Jennifer Stanford Vogt is an established professional in the human services sector, with a career deeply influenced by serendipity and her belief in divine intervention. A graduate of Keuka College in 2008, Jennifer began her journey as a job readiness and GED instructor, eventually transitioning into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her roles have included direct support professional (DSP) and staff development trainer, and her insights are further informed by her personal experience as a parent of a child with multiple diagnoses, including autism and epilepsy. Currently, Jennifer serves as the Associate Director of Education and Training at eVero Corporation, leading teams in creating impactful learning programs and fostering innovation in the sector.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Jennifer Stanford Vogt, whose path through the realms of human service and parenthood brings an invaluable perspective on the interplay between direct support professionals (DSPs) and families. Jennifer shares how her dual experiences as both a parent and a DSP have shaped her understanding of these roles as a partnership built on empathy and effective communication. Her narrative underscores the mutual effort needed for individuals with disabilities to flourish, spotlighting how these interactions can foster personal growth, skill development, and emotional well-being.

Jennifer dismantles common misconceptions about DSPs, emphasizing the skills, critical thinking, and emotional resilience required in their role. Her insights pave the way for families and DSPs to foster mutual respect and build healthy partnerships. By acknowledging the emotions and needs of both sides, Jennifer suggests concrete ways to strengthen these relationships, like regular check-ins, active listening, and transparent communication. Overall, the episode provides a compelling view into the complexities of caregiving, offering a call to action for both families and professionals to work cohesively towards enriching the lives of those they support.

Key Takeaways:

• Beyond 'Babysitting': The role of DSPs is often misunderstood; it involves advocacy, problem-solving, and much more than supervision.
• Building Trust and Respect: Regular communication and small gestures of acknowledgment help to build trust between families and DSPs.
• The Human Aspect: Acknowledging the emotional journey of both DSPs and families leads to better support structures and cooperation.
• Partnership over Isolation: Success relies on treating the family-DSP relationship as a collaborative effort instead of two opposing sides.

Notable Quotes:

• "It truly takes a real partnership, some empathy, and communication to make it happen."
• "DSPs are constantly problem-solving, teaching, advocating, and adapting in the moment."
• "At the end of the day, we're all just really here for the same reason: to help the person that we're both engaged with grow, develop, and thrive."
• "Assume always that there are good intentions and really listen to each other."

Resources:

• eVero Corporation

For a deeper dive into this enlightening discussion, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful content on DSP Talk, where we continue to explore stories and strategies that enhance the lives of those working in human services.

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

Michael Alcorn is a dedicated student at Mohawk Community College, where he excels in the field of small business studies, having made the principal’s list three times and being an esteemed member of the National Honor Society. Michael is also known for his cheerful demeanor and commitment at Taco Bell, where he is training to become a manager. Despite overcoming learning disabilities, Michael is pursuing his dream to open his own restaurant, the Acorn Tree, highlighting his perseverance and passion for entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary:

Join host Asheley Blaise on this inspiring episode of DSP Talk, where she engages with Michael Alcorn, a student at Mohawk Community College and an aspiring entrepreneur currently working at Taco Bell. Michael shares his journey of overcoming learning disabilities and the pivotal role employment specialists played in helping him find and keep meaningful employment. Discover the personal challenges he faced and how he turned them into opportunities to grow, both in education and in his job.

In this enlightening conversation, Asheley and Michael delve into the significance of job coaches in the IDD field, contrasting prior unsupportive experiences with the transformative impact of dedicated employment specialists. Michael openly discusses the transitional journey from working at a sheltered workshop to thriving in a dynamic work environment, training to become a manager. As Michael approaches the completion of his studies, he aims to acquire a bachelor’s degree and eventually open his restaurant, demonstrating determination fueled by supportive resources.

Key Takeaways:

• Employment specialists play a vital role in aiding individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain fulfilling jobs.
• Finding the "right" employment specialist can be crucial to workplace success and personal growth.
• Experience in the fast-paced environment of Taco Bell has equipped Michael with skills and confidence for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Education and patience have been key to Michael's journey towards managerial roles and the dream of owning a restaurant.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Having the right employment specialist can help you succeed in your job. Not just any employment specialist, but the right one." - Michael Alcorn
2. "The two employment specialists that I had understood me, knew that I needed the experience to help open my own restaurant." - Michael Alcorn

Tune in to this episode to gain an understanding of the intricacies of support systems that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals. Stay connected with DSP Talk for more inspiring stories and insights.

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

Latima Anderson Mason is an inspiring advocate and a dedicated mother to her daughter who has a disability. As her daughter transitions into adulthood, Latima has taken an active role in navigating the complexities of aging out of support services and exploring guardianship options. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for advocacy, guiding other families through similar challenges with empathy and insight. Latima is currently engaging in workshops and legal processes to ensure her daughter's rights and independence are upheld as she enters this new life stage.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages in a poignant conversation with Latima Anderson Mason, a devoted mother and advocate for her daughter with disabilities. As Anika approaches adulthood, Latima shares the intricacies of the aging-out process, especially focusing on the transition from high school to adult services at the age of 21. By sharing her story, Latima helps to shed light on the critical path of securing guardianship while balancing her daughter’s rights and independence—offering listeners a glimpse into the challenges and victories experienced by families navigating a similar journey.

Latima Anderson Mason provides insight into the emotional and practical challenges of securing guardianship for her daughter, Anika, who is aging out of services. The discussion highlights essential topics such as the significance of understanding legal processes and maintaining the child's voice in critical decisions. Key resources such as AHRC New York workshops are mentioned, offering needed support to families. The episode concludes with Latima's personal hopes for a future where individuals with disabilities are seen and heard beyond their limitations. This episode is a must-listen for families and advocates in the disability community, providing relatable and beneficial guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• Aging Out Process: Children with disabilities are entitled to services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until they turn 21 (in NY, other States it can be up to 22).
• Guardianship: is a court process that allows a parent or caregiver to make legal, medical, or financial decisions for an adult child who is unable to make such decisions independently. (Source Planning for Children with Disabilities Aging Out of the School System - , May 01, 2025)
• Effective Communication: Continuously explaining processes and decisions to a child with disabilities helps in understanding and decision-making.
• Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported decision-making (SDM) is a practice by which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are able to make their own decisions with the support of trusted persons in their lives and retain all their legal and civil rights. (Source: What is Supported Decision-Making? – SDMNY)

Resources:

• AHRC New York: Guardianship Services
• OPWDD Transition Services Recorded Webinar May 9, 2024

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