Naomi Brickell is the project director for Supported Decision Making New York. With a distinguished career focused on empowering people with developmental disabilities, she leads initiatives to present Supported Decision Making (SDM) as a recognized alternative to guardianship in New York. Naomi is known for her work in disability policy advocacy, supporting families through the complexities of disability services, and promoting inclusion within educational settings and communities. She holds a degree from the University of Scranton and a master’s in special education and secondary transition from the University of Kansas.

Nicole Hastings is a self-advocate and leader within the intellectual and developmental disabilities realm. Drawing from her lived experiences, she plays an active role in advocating for self-determination rights. As coordinator of self advocacy and community engagement at the Westchester Institute for Human Development, Nicole leverages her position to empower others. She is both an adaptive sports enthusiast and entrepreneur, running Creative Arts by Nicole, which inspires individuals with disabilities to explore their artistic talents and pursue entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise explores the transformative impact of Supported Decision Making (SDM) in enhancing autonomy and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. Joined by Naomi Brickell and Nicole Hastings, two prominent advocates, the discussion delves into the nuances of SDM, contrasting it with traditional guardianship models and highlighting its potential to promote self-empowerment in the disability community.

Naomi Brickell explains the fundamental differences between guardianship and Supported Decision Making, underscoring how SDM prioritizes personal choice, autonomy, and the use of trusted support networks to guide decision-making. The episode challenges the misconception that guardianship is the only or safest option, revealing SDM’s role in fostering better decision-making and learning from mistakes. Nicole Hastings shares her personal journey with SDM, illustrating the importance of choosing supporters who respect individual autonomy and emphasizing the dignity of risk and the right to make independent choices, even if they lead to mistakes. As listeners engage with these dynamic stories, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for the principles of self-determination and inclusion driving this movement.

Key Takeaways:

• Supported Decision Making (SDM) is presented as a powerful alternative to guardianship, enabling individuals with disabilities to make their own informed choices with the support of chosen allies.
• Nicole Hastings discusses how her SDM journey is rooted in selecting trusted supporters to aid in complex areas like healthcare and finance, without relinquishing autonomy.
• Naomi Brickell emphasizes that guardianship often doesn't provide the safety families assume, contrasting it with SDM’s emphasis on intentional decision-making support.
• The conversation stresses the necessity for SDM to become a normalized approach in society, reducing the systemic barriers and stigmas faced by individuals with disabilities.

Resources:

· Supported Decision Making New York

· 17a Guardianship

· Senate Bill S7107B

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joseph Macbeth: Joseph Macbeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), boasts over 40 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. He began his career as a direct support professional and has become a prominent leader in workforce advocacy. Joe has significantly contributed to the advancement of direct support initiatives, particularly in New York and has been pivotal in establishing NADSP as a national movement representing over 60,000 professionals. Among his notable achievements are co-authoring a presidential report on the direct support workforce crisis and developing the E-badge Academy. Additionally, he serves on various national boards and committees, including a presidential appointment to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).

Episode Summary:

In this 2-part episode of DSP Talk, host Ashley Blaise engages in a meaningful conversation with Joseph Macbeth, an influential figure in the field of direct support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joe shares insights from his extensive experience advocating for direct support professionals (DSPs), discussing the urgent need for policy changes that affect DSPs and their ability to provide essential services. He emphasizes the potential impact of impending Medicaid cuts and the importance of DSP-led advocacy to confront these challenges.

In an exploration filled with crucial insights, Joe Macbeth delves into significant policy issues facing DSPs today, highlighting the often invisible and undervalued status of these professionals. He elaborates on the profound effects of potential Medicaid cuts, advocating for direct support professionals to mobilize and advocate on their own behalf. Throughout the discussion, Joe underscores the vital role of DSPs in achieving quality care and the pressing need for proper recognition within the profession. The conversation further explores the necessity for systemic support, training, and direct involvement of DSPs in policy advocacy, emphasizing the role of personal stories in influencing legislative change.

Key Takeaways:

• Direct support professionals face potential setbacks due to proposed Medicaid cuts, which could impact both their livelihoods, and the quality of care provided.
• Joe Macbeth encourages DSPs to take charge and advocate for themselves, drawing a parallel to successful social justice movements led from within.
• Recognition and support for DSPs extend beyond monetary compensation to include career development, decision-making power, and strategic involvement in organizational processes.
• There is a critical need for a unique occupational classification for DSPs to ensure accurate workforce data, essential for informed policy decisions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I see this as a social justice type of issue. People who support people with all types of disabilities need to be valued and respected as a true professional” – Joe Macbeth

2. "Honoring is a practice, not a performance." – Ashley Blaise

3. "Medicaid is not an entitlement. Medicaid feeds back into community and people with disabilities…contribute greatly to our communities." – Joe Macbeth

4. "Nobody's a good direct support professional on day one. It takes time to be a good direct support professional."– Joe Macbeth

Resources:

• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
• Advocacy Center
• Disability Policy Forum

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joseph McBeth: Joseph McBeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), boasts over 40 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. He began his career as a direct support professional and has become a prominent leader in workforce advocacy. Joe has significantly contributed to the advancement of direct support initiatives, particularly in New York and has been pivotal in establishing NADSP as a national movement representing over 60,000 professionals. Among his notable achievements are co-authoring a presidential report on the direct support workforce crisis and developing the E-badge Academy. Additionally, he serves on various national boards and committees, including a presidential appointment to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).

Episode Summary:

In this 2-part episode of DSP Talk, host Ashley Blaise engages in a meaningful conversation with Joseph McBeth, an influential figure in the field of direct support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Joe shares insights from his extensive experience advocating for direct support professionals (DSPs), discussing the urgent need for policy changes that affect DSPs and their ability to provide essential services. He emphasizes the potential impact of impending Medicaid cuts and the importance of DSP-led advocacy to confront these challenges.

In an exploration filled with crucial insights, Joe Macbeth delves into significant policy issues facing DSPs today, highlighting the often invisible and undervalued status of these professionals. He elaborates on the profound effects of potential Medicaid cuts, advocating for direct support professionals to mobilize and advocate on their own behalf. Throughout the discussion, Joe underscores the vital role of DSPs in achieving quality care and the pressing need for proper recognition within the profession. The conversation further explores the necessity for systemic support, training, and direct involvement of DSPs in policy advocacy, emphasizing the role of personal stories in influencing legislative change.

Key Takeaways:

• Direct support professionals face potential setbacks due to proposed Medicaid cuts, which could impact both their livelihoods, and the quality of care provided.
• Joe Macbeth encourages DSPs to take charge and advocate for themselves, drawing a parallel to successful social justice movements led from within.
• Recognition and support for DSPs extend beyond monetary compensation to include career development, decision-making power, and strategic involvement in organizational processes.
• There is a critical need for a unique occupational classification for DSPs to ensure accurate workforce data, essential for informed policy decisions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I see this as a social justice type of issue. People who support people with all types of disabilities need to be valued and respected as a true professional” – Joe Macbeth

2. "Honoring is a practice, not a performance." – Ashley Blaise

3. "Medicaid is not an entitlement. Medicaid feeds back into community and people with disabilities…contribute greatly to our communities." – Joe Macbeth

4. "Nobody's a good direct support professional on day one. It takes time to be a good direct support professional."– Joe Macbeth

Resources:

• National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
• Advocacy Center
• Disability Policy Forum

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.