A family recently discovers their child has Autism. They have received a case manager with the Office of Developmental Disabilities and they're not sure what to do next. Who can they call?
They can call Rachel McCormick at RISE Services to help get them referred to receive services!
List one job duty of a DSP. List 3 for double points!
Programs at RISE Services (Name 2)
In-Home Services
Employment Services
Residential/Group Homes
Supported Living
Host Homes
Myth or Reality:
People with autism are all the same.
Myth- Autistic individuals all have unique qualities just like you or I.
True or False: DSP's are a nationally recognized position.
True! DSP's even have a week dedicated to them which is known as DSP Appreciation Week. We celebrate this during the 2nd week of September every year!
Which states is RISE in? Name at least 2!
Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Florida, North Carolina
Misconception or Reality: People with Intellectual Disabilities receive better healthcare.
Misconception- Individuals with intellectual disabilities typically receive substandard healthcare, or virtually no care at all.
Lucy has been feeling like something is missing in her life. She is not sure what, but she thinks she would like to fill in her life with something else.
What could you recommend for Lucy?
Lucy could apply to be a DSP at RISE!
What are the job requirements for a DSP? Name at least 1! Name 3 for double points!
Clean Driving Record, Approved Background Check, Personal Vehicle, Compassion/Empathy
What was Fairview?
-2x points if you know why they were closed down.
The Fairview Training Center was a state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities in Salem, Oregon.
It was overcrowded and poorly staffed. In 1985, a U.S. Justice Department investigation determined residents faced life-threatening conditions. Following a federal civil rights lawsuit, Fairview closed in 2000, with most remaining patients rehoused in the community.
Myth or Reality: About 6.5 million people have an intellectual disability in the United States.
Reality-
Approximately 1 – 3 percent of the global population has an intellectual disability—as many as 200 million people.
Derek is 34 years old and has always relied on his parents for supports. He has an intellectual disability which has made it more challenging for him to do certain activities of daily living (preparing meals, hygiene tasks). Derek's parents are getting older and aren't sure how long they can take care of him. What could be an option for them?
Derek's family could refer him to RISE to get put in one of their group homes where he would receive 24 hours of support 7 days a week.
Name 2 perks of being a DSP for RISE Services.
What kind of specialized therapies exist for those with developmental disabilities? (Name 1)
Equestrian Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Art Therapy
Misconception or Reality: Wheelchair use is confining; people who use wheelchairs are “wheelchair-bound.”
Misconception: A wheelchair, like a bicycle or an automobile, is a personal assistive device that enables someone to get around. It provides freedom for mobility. People do not have to be paralyzed to use a wheelchair.
-Instead of "Wheelchair Bound", say “Wheelchair user or “person who uses a wheelchair”
What is the foster care program called at RISE?
Host Homes- we are always looking for providers who would like to support children in their own home.