Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A publication of the NationalAlliance for Direct Support Professionals
FrontlineFro
ntl
ine I
nit
iati
ve
InitiativeVolume 10 • Number 1 • 2012
•“Starvationcaseshowsabuseinstatesystem”(Dayton Daily News,Ohio,January8,2012)
•“Streamwoodhealthworkerchargedwithabusingdisabledboy”(The Daily Herald,Illinois,December20,2011)
•“SummitneededonvulnerableIowans:Incidentsraisequestionsaboutstateof-ficials’responses”(The Gazette,Iowa,September22,2011)
Co
de o
f Eth
ics
Frontlinenotes•2
CarryingforwardJFKJr.’svision:NADSPupdate•3
OnourwaytoCircleK:LivingtheCode•4
Frompersonaltoprofessionalethics:Aholisticapproach•5
Storytelling,DSPs,andtheCodeofEthics:Arecipeforlearning•6
Morethanjustapaycheck:HowtheCodehasimpactedmypersonal,professional,andcommunitylife•7
Avitaltool:Self-advocacyleaderCarrieVarnersharesinsightsontheCodeofEthics•8
Continuingthetraditionofbridginggaps:WhytheCodeappliestoeveryoneinpolicyandservices•9
TheRIGHTDecisionMethod:Anapproachforsolvingethicaldilemmas•10
Firstthingsfirst:CurrentNADSPinitiatives•12
Frontlineresources•13
NADSPsupporting&affiliateorganizations,statechaptersandcontacts•14
By Tom Harmon
2011wasawakeupcallforallinNewYorkState’sintellectualanddevelop-mentaldisabilitiesservicecommunity.Itbeganwithafront-pagearticleintheNew York Times, “Atstate-runhomes,abuseandimpunity”(March12,2011).NewYork,however,wasnotalone.
Herearesomeotherrecentheadlinesfromaroundthecountry—
Continuedonpage15
InsideWhat’s
NADSP Code of Ethics Let’s pledge to live by the Code
2
Frontline InitiativeissupportedthroughacooperativeagreementbetweentheNationalInstituteonDisabilityandRehabilitationResearch,U.S.DepartmentofEduca-tion(#H133B080005)andtheResearchandTrainingCenteronCommunityLiving(RTC)attheInstituteonCommunityIntegration,UniversityofMinnesota.TheopinionsexpressedarethoseoftheauthorsanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsoftheRTC,Institute,UniversityofMinnesota,ortheirfundingsources.
Frontline Initiativeisavailableinalternateformatsuponrequest.
informationEditorial
Fro
ntlin
e no
tes
EditorAnnieJohnsonSirekAssistant editorJenniferReinkeManaging editorLoriSedlezkyGraphic designConnieBurkhartWeb www.nadsp.orgEditorial boardTonyAnderson,MikeBray,LisaBurck,SusanCopeland,KristineFoss,RichardGarnett,TomHarmon,SusanJakoblew,MaryLawson,JosephMacbeth,ScottOsterfeld,LoriRaymond,CourtneySwilley
NADSP StaffJosephMacbeth,ExecutiveDirectorJohnSauer,WorkforceDevelopmentCoordinator
NADSP Board of DirectorsLisaBurck,PresidentDonCarrick,VicePresidentJeanneDesjardins,SecretaryRegisObijiskiJayMackeyTonyThomasStephanieMarshJamesR.MeadoursJerriMcCandlessSusanCopelandJuliePriceDavidLiscombCarolBrittonLaws
NADSP Foundation Board of DirectorsLisaBurckRegisObijiskiJohnRoseTonyThomas
Contribute to Frontline InitiativeIfyouareinterestedincontributingtoFrontline Initiative orreprintinganarticle,pleasecontact—
AnnieJohnsonSirekResearchandTrainingCenteronCommunityLivingE-mail:[email protected]
Frontline
WelcometoourFrontline Initia-tiveontheCodeofEthics.DirectSupportProfessionals(DSPs)oftenexperienceethicallycomplicatedsituations,andtheyfrequentlyfindthemselvesunderintensescrutinyfromsupervisors,fam-ilymembersandregulators.ThepublichasrecentlyreadmanyaccountsofDSPsbehavingunethi-callyintheirprofessionand,mostimportantlyandsadly,topeopletheysupport.Thereality,however,isthatmostDSPsperformethicallyastheygrowandfosterrelation-shipswiththepeopletheysup-port.Since2001,theNADSPCode
ofEthicshasbeenaliving,breath-ing,anddynamicresourcetohelpDSPsintheirdailydecision-makingactivities.DSPLoriRaymondandProgramCoordinatorBethanyToledo(onbehalfofDSPBelindaSowers)offerinsideperspectivesofhowtheCodeofEthicshasbeenasignificanttoolintheirev-erydaywork.Self-advocateCarrieVarneralsosharesherimportantperspectiveonwhattheCodeofEthicsmeanstoher.BecausebeinganethicalDSP
requireseffectivedecision-makingskills,thisissueincludesseveralar-ticlesthatcanbeusedtofacilitatediscussionatastaffmeetingoramongcoworkers.InanoverviewoftheRIGHTDecisionMethod,
AnnieJohnsonSirekdiscussesausefulframeworkforsolvingethicaldilemmas.RuthLuckassonoffersanimportantdistinctionbe-tweenpersonalandprofessionalethics,andNYSACRAPresidentTomHarmonexploreshowtheprincipleswithintheCodeofEth-icscanbeusedwhenDSPsfindthemselvesinsituationsforwhichtheymaynotfeelwelltrained.Asanorganization,NADSP
hastakenactioninencouragingDSPstodotherightthing,allofthetime,andLisaBurck,presi-dentofNADSP,describesanewinitiativetorecognizeexcellenceinDSPwork.Inaddition,RichardCohen,ExecutiveDirectoroftheDisabilitiesRightsCenterofNewHampshire,sharessomeimportanthistoryinregardstosomeofthepolicyinitiativesasrelatedtotheCodeofEthicsandthedisabilityrightsmovement.Wehopeyouwillenjoythis
issueasyoulearnmoreaboutap-plyingtheNADSPCodeofEthicsinyourworkasaDSP.~Theeditors
notes
3
By Joseph M. Macbeth
AsIwasrecentlygoingthroughaboxofhistoricalinformationabouttheNADSP,oneletter,datedMay22,1996reallycaughtmyat-tention.Thisletterwasacalltoactiontolaunchanewinitiativetoestablisha“NationalAllianceforDirectServiceWorkers”.AsfarasIcouldtell,thismayhavebeenthefirsttimetheseideasweretakingshapeandputintoaction.Theauthorwentontoexplainthatacommittedgroupofprofession-alswantedto“helpdevelopacomprehensiveagenda,informedpublicpoliciesandeffectivestrate-giestostrengthenandredefinetheemergingroleofthedirectsupportworkforce”.TheauthorofthatletterwasthelateJohnF.KennedyJr.IamproudtosaythatwearecarryingonJohn’svisionandwehopethatyoucontinuewithusaswe“MakeaWorldofDifferenceinPeople’sLives”.AsIreadandlearnedmore
aboutthebeginningsoftheNAD-SP,itbecamecleartomethatwehavealreadycontributedagreatdealtothefieldofintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilitiesandoneofourearliestcontributionsistheCodeofEthics.Inthelate1990s,DirectSupportProfession-als(DSPs)fromaroundthecountryattendedfocusgroupsoveratwoyearperiodtogivetheirinputonthevaluesoftheprofessionandtheyeventuallyidentifiedninebroadareas.TheseareaswereusedtocreatetheframeworkfortheCodeofEthics.Subsequently,moreDSPsandotherdisabilityadvocatescametogetheragaintofurtherdevelopandfinalize
