![I am DSPAM page 3
$20 Membership: The best
return on staff-investment!
Now is the perfect time to recognize DSPs by
providing them with a gift membership.
Gift memberships are ideal for recognizing:
• Employee's of the month
• Employee's Anniversary start dates
• Employee's Birthdays
• Employee going above and beyond
• Employee's providing emergency shift
coverage
• Employees new to the field
DSPAM Membership Includes:
• Dual membership in NADSP
• I am DSPAM e-newsletter
• Front line Initiative newsletter
• DSPAM/NADSP membership card
• NADSP Code of Ethics Card
• Preferred pricing on DSPAM sponsored
events.
ARE YOU A MEMBER?
PCA services back in
the news again!
As we head into another legislative session, it was bound
to happen- PCA services back in public debate. However,
unlike last years reporting which did not portray home
care services and the DSP workforce favorably, some
recent articles have come out which provide a more
balanced story. We wanted to bring these to your
attention:
Balancing the cost of care: Cuts mean
many disabled Minnesotans get less help with at-
home care.
By: Jim Spencer [Thursday, January 13, 2011]
http://www.startribune.com/local/113428589.html
Understanding what the Legislative
Session will mean.
By: John Tschida [January 10, 2011]
http://www.accesspress.org/
Cutting into the thin margin of health:
PCA changes in Minnesota:
By: Sharon Rolenc [January 24,2011]
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/01/23/c
utting-thin-margin-health-pca-changes-minnesota
Log-in to these newspapers and leave
comments which reflect how you feel
about these issues.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2892fd0f-cb6a-475a-ad01-915551407038-161114192824/85/Iamdspam-2011-1-3-320.jpg)
Iamdspam 2011 (1)
- 1. Winter 2011 The Direct Support Professional Association of MN. Meet the 2011 DSPAM President:The following is an interview that took place between News Editor and Vice President, Brigette Menger- Anderson and DSPAMs new President, Don Krutsinger. Don, please tell us about your involvement in the DSP workforce: I have been working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities since 1988. I began in Kansas working in residential settings working with Community Living Opportunities and Sheltered Living, as well as with Day Services Programs working with TARC. I was aslo a Para within Lawrence Public Schools Transitional Educational Program. In 2004 I completed a BSW degree and became a Targeted Case Manager in Iowa and worked in a Youth Shelter. I discovered that I didn’t enjoy the large caseloads and paperwork but preferred working directly with people with disabilities. I have been working since 2006 in the Twin Cities as a Program Coordinator and a Regional Specialist (Floating DSP) with REM and also with Fraser, Phoenix Residence, MCIL, and Accurate Home Care. Why do you think membership in DSPAM is an important self-investment for the DSP workforce? I learned early that as a single Direct Support Professional you cannot live on the income of one job; I always had to work more than one job to make ends meet. When I discovered the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals three years ago, I recognized that this was just as much a needed Professional Association as the National Association of Social Workers. The best way to know what was going on within the Direct Support Professional workforce within Minnesota was to join the DSPAM Board. One of the things I have realized while on the board, is that the Minnesota’s DSP’s seemed to be divided by the type of agencies and support that they give. Kansa hosts 'The Big Tent Coalition' which is a grass roots effort of people with disabilities, seniors, friends and family members, advocates and Service Providers. Together, they would work to influence legislation, funding and policy, promote consumer choice, access, and affordability of services. They would get over a thousand people out for a collective Day at the Capital that filled the steps and grounds of the Capital with individuals demanding that the needs of elderly, as well as all ages and types of disabilities were not neglected. In Minnesota, we have many Days at the Capital representing Community Independent Living Programs, families with children with disabilities, I am DSPAM In This Issue • Meet our new President • Day at the Capitol Events • PCA Services in the news again • Collaboration with the DCA • Join a DSPAM Committee • NADSP & The College of Direct Support Don Krutsinger “I went back to school to get a Social Work degree thinking that would put me into a more professional position but learned that working directly with individuals with Disabilities is just as much a profession that demands respect and a professional commitment as being an Administrator or Social Worker.” Don Krutisinger
