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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