theCodeofEthicsin2001.Nowwidelydisseminated,thisbodyofworkoffersDSPs,individualswithdisabilities,serviceorganizationsandfamilymembersastandardofconductandprofessionalism.Asyou’llreadinthisissueofFrontline Initiative,theCodeofEthicsisapowerfulanddynamicbodyofworkthatcontaintheidealsoftheprofession.Theyarenotsome-thingthatoneshouldbeaskedtosimplyread,signandfollow.Ihavehadthegreatprivilege
oftravellingaroundthecountrywithmycolleague,JohnRaffaele,wherewe’veprovidedthousandsofDSPsanopportunitytobeim-mersedintotheCodeofEthics.Duringthesesessions,participantsareaskedtonavigatethroughamazeofethicaldilemmasthatconfrontthemonaregularbasis.Afterthese“ethicalencounters,”weprovidetheopportunityforthemtosharesomeoftheirownexperienceswithethicaldilem-maswhileworkingasaDSP.Sometimesthesestoriesareheartwrenchingandsometimestheyaresubtle-butallofthemreflecttheincredibleresponsibilityofthe
NADSP update
NA
DS
P update
Carrying forward JFK Jr.’s vision
directsupportroleandhowtheyareoftenaskedtomakecriticaldecisionswithoutnotice.Often,thedecisionsthataremadecanbeamatterofhappiness,health,safety,lifeanddeathfortheper-sonwhoisreceivingsupports.Asafacilitator,Icanliterallyseethemomentwhenaparticipant“getsit”–there’sanodofunderstand-ingthattheirworkhasaroadmapandoncethatmapisconsulted,theguessworkofbeinganethicalpractitionerisremoved.
Joseph Macbeth is the Executive Director of NADSP. He can be reached at [email protected] or 518-449-7551.
Inthecomingweeksandmonths,theNADSPwillbejoiningourStateChaptersin“OperationEthics,”where,inavarietyofways,wehopetoreachasmanyDSPswithinformationabouttheCodeofEthicsandprovidethemwithourwalletcardsandbracelets.
4
On our way to Circle K
By Bethany Toledo and Belinda Sowers
ItwasApril,2009whenBelindaandTeresafirstmet.Teresawasaforty-fiveyearoldwomanwithRhettSyndromewholivedathomewithherparents.ThisisastoryofBelindaSowers,aDirectSupportProfessional(DSP)inZanesville,Ohio,whosecommit-menttolivingtheCodeofEthicsgreatlyimpactednotonlytheper-sonshesupported,butanentirecommunity.WhenBelindabeganworking
withTeresa,muchofTeresa’sdayconsistedofsittinginherwheelchairoronthecouch.AfterparticipatinginTeresa’sroutineseveraltimes,BelindawonderedwhatelseTeresacoulddo.Af-terwatchingTeresacarefully,BelindanoticedthechangesinTeresa’sfacialexpressionswhenhermotherturnedthepagesofhermagazines.BelindawonderedifmaybeTeresalikedbooks,andstartedbringinginteractivebookstoworkwithher.Teresareactedwithsquealsoflaughter!Belindabeganresearching
RhettSyndromeandcouldnotfindanythingsayingthatTeresacouldnotlearn.Teresaalreadyknewhowtoshakeherhead“no,”butrolledhereyesfor“yes.”BelindabeganteachingTeresatonodherhead“yes”instead.Itworked!BelindabeganaskingTeresayes/noquestionsasawaytostartprovidingTeresasomechoiceinherdailyschedule.Forexample,insteadofleavingTeresainthelivingroomwhileshemadedinnerforher,Belindawouldaskherifshewantedto
tosupportingTeresa,Belindahasprioritizedperson-centeredplan-ning,andhasclearlypromotedTeresa’spersonalandemotionalwell-being.WithBelinda’ssup-port,Teresahashadopportunitiestoself-directherlifeandbuildrelationshipswithmembersofhercommunity.Belinda’srelationshipwithTeresa’sfamilyrespectfullyresemblesthatofapartnership.IfyoudrivethroughNewConcordonanydecentspring,summer,orfallday,youarelikelytoseeBelindaandTeresacontinuingtomaketheirroundstovisittheirfriendsandneighbors.
Bethany Toledo is the MRI Program Coordinator and the Mideast PATHS Regional Coordinator in Zanesville, Ohio. She can be reached at pcbethany@
prodigy.net.
Belinda Sowers is a DSP at Muskingum Residentials, Inc. in Zanesville, OH. Belinda received the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) DSP Award this past fall. Belinda is also a Professional Advancement through Training and Education in Human Services; Certificate of Initial Proficiency (PATHS CIP) graduate.
joinherinthekitchen.Teresanod-dedyes,andhermotheragreed.Belindatooktimetobuilda
relationshipwithTeresa’smother,andaskedherquestionstogainhertrust.ItwasbecauseofthisbuilttrustthatTeresa’smomagreedtoBelinda’srequesttotakeTeresaoutsideandsitontheporch.Thenexttime,Belindaaskedtogooutbacktotheswing,thendownthebackalley,thenallofthewayintotown.Itwasn’tlongbeforetheywerespendingtwohoursout,thenthree.Theywouldvisitthemanthatworkedinthehardwarestore,thelibrary,thentoCircleKforaspecialtreat,andsometimestheymadeitallofthewaytotheendoftowntotheIGA.Teresa’sparentshadneverseenhersohappy.Everyoneno-ticedahugedifferenceinTeresa;shehadfewerearinfections,sleptbetter,sheevenstartedtogetatan.Andherlaugh,itwasconta-gious!Oneday,themanagerfrom
CircleKaskedBelindatobringTeresaonacertaindayatacer-taintime.Theyhadhadacementramppouredandtheywantedhertobethefirsttouseit.BelindahascontinuedtoensureTeresaisincludedinhercommunityaroundher.Together,theyhavetraveledtothelocalhighschoolforamusi-calconcert,totheareapooltowatchthekidsswim,totheparkforfireworksandoutdoormovienights,andtherearemanymoreplansinthemaking.Belinda’sactionsillustratesev-
eraloftheprinciplescentraltotheCodeofEthics.InhercommitmentFr
ont
line
stor
y
Living the Code
5
State-o
f-the-art definition
From personal to professional ethics
By Ruth Luckasson
Theethicswelearninourperson-allives—tohelpothers,behon-est,befair,bekind,berespectful,trytodogoodintheworld—guideusinouractionswithotherpeopleandmakeourcommunitiesbetterplaces.Thesepersonal eth-icsareusuallynotwrittendowninoneplace,butarecarriedinourhearts.Parentsandcommunityleadersinformallyteachusperson-al ethicsthroughoutourlives.Strongpersonalethicsare
necessary,andcanbeabasisforethicalactionsinourworkasDi-rectSupportProfessionals(DSPs).However,theprofessionalworkofprovidingdirectsupportpresentsuniquechallengesandquestionsandrequirestheguidanceofpro-fessionalethics.Professionalethicsarediffer-
entfrompersonalethicsinthatprofessionalethicsare—
•Writtendownina“code”inordertobecomepartofwork,training,andemploymentcon-tracts;
•Formallytaughtthroughprofes-sionaldevelopmentandcoursessothateveryemployeehastheopportunitytolearnandapplytheethicalprinciples;
•Carefullydesignedtocoveruniquesituationsintheprofes-sion.