- 2. I am DSPAM page 2 and Residential and Day Services, Eldercare, Special Education and Mental Wellness advocates all competing for a responsible share of the Health and Human Services budget.. I find DSP’s have relied on their employers to lobby the legislature for them and sadly, they have discovered what happens when politicians decide to balance their budgets by cutting funding to those with disabilities. These cuts result in reductions in full time positions, salaries, benefits, and opportunities to find work. However, the vast majority of DSP’s within DSPAM work for Residential and Day Services Programs and many of those programs are not aware of the NADSP and DSPAM or do not recognize the benefit of DSP's speaking up for themselves and telling their story about how funding cuts effect their jobs and incomes. You advocate for members to utilize social networking applications. Sare with us how you will incorporate more networked-based communication to support members in you role as President. One of my goals this year as President of DSPAM is to help our Residential and Day Services Programs model the self-advocacy efforts that DSPs in the Independent Living Support Programs have demonstrated. One way we would like to do that is to be able to share presentations to our Residential and Day Services Programs regarding our desire to support DSP’s in advocating for funding for their jobs within their programs. We will continue to increase our communication to our members and agency contacts not only through E – newsletters from DSPAM and NADSP. Members will also notice more opportunities and resources posted on Facebook and Linked in. One of the potential benefits of the Linked in is that it allows DSP’s who are looking for full time or part time work to make connections with many different agencies personnel departments and will allow them to share resume’s with potential employers. There is a online job posting service and any company can post job openings in the 'Discussion section.' DSPs have been negatively impacted by the program changes and funding cuts that have taken place during legislative sessions. Yet, the presence of DSPs at Capitol rally's is dismal in comparison to the number of registered DSPs in the State. How can we get DSPs geared up and ready for the month- long activities that will be taking place in March at the Capitol? As we go into this Legislative Session we need to let our Legislators know that they should they not seek to balance their budget by cutting support for those that are the most vulnerable and left without a back up plan or safety net. As DSPs, we need to share with them what we have been taught; we should never be involved in abusing or neglecting those who need our services and support to live a life of dignity and opportuntiy. Legislatures were elected to serve all of their citizens and whether they delegate that task to Social Service programs, they should not abuse and neglect the basic needs of people with disabilities. This is not just a public welfare issue , it is also a jobs issue that effects the employment of the many of the consumers who rely on DSPs to assit them with getting to work, the providers who employ DSPs and the DSPs themselves. DSPs need to know what effects these cuts will produce for their employment stability. DSPs need to speak out to make sure that the needs of the people they support are met and that it isn’t their hours, wages and jobs that are being cut in the budget balancing process. I hope that more of our members will be able to join DSPAM at any one of the planned Days at the Capitol. Make sure you register for an event, that way a time can be scheduled for you to meet with your Representatives to talk about theses issues. We've included a calendar of events that are taking place now through March. I look forward to meeting with you in-person and on-line through our linked in and face book pages. You can also contact me at donkrutsinger@comcast.net Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role. Sincerely, Don Krutsinger, DSPAM President “We would like DSPAM to be the preferred Association for anyone who wants to make being a Direct Support Professional their chosen career.” Don Krutisinger “Thankfully, there has been an active group of DSP’s within DSPAM that have written letters, provided testimonials and been a strong presence in the disability community. These DSPs are supporting the need to sustain consumer-directed home care services as both a cost-effective alternative and one that provides the most in choices, flexibility and quality of life for the people they support.” Don Krutsinger
- 3. I am DSPAM page 3 $20 Membership: The best return on staff-investment! Now is the perfect time to recognize DSPs by providing them with a gift membership. Gift memberships are ideal for recognizing: • Employee's of the month • Employee's Anniversary start dates • Employee's Birthdays • Employee going above and beyond • Employee's providing emergency shift coverage • Employees new to the field DSPAM Membership Includes: • Dual membership in NADSP • I am DSPAM e-newsletter • Front line Initiative newsletter • DSPAM/NADSP membership card • NADSP Code of Ethics Card • Preferred pricing on DSPAM sponsored events. ARE YOU A MEMBER? PCA services back in the news again! As we head into another legislative session, it was bound to happen- PCA services back in public debate. However, unlike last years reporting which did not portray home care services and the DSP workforce favorably, some recent articles have come out which provide a more balanced story. We wanted to bring these to your attention: Balancing the cost of care: Cuts mean many disabled Minnesotans get less help with at- home care. By: Jim Spencer [Thursday, January 13, 2011] http://www.startribune.com/local/113428589.html Understanding what the Legislative Session will mean. By: John Tschida [January 10, 2011] http://www.accesspress.org/ Cutting into the thin margin of health: PCA changes in Minnesota: By: Sharon Rolenc [January 24,2011] http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/01/23/c utting-thin-margin-health-pca-changes-minnesota Log-in to these newspapers and leave comments which reflect how you feel about these issues.
