Ceon Grant with Joshua Green
Cohort 8 from AHRC NYC’s Advance & Earn DSP Track program were celebrated for their accomplishments as many of them prepare to enter the rewarding career of being a Direct Support Professional.
“I wanted to get a new perspective on something I never knew about, which was working with people with disabilities,” said program participant Ceon Grant. “All of us had our own reasons for coming here, and through it we built friendships that will last many years beyond the program. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the great experience. I learned so much that I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“Not Everyone Can Do This Work”
Several Cohort 8 members were recognized for completing the first level of DSP certification from the National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The purpose of this certification program is to provide national recognition for the contributions and competence of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who apply for and meet the certification standards.
“Every industry has a benchmark for quality—in our work, what is quality? Quality is helping people achieve things that are important to them,” said Joseph Macbeth, Executive Director of NADSP. He detailed his personal history as a DSP and his organization’s mission to professionalize the DSP role and achieve pay equality for DSPs.
NADSP Certificate earners with Advance & Earn staff
“Outcomes are never an accident—they are the result of high intention and skillful execution of direct support practice,” he said. “Not everyone can do this work—in fact, most people cannot. You should be recognized for your skills and paid according to your skills.”
Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC, put the DSP role in the context of a continuing social justice movement aimed at allowing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead full and equitable lives.
“As a DSP, you support people who have been disenfranchised for centuries,” Marco said. “The work you do every day is critical not just to the person you’re supporting but to their communities, their colleagues, and to society in general. You are uplifting humanity. This program is an embodiment of that.”
Programmatic Success Due to Partnerships
Yuliya Khripunkova, Assistant Director with Employment and Business Services, highlighted several partners for working with Advance & Earn to help participants achieve their goals. These include:
- AHRC NYC programs including EBS-Brooklyn, the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program, and several Day Services programs throughout the city
- Heaven’s Hand Community Services
- Person Centered Care Services
- CP Unlimited
Justin Stanford from Heaven’s Hand Community Services quoted his fellow Irishman, poet W.B. Yeats, in encouraging future DSPs to continually learn and fight against prejudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” Justin said. “The work that you guys do is amazing and crucial. I hope you continue to have success.”