Aprofessionalcodeofethicsiscriticaltohelpindividualworkersmakebetterdecisionsintheirdailywork.Professionalethicsguideouractionstobemoreconsistentwiththevaluesoftheprofession.Havingacodeofethicsmarkstheprofessionasatrueprofessionin
theeyesofothersandunitestheprofessionaroundahighstandardofactions.Asaresult,theprofes-sionismorelikelytoberespectedforitscontributions.
Writingacodeofethicsandadoptingitisacriticalstepinthedevelopmentofatrueprofession.Directsupportisaprofession,andadheringtotheNADSPCodeofEthicsisessentialforeverymem-beroftheprofession.Giventhecriticalnatureofpro-
fessionalethics,whatshouldbedoneinordertohighlightprofes-sionalethicsinworkwithindividu-alswithdisabilities?
For DSPs themselves,itisessentialtolearnandfollowtheNADSPCodeofEthics.
For provider agencies,itisessentialtoincludetheNADSPCodeofEthicsinalltrainingandtoincorporateitinallpoliciesandprocedures.
For state and federal funders, itisessentialtorespectandincorporatetheNADSPCodeofEthicsinfundingandmonitor-ing.
Asaprofessionalorganiza-tion,NADSPmustpromotewidediscussionoftheprinciplesoftheNADSPCodeofEthicsandcon-tinuallyupdatetheCodesothatitreflectsbestpracticesinthepro-fession.ItisalsocriticalforNADSPtoprovideopportunitiesforallmemberstoengageincontinuouslearningandpracticeofhigheststandardsofprofessionalethics.Inconclusion,personalethics
areanessentialfoundationtopro-fessionalethics.Butprofessionalethicsgofurther.TheNADSPCodeofEthicsprovidesanethicalframeworkforworkers,agencies,funders,organizations,andindi-vidualsreceivingsupports.Beingaprofessionalinthisfieldmeansful-fillingprofessionalresponsibilities.ThisincludesapplyingtheNADSPCodeofEthicstoallaspectsofprovidingdirectsupport.
Ruth Luckasson, J.D., is a Regents’ Professor and Professor of Special Education at the University of New Mexico. She can be reached at [email protected].
A holistic approach
Direct support is
a profession, and
adhering to the
NADSP Code of
Ethics is essential for
every member of the
profession.
6
Storytelling, DSPs, and the Code of EthicsA recipe for learning
By Direct Support Professional Alliance of New York State (DSPANYS)
Civilizationwouldnotbewhereitistodayifnotforstorytelling.Longbeforewrittenlanguageandpens,paper,theprintingpress,andelectronicmedia,simplestorytellingimpartedwisdom.Thehistory,traditionsandlawsofmostoftoday’ssocietieshadtheiroriginsinoraltradition,theshar-ingofstories.Storytellingstillhasitsplace.
FromAesop’sfablesandJesus’parablestomoderndaycoursesinlaw,nursing,socialworkandotherprofessions,storiesorcasestudiesplayakeyroleinlearning.Theymakeabstracttheoriesreal;theyputfleshandbloodonbareboneprinciples!AndsoitshouldbewithDirectSupportProfession-als(DSPs)andNADSP’sCodeofEthics.Everyday,inmanyways,DSPs
liveouttheCode.Thatisgood.Butoften,theydon’trealizeit,andthatisnotsogood.It’snotsogoodbecausewhenDSPsrunintodifficultsituations,needtomakedecisionsbutdon’tknowtheCode,theywillhavedifficultymakingtherightdecision.TheCodeistheretohelpDSPstocon-sciouslyorpurposefullymaketherightdecision,andnothappenonitbyluckoraccident–orworse,makethewrongdecision.That’swherestorytellingcomes
in.HeatherDaigneault,aDSPwiththeARCofRensselaerCountyandDSPANYSRegionalVicePresident,foundaverysimplewaytosparksuchdiscussion.ShetookthenineprinciplesoftheCode,cuteachoneoutandgluedittoan
indexcard.ShethendistributedtheindexcardstoasmallgroupofDSPsshewasmeetingwithattheARCDayProgram.Sheinvitedhercolleaguestogiveanexampleofwhattheyhavedoneorseenwhichillustratedtheprincipleonthecardtheywereholding.Itopenedthedoortoanhourlongconversationduringwhichevery-onegainedadeeperunderstand-ingoftheCodeandhowitcanbeappliedintheireverydaywork.Thatdeeperunderstandinghap-penedbecausetheysharedtheirstories.WhatDSPdoesn’thaveastory
totell?Whatlessonsarewaitingtobelearned?NotonlycanyouhelpeducateyourfellowDSPs,butyoucanalsoinformthewidercommunity.Storytellingisanes-sentialstrategyinadvocatingforourworkforceandindividualswhoreceivesupports.Policymakersandleadersoforganizationsneedtohearaboutyourexperiencesonthefrontlines.Yourstoriescaninformtheirdecisionstoadvanceourfield.Aswetellstories,weshallalwaysensureandmaintainconfidentialityofindividuals.ThisisanimportantprincipleinourCode.Confidentialityinpracticeandadvocacyreinforcesthefoun-dationofourprofession.Readthestoriesbelow,shared
byDSPsduringNYSACRA’sandDSPANY’sannualconferences,andthinkabouthowtheseDSPsappliedtheCodetotheireverydaywork.(MorestoriescanbefoundintheseriesofpublicationsVoices from the Frontlines availableonlineat:http://www.directsup-portprofessional.org.)
Cancer scareAwomanhadasignificantfamilyhistoryofbreastcancer.Duringanannualphysicalexamination,thetypicalyearlymammogramwasnotorderedbythephysician.TheDSPwhosupportedthewomannoticedthisandquestionedwhy.Thephysician’sofficeindicatedthatthemammogramwasnotorderedbecausethelastthreehadcomebacknegative.Thedoctorhadwantedtoholdoffonthemammogramforthreeyears,ratherthancontinuetodoitonayearlybasis.ButtheDSPinsisted,citingthewoman’sfamilialhisto-ry.Shespokewiththenurseandthenthephysician,andprevailed.Themammogramwasdone;itrevealedbreastcancer,whichiscurrentlyundertreatment.