- 4. I am DSPAM page 4 Get involved with Days at the Capitol! January 25th : Advocating Change Together, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, People First of Minnesota, Self-Advocates Minnesota, The Arc of Minnesota http://www.arcgreatertwincities.org/documents/Disabi lityDayattheCapitol2011ArcGreaterTwinCities.pdf February 8th : Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) http://www.arrm.org/training/ongoing/DAC.html Minnesota Habilitation Coalition & MnDACA: http://www.mnhabco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Legis lative_brochure_2009-2010 March 7th : MCIL/ MSCOD/ SEMCIL/ ILCIL/DSPAM “Wear Purple!” http://www.nadsp.org/docs/DSPAMCohostsMarch7Di sabilityDayatMNCapitol.pdf March 10th : Courage Center http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/getinvol ved.aspx?FromNavPK=932 March 15th : MS Society http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/mnm/take -action/get-involved/ms-rally-at-the-capitol/index.aspx March 16th : MN Org. on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders http://www.mofas.org/2010/11/public-policy-article-1/ JOIN US! Each Tuesday during the legislative session, MN- CCD will be at the Capitol to help people share their stories about the importance of disability services with legislators and to ensure there is a disability community presence. AGENDA: • 10:00am: Welcome and introduction with MN-CCD in the State Office Building Basement Cafeteria • 10:30am – 12pm : Meet with your legislators and share your personal story • 12:00pm – 1pm: Lunch in the Department of Transportation Cafeteria • 1:00pm: Advocates are encouraged to attend hearings or meet with their legislators if they were unable to do so in the morning ►Learn how to find and meet your legislator ►Share your personal story with your legislator ►Educate yourself about disability programs and services ►Become an effective advocate for yourself and the broader disability community Email Anni at asimons@arcmn.org to sign up for one or more Tuesdays at the Capitol.
- 5. I am DSPAM page 5 Meet one of our featured partners! Who they are: The Direct Care Alliance is the national advocacy voice of direct care workers in long-term care. We empower workers to speak out for better wages, benefits and training, so more people can commit to direct care as a career. We also convene powerful allies nationwide to build consensus for change. Mission: The Direct Care Alliance empowers direct care workers to advocate for quality long-term care by building a stable, respected direct care workforce. We urge state and federal policymakers to: • Secure a Living Wage and Overtime Protections: Extend protections to home care workers through the Fair Labor Standards Act and increase wages for workers compensated through Medicare and Medicaid. • Ensure Health Care and other Benefits for Workers: Guarantee quality, affordable health care and benefits such as paid sick leave for everyone, including direct care workers. • Create Opportunities for Training and Career Advancement: Expand training, education and certification programs to provide direct care workers with opportunities for specialization and career advancement. We wanted to help them get the word out about a wonderful leadership opportunity for DSPs: 2011 Voices Institute! Now Accepting Applications for 2011 Voices Institute! The Direct Care Alliance is proud to announce its Third Annual Voices Institute National Leadership Program, a week-long, intensive leadership training for direct care workers. This year’s Voices Institute is at the beautiful DeKoven Retreat Center, on Lake Michigan, in Racine, Wisconsin, from May 8 – 13. Voices Institute National Leadership Program: The Direct Care Alliance selects direct care worker leaders for this intensive, week-long retreat, where they learn about advocacy, fund raising, organizational development, message development, and more. The first Voices Institute National Leadership Program was held in May 2008, followed by incredibly successful programs and workshops in 2009 and 2010. Voices Institute graduates are changing the world by: ◊ Testifying before legislators; ◊ Building relationships with lawmakers to raise their awareness of direct care worker issues; ◊ Putting on conferences for their worker associations; ◊ Launching new state chapters and associations; ◊ Writing letters to government officials to request better wages and working conditions; ◊ Raising funds and building membership for their worker associations; ◊ Speaking at conferences and other public events; and ◊Joining the Direct Care Alliance staff. If you know a direct care worker who is interested in advocating for better direct care jobs, tell them about this amazing opportunity and ask them to fill out an application. For more information or to fill out an application please visit: www.directcarealliance.org/voices Applications must be received by February 14, 2011.
