Collaboration, Creativity, and Connection

Anthony Pappas: A seasoned Direct Support Professional with over 15 years of experience, Anthony Pappas is deeply involved in the realm of self-directed services for individuals with developmental disabilities. His unique approach incorporates creative elements such as music, songwriting, and creative writing to foster personal development and achieve person-centered goals. A musician, recording artist, and published author, Anthony has a rich history of collaborating with families and participants to cultivate meaningful and empowering support systems.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise delves into the transformative world of self-direction with Anthony Pappas, a Direct Support Professional who has an innovative approach to person-centered care. This episode focuses on the intricacies and benefits of self-direction as people with developmental disabilities are empowered to make significant life choices about their care, supported by a close-knit team of family and DSPs. Anthony shares his insights from over 15 years in this field, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, mutual respect, and collaboration between DSPs, participants, and families.

Throughout the conversation, Anthony highlights how working closely with families changes the traditional DSP role, offering a more personalized approach to care. Terms like "self-direction," "collaborative teams," and "individualized goals" permeate the discussion as Anthony reflects on his innovative methods, such as using music to enhance vocabulary and creative expression. The discussion underscores the challenges and rewarding moments of self-direction, showcasing real-life examples that emphasize empowering choice and finding common ground in decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-direction thrives on collaboration, creativity, and respecting personal choice, with the participant's voice central to decision-making.
• Effective communication between families and DSPs is crucial for successfully navigating challenges and fostering growth in participants.
• Utilizing creative approaches like music can significantly enhance personal development and engagement of individuals being supported.
• Compromise and flexibility are necessary for achieving shared goals and maintaining productive relationships between families and DSPs.
• Anthony's experiences illustrate the transformative power of self-direction in instilling independence and confidence in participants.

Resources:

• Book: Gifts From the Autistic Community - by Anthony Pappas
• Listening Workshop: Listen and Unwind - Contact [e-mail]

Definitions:

• Participant – In this episode, participant refers to the person being supported in self-directed services.
• FI – Fiscal Intermediary is the agency of records. The FI handles DSP onboarding, payroll, mandatory training of DSPs and families, as well as Human Resources needs such as tax information and health insurance benefits for the DSP. The FI ensures that all DSPs on the participant’s team, as well as the participant’s budget, are compliant with the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Tune in to the full episode to deepen your understanding of person-centered care and see firsthand how the DSP Talk series uplifts the invaluable work of direct support professionals. Stay connected for more conversations that inspire and inform.

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