Coming up rosesAyoungmanregularlyattendedadayhabilitationprogramwhereoneofhisactivitieswaspackag-ingsponges.Hewasproductive,butextremelyboredandunhappy.ADSPworkingatthedaypro-gramknewtheyoungmanandknewthathelovedgardeningathishomeonweekends.TheDSPsuggested,andtheyoungmanagreed,thattheylookforajobinthegardeningbusiness.Togethertheywenttogreenhousesintheareaandeventuallytheyoungmanlandedajobwateringandfertilizingplantsseveraldaysaweek.Heloveshisnewjob.Notonlyisitmorefunthanpackagingsponges,itpays$7.25anhour.
DSPANYS is the New York State Chapter of NADSP. More information can be found at www.dspanys.org.
Mem
ber
pers
pect
ive
7
By Lori Raymond
WhenIfirstreadtheCodeofEthicsfromtheNationalAllianceforDirectSupportProfessionals(NADSP),Ihadawarmphysicalreactionandasmilegrewfromtheinsideout.TheCodeofEthicsdescribeswhatbeingaDirectSup-portProfessional(DSP)trulymeans—theygetit!TheCodeencom-passesalltheresponsibilitiesandvaluesoftheworkwedo.Ihavehadtheprivilegetowork
asaDSPforovertwentyyears.Thishasbeenimportantworkformeandhasinspiredandtaughtmetobeamoreacceptingandforgivingperson.Ihavebecomemoreawareofbiasandjudg-mentsfromwitnessingjudgmentspeoplehavemadeaboutme,theworkIdo,andthepeopleIhavesupported.EverydayIhaveanopportunitytolearnhowtobeabetteradvocateandeducateoth-ersaboutpeoplewithdisabilities.Forexample,IapplytheCodeofEthicstotheinteractionsIhavewiththepeopleIsupport.ImakesureIspeaktopeopleandnotatpeople.Iampurposefulaboutthedaybeingabouttheirgoals,needs,anddesires,andnotmyown.Iapplytheprinciplessimplybyrememberingtotreattheper-sonIamsupportingwithrespectanddignityineverysituationandencouragehisorhergrowthandhappiness.Itcanbedifficulttocomeout
ofthecaretakingroleandremem-berwearehelpingthepeoplewesupportliveself-directedlives.Itisimportantthatweadvocatefortheirneedsandwantsanden-
couragethemtobuildtheirownrelationships.ItisnotaboutusasDSPs;itisaboutthemandhowtheywanttobeengagedwiththeirlives,thecommunityaroundthemandtherelationshipstheychoosetobuildanddevelop.IthasbecomemydesireandpassiontohelpothersseethepeopleIamsupportingaswholepeople,notjusttheirdisabilities.Ihavelearnedtheimportance
ofbeingconnectedwithone’sowncommunity.Forexample,oneofthepeopleIhavesupported,Ray,wantedtovolunteerwiththeelderly.AsRayandIconnectedwiththeeldersinthecommunity,Raylearnedhowtoadvocateforhimself,buildnewfriendships,anddevelopvaluablesocialskills.SupportingRayandhelpinghimconnectwitheldersinthecom-munitywasarichexperienceforme.ImostenjoyedexperiencingcommunitymembersseeingRayforhimselfandnothisdisability.
More than just a paycheck
DS
P perspective
AsaDSPcommittedtotheCodeofEthics,Ireceivemuchmorethanmyweeklypaycheck.Iamengagedinworkthatisenrich-ing,rewarding,andlife-changing.LivingbytheCodeofEthicshaspositivelyimpactedhowIinteractwithothersinmypersonal,pro-fessionalandcommunitylife.Howcoolisthat?
Lori Raymond has had over twenty years experience working as a Direct Support Professional with children, adults and the elderly. She is currently working on her degree in Human Services, and is working to build a NH chapter for NADSP. She is currently raising five teenagers and is an activist for human rights. Lori can be reached at [email protected].
How the Code has impacted my personal, professional, and community life
8
Sel
f-ad
voca
te p
ersp
ectiv
e
Frontline InitiativeinterviewedCarrieVarnertolearnaboutherinsightsintotheNationalAllianceforDirectSupportProfessionals(NADSP)CodeofEthics.CarrieisanempoweringleaderintheSelf-AdvocacyMovement.SheservesasaBoardMemberofTheArcMinnesota,inadditiontoherworkwithAdvocatingChangeTogether(ACT)andtheSelfAdvo-catesMinnesota(SAM)Network.
How did you learn about the NADSP Code of Ethics?Carrie:IheardabouttheNADSPCodeofEthicsataconven-tionthatmyselfandthreeotherself-advocateshostedforvariousagenciesinSouthernMinnesota.Theconventionfocusedonhowtoimplementself-advocacyintotheircurriculumsandphilosophies.
Why do you think the Code of Ethics is important? Carrie:TheCodeisimportantbecauseDirectSupportProfes-sionals(DSPs)areheretohelpandassistpeoplewithdisabilitiestotheirfullestpotential.IftheCodewasn’tinplace,peoplewithdis-abilities,aswellasDSPs,couldbesubjectedtowidespreadfraud,abuse,andneglect.TheCodecan-notbeleftunchecked.
Why is it important to speak out about the Code of Ethics?Carrie:SpeakingoutabouttheCodeishuge.Likemanythingsintheworld,newideasandattitudesareconstantlyhappeninginthedisabilityfield.Weneedtospeak
outabouthowtheCodecanbeimplementedtobestaccommo-dateDSPsandindividualswhoreceivesupports.Atthesametime,weneedtomakecertainthatloopholesandbottlenecksdon’tbecomethenorm.ThesecancreateproblemsandobstaclesinapplyingtheCode.
How do you teach DSPs and self-advocates about the Code of Ethics? Carrie:IassistDSPsandself-advocatestolearnabouttheCodebytellingthemmystory.MystoryincludeswhathappenswhentheCodeisexploitedornotappliedatall.ThismakesmewanttobookthenextflighttoWashingtonDCtoadvocateforourcommunityandtheCode.IknowthatwhentheCodeisusedasit’sintended,DSPsandself-advocatesalikearemuchmoresuccessful.Itpromotesabetterqualityoflifeforeveryoneinvolved.
How do you know when a DSP is living by the Code of Ethics?Carrie:ADSPislivingbytheCodewhensheorheisrespectful.AlsowhenaDSPgoesaboveandbeyondwhatisaskedorexpected.Andimportantly,aDSPlivesbytheCodewhensheorhepro-motes,teaches,andencouragesself-advocacy.