- 6. I am DSPAM page 6 Did you know that the events and activities that DSPAM creates and participates in come from the suggestions of our members? Help shape our planning and outreach efforts for the new year! We have committee meetings the second Tuesday of every month from 2-4 pm (locations t.b.d, email us for details!) If you can't make a meeting, but would like to give us some feedback or share your suggestions, you can contact our President at donkrutsinger@comcast.net Come visit us on face book and start a discussion topic! http://www.facebook.com/? ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=42551416801 2011 Committees: ❶Policy ❷Presentation &Training ❸Membership • Marketing • Event • Newsletter DSPAM wants you to get involved! Join a committee today!
- 7. I am DSPAM page 7 NADSP Updates: Coming January 26: Webinar on Registered Apprenticeship Program for DSPs Please join the National Direct Service Workforce (DSW) Resource Center on Wednesday, January 26th 3:00-4:30 pm EST for an important teleconference/webinar about the US DOL Registered Apprenticeship program and the new Direct Support Professional (DSP) Registered Apprenticeship Standards. For more information: http://www.nadsp.org/docs/ApprenticeshipWebinar.pdf To register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/779671785 Do you know about the College of Direct Support? The College of Direct Support is a learning gateway for contemporary best practices for Direct Support Professionals. By incorporating web-based learning, backed by nationally recognized curricula, the CDS is designed to promote a profession of direct support. Core Values The College of Direct Support strives to reflect a core set of 10 values in the training programs it provides to Direct Support Professionals and to supervisors and managers. Did you know that DSPAM is the State chapter of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals? Together, we are working to enhance the status of direct support professionals and promote the development of a highly competent human services workforce. We 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. The College of Direct Support is accredited and approved by the NADSP as meeting its curriculum standards for DSPs to study and earn the credentials through three tiers: • Direct Support Professional - Registered level. At this level DSPs commit to the profession, the NADSP Code of Ethics and demonstrate six months of continuous employment as a DSP with the same employer. • DSP- Certified. At this level DSPs are required to complete an accredited education or training program and to submit a portfolio of work samples that demonstrate their competence in 8/15 competency areas provided by the NADSP. • DSP - Specialist. At this level DSPs are required to complete specialized training and to develop a work sample in their area of specialization. The four specialization areas are: health support, positive behavior support, supervision and mentoring and inclusion. http://info.collegeofdirectsupport.com
- 8. I am DSPAM page 8 DSPAM Mission DSPAM is dedicated to the development of a highly competent and professional human services workforce by supporting and working together with DSPs, self advocates, families, and allies. & DSPAM Vision DSPAM has a vision in which all Minnesota Direct Support Professionals: • are valued and respected in their communities; • receive livable wages and benefits; • stay longer with their employers; • complete one or more levels of a national DSP credentialing program; • collaborate on diverse projects with self-advocates, families, and allies; • use their leadership skills by presenting at conferences. DSPAM P.O. Box 13447 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Please share our newsletter with your friends and colleagues!