A vital tool:
What would you tell a new DSP about the Code of Ethics?Carrie:IwouldtellanewDSPthattheCodeisavitaltoolforDSPsandclientsalike.However,ifit’sutilizedimproperlyornotatall,itwillleadtowidespreadabuseandneglectofthesystem.Thiscouldleadtopotentiallydevastatingconsequences.Byworkingto-gethertomaketheCodestron-ger,moreeffective,andbetterefficient,everyonewillbenefitinthelongrun.Thecommunitywillbenefitaswell.
Carrie is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities attain their human and civil rights on a local, state, national, and international level. She currently lives in Marshall, Minnesota and is looking at moving to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area to be closer to the action. Carrie can be reached at [email protected].
Self-advocacy leader Carrie Varner shares insights on the Code of Ethics
9
By Richard Cohen, Esq.
TheNationalAllianceforDirectSupportProfessionals(NADSP)CodeofEthicscapturesthemod-ernvaluesofthedisabilityrightsmovement.ThestandardsintheCoderepresentbestpractices.Manyhavebeenwidelyacceptedinthefieldforatleast40years.BelowaresomeexcerptsfromtheCode.WiththeseareexamplesofimportantmovementsthattheCodehasbeenbuiltupon.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) commit to person-cen-tered supports... focusingfirstontheperson.DSPsunderstandthattherolerequiresflexibilityandcreativity.Theserelatedprin-ciplescameaboutinthe1980s.Theyhaveformedtheessenceofperson-centeredplanning.
DSPs encourage growth and recognize the autonomy of individuals…whilebeingatten-tiveandenergetictoreducingtheirriskofharmby,amongotheractions,reportingallegedabuseorneglect.Theseprinciplesrepresentthelegalobligationtohelpprotectindividualsfromharm.Theyalsobalanceindividuals’“dignityofrisk.”Theseprinciplesdatebacktotheearly1970s.TheyhaveformedthebasisoflandmarkcasessuchasWillowbrookandRomeov.Youngberg.
DSPs consistently address challenging behaviors pro-actively, respectfully and by avoiding…aversiveordepriva-tion…techniques.In1981,TASHadoptedaresolutioncallingfortheremovalofaversiveanddeprivationpractices.Theresolu-tionadvocatedforpositiveap-
proachestochallengingbehaviors.Moreclinicalandscientificworkwasconductedinthisfield.Thisshowedtheeffectivenessofposi-tiveapproaches.Nowitisstan-dardtousefunctionalbehavioralassessment.
DSPs advocate with the people they support…includingfindingadditionaladvocacyservic-eswhenneeded.Theinitial1977Pennhurstcaseisaprimeexampleoftheimportanceofadvocacy.Thiscaseorderedthereplace-mentofa1200-personinstitu-tionwithcommunityservices.ItwasrequiredthateachPennhurstresidentbeassigneda“friend-advocate”.Thisraisedawarenessthatadvocacyhelpsmeetindividu-als’needsinthecommunity.Theimplementationofthe
CodeofEthicsprinciplesandtheirhistoricalcounterpartshavemovedmountains.Hundredsofinstitutionshaveclosed.Individu-alswithchallengingbehaviorsorhealthconditionsarelivinginthecommunities.Thelivesofmanypeoplehaveimproved.Despitethesestandards,in-
adequateservicesremain.TherecontinuestobeagapbetweenwhatiswritteninregulationsandtheCode,andwhathappens
inreality.Onereasonforthisisfunding.Forexample,inNewHampshireperpersonfundinghassteeplydeclinedfrom$75,000an-nuallyin1994to$29,000in2010(takingintoaccountinflation).TheimpacthasbeensignificantforDSPs.Workforcetraininghasbeensignificantlycut,andwageshaveremainedlow.Thereisanotherreasonforthe
gapbetweenwhatshouldide-allyhappenindirectsupportandreality.Thatisalackoffullorgani-zationalcommitmenttotheCodeofEthicsprinciples.Thiscancreateadilemmaforthewell-intendedandcommittedDSP.TheeffortsofDSPsareconsistentwiththeCodeinmanysituations.However,theotherpartsofthesystemmaynotfollowthroughinanethicalman-ner.Forexample,therewasonecasewhereaDSPtriedtoaddresspoorhousingconditions.TheDSPfiledanumberofincidentreports.TheDSPultimatelymadeare-portofneglecttothestateadultprotectiveserviceagency.Unfor-tunately,therecipientsofthosereportsfailedintheirresponsibil-ity.Theresultwasatragicfireinwhichapersonreceivingsupportsdied.Thisheartbreakingexample
furtheremphasizesthatitisessentialforeveryonetolivebytheCodeofEthics.ThisincludesbothDSPsandallthosewhoprovidesupportsandservices.Thelivesandwell-beingofourfellowcitizensdependonit.
Richard Cohen, Esq. is the Executive Director of the Disabilities Rights Center of New Hampshire. He can be reached at [email protected].
Policy initiative
Continuing the tradition of bridging gapsWhy the Code applies to everyone in policy and services
The implementation
of the Code of Ethics
principles and their
historical counterparts
have moved mountains.
10
Developed By Marianne Taylor, Julie Silver, Amy Hewitt, and Derek Nord
Adapted By Annie Johnson Sirek
What is an ethical dilemma?Anethicaldilemmarequiresaper-sontodefinerightfromwrong.But,asDirectSupportProfession-als(DSPs),weknowthatthisisnotsosimple.Wefacedifficultdecisionsinourdailypractice.Thereareoftenmanydifferentrules,principles,andopinionsatplay.Wearecalledtorespondinallegiancetotheindividualswesupport.TheNationalAllianceforDirectSupportProfessionals(NADSP)CodeofEthicsprovidesaroadmaptoassistinresolvingethi-caldilemmas.
How do I resolve ethical dilemmas? Ethicaldilemmascanberesolvedthrougheffectivedecision-making.Sincewearesooftencalledupontomakeindependentjudgments,itisimportanttoincorporatetheNADSPCodeofEthicswithinourdailypractice.Manyethicaldilemmascanberesolvedeasilywithconsultationandreflection.However,someissuescannot.Therefore,tohelpmakeiteasiertosolvedifficultethicaldilemmas,consideraframeworkfromwhichtowork.TheCollegeofDirectSupporthasprovidedanapproachtoethicaldecision-makingwiththeNADSPCodeofEthics.ThisiscalledtheRIGHTDecisionMethod.
What is the RIGHT Decision Method? Sometimestherereallyisa“right”waytomakedecisionsunderdifficultconditions.TheRIGHTDecisionMethodgivesustoolstomakesoundethicaldecisionsandresolveethicaldilemmas.RIGHTisanacronymthatstandsforeachstepofthedecision-makingprocess:
R: Recognize the ethical dilemma.
Thefirststepisrecognizingtheconflictingobligationsandclearlystatingthedilemma.Itisimpor-tanttorecognizeandusetheNADSPCodeofEthicsasyoubeginwiththisstep.Youmayconsider—
•InwhatwaysistheCodeofEth-icsapplicabletothisissue?
I: Identify points of view.
Thesecondstepisidentifyingpointsofviewinthesituation.Thismeansconsideringtheviewpointofthepersonreceivingservices,yourcolleagues,otherpartiesinvolved,andtheNADSPCodeofEthics.Restatingtheproblemclearlytosomeoneelsecanalsohelpyoucheckoutwhetheryouhaveinterpretedthesituationac-curately.Itisimportanttounder-standhowthepersonreceivingsupportsfeels.Consider—
•Whatdoesthepersonreceivingsupportexpect?
•Thenthinkaboutotherswhoareinvolvedinthesituationandhowtheyfeel.
•Whatdotheseindividualswantorneed?
The RIGHT Decision MethodAn approach for solving ethical dilemmas
Tra
inin
g
RIGHT Decision Method
R Recognize the ethical dilemma.
I Identify points of view.
G Gather resources and assistance.
H Have a plan.
T Take action based on ethical standards.
Continuedonpage10
11
The RIGHT Decision MethodG: Gather resources and assistance.
Thethirdstepisgatheringre-sourcesandassistancethatmighthelpyoufigureoutwhattodo.Nowthatyouhaveanaccurateunderstandingfortheproblemandvariousperspectives,thisstepencouragesyoutoconsiderotherpeoplewhomaybeabletoassistyou.Youmayalsoneedtofindimportantinformation.Forexample—
•Arethereagencypoliciesthatcouldbeconsidered?Whatdothesedocumentssay?Arethereanylawsorregulationsinthestatethatmayinfluenceyourdecision-making?
•Isthisasituationwherelegalad-viceisneeded?Doesthepersonhavealegalrepresentativewhomustbeinvolved?
•Aretherecommunityresourcesthatmighthelpresolvetheproblem?
H: Have a plan.
Thefourthstepmeansthatyouarereadytomakeyourdecision.Formulatingaplanwillhelpyoudecidethebestwaytoputyourideasintoaction.Onceyouhaveconsideredthefollowingissues,writeaplandownandidentifystep-by-stepactionsthatyouplantotake—
•Whommustyouspeaktofirst?Whatwillyousay?Whatprepa-rationswillyoumake?
•Whatstepscanyoutaketoen-surethebestpossibleoutcomeforyourdecision?
•Howmightpeoplereact?
T: Take action based on ethical standards.
Thefifthandfinalstepisimple-mentingtheplanyoudevelopedinthemanneryoudecided.Then,itisimportanttomonitoritssuc-cessusingthesuccessindicatorsyouidentifiedintheplanning
processtohelpyoureflectonyourdecision—
•Whatworkedwellandwhy?
•Whatdidnotworkwellandwhy?
•Whatwouldyoudodifferentlyafteryouhaveevaluatedyouroutcomes?
Reference
Taylor,M.,Silver,J.,Hewitt,A.,&Nord,D.(2006).Applyingethicsineverydaywork(Lesson3),College of Direct Support course: Direct support professionalism(Revision2).DirectCourse:http://direct-courseonline.com/directsupport/
Annie Johnson Sirek, MSW, is a Project Coordinator at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. She thanks Marianne and Julie of the Human Services Research Institute, and Amy and Derek of the University of Minnesota, for developing this method to use in daily practice and training. She can be reached at [email protected].
Course 11:
Direct Support Professionalism
Lesson 3:
Applying Ethics in Everyday Work
12
LastspringacontingentfromtheNationalAllianceforDirectSup-portProfessionals(NADSP)wenttoWashingtonD.C.tospeakwiththeAdministrationonDevelop-mentalDisabilities(ADD)regard-ingthefutureofthefieldofdirectsupport.TheycamearmedwithinformationandmaterialsaboutthenextgreatthingsforDirectSupportProfessionals(DSPs);collegedegrees,nationalcreden-tialing;recognitionandawards;apprenticeshipprogramsandthelike.Turnsout,whatADDwantedtodiscusswasnotnextthings,butfirstthings.Thequestionposedwas,“How
canwecelebratetheadvance-mentofdirectsupportwhenyoucan’tevenkeepourlovedonessafe?”Therehasbeenanoutbreak
ofmistreatment,neglect,andexploitation,or,unprecedented
attentiontoalongstandingproblem;youdecide.Elevenyearsago,NADSPdevelopedaCodeofEthics.Overtheyears,individuals,organizations,policymakers,andfieldsofstudyhaveadoptedtheCode.AsisstatedinthePre-amble,“Thereisnootherpositiontodayinwhichethicalpracticeandstandardsaremoreimportantthandirectsupport.”DSPsholdlivesintheirhands.NADSP’schallengetoDSPs
istodo the right thing even when no one is looking.Tohelppromotethischallenge,NADSPnowoffersCodeofEthicsbrace-lets.DSPscanusethemtodeclaretheircharacter,tomakeastate-mentabouttheirvalues,andtakeastandagainstmistreatment,neglect,andexploitation.Organi-zationshavenumerouswaystheycanusetheCodeofEthicsbrace-letstorecognizeexcellenceinthemostimportantmembersoftheir
First things first
organization—
•Catchsomeonedoingtherightthing,andrewardhimorherwiththematchingCodeofEthicsbracelet.
•Employeesofthemonth,quarter,year.
•Letfamilymembersandpersonsbeingsupportedawardbracelets.
•SetupbenchmarksforyourDSPstoearnbracelets.
•Createvalueinstrivingtoearnallninebracelets.
NADSPalsooffersCodeofEthicspostersandhandouts,andtechnicalassistancetoembedtheCodeinyourorganization.Gotonadsp.org/library/code-of-ethics.htmlformoreinformation.Let’stakecareoffirstthingsfirst!
Lisa Burck, MPA, MEd, is President of NADSP. She can be reached at [email protected].
Doing the right thing when no one is looking
NADSPhasdevelopedanin-tensive,one-daytrainingpro-gramandwillvisityourorgani-zationtoinspire,energizeandeducateyouremployeeswhilemakingtheCodeofEthicsun-derstandableandfun.Whiletheday’sdiscussionswillcenterondirectsupportpractice,alllevelsofyourorganizationwouldbenefitfromunderstandingtheethicalre-sponsibilitiesinsupportingpeoplewithdisabilities.Yourorganizationwillexperi-
ence—
•Thefiveelementsofanyprofes-sion—includingdirectsupport.
•ACodeofEthicsencounter—Anengaginginteractiveroleplaythatrequirestheaudiencetothinkquicklyandethically.
•Afacilitateddiscussionthatexplorestheethicalencoun-tersthatyourDSPshaveexperi-encedduringtheircareers.
•Smallgroupsessionstodecon-structtheCodeofEthicsandconnectitstenetstopersonalexperiencesandcompetencyareas.
•Arecorded,largegroupexercisethatconnectsthe“relevance”andapplicationoftheCodeofEthicstoday-to-dayactivities.
•Acommitmentceremony—AttestationtotheNADSPCodeofEthicsandwrap-up.
Pleasevisitourhomepageatwww.nadsp.orgtolearnmore.
Joe Macbeth is Executive Director of NADSP, he can be reached at [email protected].
John Raffaele, LMSW, is a DSP educator and trainer, he can be reached through
http://johnraffaele.org/.
A one day exploration into the Code of Ethics
Current NADSP initiativesNADSP Code of Ethics
13
Book: Make a Difference: A Guidebook for Person-Centered Direct Support By John O’Brien & Beth Mount
Thisuser-friendlybookguidesDSPsinrelationshipbuilding,planningwithpeopleinaperson-centeredway,supportingchoice,&buildingcommunityinclusion.Thisbookalsopromotesthediscoveryofmeaningintheworkofofferingdirectsupportandencouragesreflectiononday-to-daypracticetoguideself-improvement.
Voices from the Frontlines III: Advancing the Profession of Direct SupportContact: New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies: [email protected]; (518) 449-7551 (phone)
ThisbookletpresentsthirteenvignettesillustratingdilemmasthathavebeenencounteredbyDSPs.FollowingeachvignettearediscussionpointsdesignedtoguideparticipantsinapplyingideasfromtheProfessionalCompetencyStandardsandCodeofEthicsthathavebeendevelopedbytheNationalAssociationofDirectSupportProfessionalstoadvancethestatureoftheworkdonebyDSPs.ThisbookletissetupasatrainingtoolforDSPs,andcanbedownloadedatnocostfromthepublisher’swebsite.
College of Direct SupportCourse 11: Direct Support Professionalism (Revision 2); Lesson 3: Applying Ethics in Everyday Work
http://www.collegeofdirectsupport.com
Taylor,M.,Silver,H.,Hewitt,A.,Nord,D.,O’Nell,S.&Sauer,J.(2006).Minneapolis,MN:UniversityofMinnesota,InstituteonCommunityIntegration,ResearchandTrainingCenteronCommunityLiving.
Frontline Initiative archiveshttps://nadsp.org/communication/frontline-initiative/9-communications/100-frontline-initiative-archives.html
•2001-Volume4,Number4,IssueonEthics
•1999-Volume3,Number4,TributetoJohnF.Kennedy,Jr.
Frontlineresources
NADSPmembership form
DSP level $10/year
❏ DSP
Other individual level $20/year
If your state has a NADSP chapter, you will receive dual membership in the state
chapter and NADSP.
❏ Frontline supervisor ❏ Self-advocate ❏ Family member
❏ Other professional (pleasespecify)_______________________________
Affiliate level $200/year
Forindividuals,agencies,providers,associations,andNADSPstatechapterswhowishtodemonstrateacommitmenttosupporttheeffortsofDSPs.
❏ Individual ❏ Organization
Supporting organization level $500/year
ForindividualsandorganizationsdedicatedtoadvancingtheinterestsofDSPsandthepeopletheysupportatanationallevel.
❏ Individual ❏ Organization
Sponsoring organization level $2000
ForindividualsandorganizationsdedicatedtoadvancingdirectsupportasanacceptedprofessionatthenationallevelandparticipationontheNADSPAdvisoryCommittee.
❏ Individual ❏ Organization
Total enclosed
MakecheckspayabletoNADSP.Topaybycreditcard,visitwww.nadsp.org/membership (Discountsarenotavailablewithonlinepayment)
Mail membership form and payment to: NADSP,240WashingtonAve.Ext.,Suite501,Albany,NY12203-0305
________________________________________________________________________________ Name
________________________________________________________________________________ Organization
________________________________________________________________________________Address
________________________________________________________________________________CityStateZip
________________________________________________________________________________Phone
________________________________________________________________________________Email
14
organizations, state chapters and contactsNADSP supporting & affiliate
• HeinzerlingFoundation,Inc.• JeffersonRehabilitationCenter• JohnRaffaeleEducationalSupportforDSPs• KoinoniaHomes,Inc.•MercyHome•NewHopeCommunity• NewHorizonsResources,Inc.• NYSARC,Inc.--OrangeCountyChapter(OCAHRC)
•OHI(Maine)•OpportunityEnterprises,Inc.• PathfinderServices,Inc.• TheResourceCenter• RenaissanceHouse,Inc.• RHC-TheResidentHome• SCOFamilyofServices• SECOH• SpecialPeopleinNortheast,Inc.(SPIN,Inc.)• StoneBeltARC,Inc.
Affiliate organizations: $200 level• ACLD•AdvocatingChangeTogether,Inc.• ARCBroward• TheArcofCalifornia• TheArcofSomersetCounty• TheArcofSouthside,VA• TheArcofSteuben• BlockInstitute• BonaVistaPrograms,Inc.• CardinalMcCloskeyServices• CommunityResidences,Inc.• CommunitySupportServices,Inc.
WewouldliketoacknowledgeNADSPSupport-ingOrganizationmembersfortheirgenerosityandongoingdedicationtothegoalsandmissionofNADSP.
Sponsoring organizations: $2000 level• AmericanNetworkofCommunityOptionsandResources(ANCOR)
• CrystalRunVillage,Inc.• NYSARC,Inc.• NYSACRA• Rise,Inc.• TheResearch&TrainingCenterattheUniversityofMinnesota
•WelcomeHouse,Inc.
Supporting organizations: $500 level• TheAdirondackArc• TheArcOtsego• TheArcofSchuylerCounty• ApplePatchCommunity,Inc.• BeyondAbilities,LLC• Bost,Inc.• ButlerCo.BoardofDevelopmentalDisabilities• CardinalServices,Inc.• CatholicCharitiesDisabilitiesServices• TheCenterforFamilySupport• CerebralPalsyAssociationofNewYorkState• COARC•CreativeFoundations,Inc.•GMRExceptionalCare,Inc.•GraceCommunityServices• EmbracingAutism,Inc.• HawaiiWaiverProvidersAssociation• HeartshareHumanServicesofNewYork
• ConnectionsofMoorhead• TheCouncilonQualityandLeadership(CQL)• CUNYSchoolofProfessionalStudies• DeltaProjects,Inc.• DevelopmentalDisabilitiesInstitute• DianeMcComb• EgglestonServices,Inc.• TheEmmausCommunityofPittsburgh• TheEpilepsyFoundationofLongIsland,Inc.• HeritageChristianServices• HopewellCenter,Inc.• IrwinSiegelAgency,Inc.• JobPath,Inc.• LauraBakerServicesAssociation• Life’sWORC•Mat-SuServicesforChildrenandAdults•MiamiCerebralPalsyResidentialServiceInc.•OpportunitiesUnlimited,Inc.•Outcomes,Inc.• ParenttoParentofNYS• Passages,Inc.• PresbyterianHomesandFamilyServices• RainbowofChallenges,Inc.• RTCMedia• RuralLivingEnvironments,Inc.• St.AmantCommunityResidentialProgram• Self-AdvocacyAssociationofNewYorkState• SevenCountiesServices• SpauldingSupportServices• SPEAK,Inc.•WesternNewYorkTrainingConsortium•WestSideSupportServices,LLC.
State chapters and contactsAsamembershiporganiza-tion,NADSPrequirestheinvolvementofitsmemberstoshareinformationonDSPissues,achievementsanddi-rections.Chaptersandcon-tactsdothisimportantworkinconcertwithNADSP.WeencouragetheinvolvementandparticipationofDSPsinleadershiprolesatboththelocalandnationallevels.
Arizona [email protected]
Arkansas [email protected]
California, [email protected]
Connecticut [email protected]
Florida [email protected]
Georgia GeorgiaAllianceofDSPsJoyEasonHopkinsjoyeasonhopkins@gmail.comwww.gadsp.com
Illinois [email protected]
Indiana [email protected]
Kansas [email protected]
Louisiana NancyRobertson504.942.8289
MaineMEDSPJeniferAdams207.989.4007ext210
Michigan MichiganAllianceofDSPs(MADSP)[email protected]/michi-gan_alliance.php
Minnesota DSPAssociationofMinnesota(DSPAM)DonaldKrutsinger,[email protected]
Mississippi SupportProfessionalsAdvocatingforRealQualityofLifeforEveryone(SPARQLE)[email protected]
Missouri [email protected]
Nebraska [email protected]
New Jersey [email protected]
New Mexico www.nmdirectsupport.org
New York DSPAllianceofNewYorkState(DSPANYS)[email protected]
Ohio OhioAllianceofDSPs(OADSP)[email protected]
Oklahoma DSPsofOklahoma(DSP-OK)[email protected]@tulsacc.edu
PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaAllianceforDSPs(PADSP)[email protected]
Tennessee DSPsofTennesseeSusanJakoblewTheArcofTennesseesjakoblew@thearctn.orgwww.dspat.org
Texas RichardE.GarnettTheIntellectual&DevelopmentalDisabilitiesNeedsCouncilofTarrantCounty817.877.1474
Virginia [email protected]
Mem
ber
orga
niza
tions
, sta
te c
hapt
ers,
and
cont
acts
15
•“IsD.C.neglectingneglect?”(Washington City Paper,Wash-ington,DC,May27,2011)
•“Disabilityworkersrarelypros-ecutedforviolence”(Texas Tri-bune,Texas,January20,2010)
•“Fundingforgrouphomespulledafterabuse”(The Dayto-na Beach News Journal,Florida,April15,2011)
InNewYorkState,andun-doubtedlyelsewhere,thesearticleshaveledtocallsforreform.Re-formthatincludesbetterreportingofabuse;betterinvestigationofreports;increasedinvolvementoflawenforcementauthorities;andswifteradministrativeandcriminalactionagainstthoseresponsibleforabuse.Inthehistoryofhumanser-
vices,betheyinstitutionallyorcommunitybased,abuseisnotnew.Improvingeffortstoidentifyabuse,investigateit,andweedoutperpetratorsthroughim-provedadministrativeandcriminalactionisgood.Butitisalsolikeclosingthebarndoorafterthehorsehasbolted.Anewremedythatpreventsor
reducesthelikelihoodofabusefromoccurringinthefirstplaceiswhat’sneeded.Universaladher-encetoNADSP’sCodeofEthicsoffersjustthat.Abusecomesinmanyforms.
Formost,thetermbringsupim-agesofbrutalacts.Butabusealsohappensunderlesssinistersitu-ations.AbusecanhappenwhenDSPsareputinsituationsforwhichtheyarenotwelltrained,whentheyareaskedtodomorethanishumanlypossible,orwheninstressfulsituationswithoutanyassistance.Unfortunatelytherearemanysituationsthatcantooeasilyturnintooneofneglector
Cover story continuedfrompage1
abuse.ThisisaproblemthatislargerthanjusttheDSP,andmustbeaddressedasasharedrespon-sibility.Nonetheless,DSPsarethe
directlinktotheindividual.Foramoment,considerjustseveralofthetenetsofNADSP’sCodeofEthics(refertopage16forabriefoverviewoftheCode;thefulltextoftheNADSP’sCodeofEthicscanbefoundontheNADSPwebsite:https://www.nadsp.org/library/code-of-ethics/10-library/72-code-of-ethics-full-text.html)ConsiderwhataDSPwhosub-
scribestothisCodewoulddoifheorshewitnessesafellowstaffendangeringanindividual.HowaboutaDSPwhoisinasitua-tionforwhichsheorhewasnotproperlytrained,oraskedtodosomethingthatisnotpossible?WhatwouldtheCodedemandthatsheorhedo?
If you are a DSP, have you pledged to live by the Code?
If you are a program manager or administrator, will you provide DSPs with the opportunity to learn, practice and live the Code?
If you are a self-advocate or family member, will you require that those providing supports know and live by the Code?
RecentnewshascreatedtheopportunityforDSPstochangethecourseofhumanservicehis-tory.ThischangewillhappenbyembracingandlivingtheCodeofEthics.IfyouareaDSP,haveyou
pledgedtolivebytheCode?Ifyouareaprogrammanager
oradministrator,willyouprovideDSPswiththeopportunitytolearn,practiceandlivetheCode?Ifyouareaself-advocateor
familymember,willyourequirethatthoseprovidingsupportsknowandlivebytheCode?Byembracingaperson-cen-
teredCodeofEthicswecanseizetheopportunitytoendabuse.
Tom Harmon is a consultant at the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA), and can be reached at [email protected].
16
Frontline InitiativeP.O.Box9369St.Paul,MN55109
Person centered planningMyfirstallegianceistothepersonIsupport;allotherdutiesandfunctionsIperformflowfromthisallegiance.
Promoting physical and emotional well-beingIamresponsibleforsupportingtheemotional,physical,andpersonalwell-beingoftheindividualsreceivingsupports.Iwillencouragegrowthandrecognizetheautonomyoftheindividualsreceivingsupportwhilebeingattentiveandenergeticinreducingtheirriskofharm.
Integrity and responsibilityIwillsupportthemissionandvitalityofmyprofessiontoassistpeopleinleadingself-directedlivesandtofosteraspiritofpartnershipwiththepeopleIsupport,otherprofessionals,andthecommunity.
ConfidentialityIwillsafeguardandrespecttheconfidentialityandprivacyofthepeopleIsupport.
Justice, fairness, & equityIwillpromoteandpracticejustice,fairness,andequityforthepeopleIsupportandthecommunityasawhole.Iwillaffirmthehumanrights,civilrightsandresponsibilitiesofthepeopleIsupport.
Code ofEthics
National Alliance forDirect Suppport Professionals
RespectIwillrespectthehumandignityanduniquenessofthepeopleIsupport.IwillrecognizeeachpersonIsupportasvaluableandhelpothersunderstandtheirvalue.
RelationshipsIwillassistthepeopleIsupporttodevelopandmaintainrelationships.
Self-determinationIwillassistthepeopleIsupporttodirectthecourseoftheirownlives.
AdvocacyIwilladvocatewiththepeopleIsupportforjustice,inclusion,andfullcommunityparticipation.
