‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 2: Is your company committed to changes and supporting you?
In June, Ryene Fenner, a direct support professional, sent a letter to the management team at the agency she works with, New Horizons Resources Inc. which sparked an important discussion about racism in the direct support workforce. NADSP reached out to her to contribute to a blog/video series which shares interview clips each week.
In addition to ongoing conversations and new initiatives, Ryene wrote an article for the NHR Newsletter. To read her article, click here. Below is Ryene’s reflection on “Is your company committed to changes and supporting you?”
NHR has taken a direct stance in conjunction with a statement in regards to Black Lives and why they matter to this agency and to the world. I was unsure of how my email would be received and perceived, but the outcome is more than I could have imagined. Not only has this agency been working hard to stand in solidarity with black lives, but they have also called on their sister agencies to join the fight. The road to equality is a long one, but it’s always nice knowing you don’t have to walk it alone.
Additional Resources
Along with sharing the interview video clips and related blog posts, NADSP will also be listing additional resources to provide information and guidance about anti-racist actions organizations and individuals can take to promote racial justice.
- Anti-Racism Resources
Oakland Community Health Network has compiled a listing of books, videos, and tools to promote anti-racism. - George Floyd Social Story
The Saint Paul Public Schools has produced a plain language social story resource.
More About Ryene Fenner
Ryene Fenner is a DSP that works for New Horizons Resources. She has been a DSP since 2016. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz and is pursuing a second master’s degree in Education, that will be completed this fall. In addition to the work, she does with New Horizons, Inc. Ryene has also created and implemented lesson plans for children with developmental disabilities for a local camp in the Hudson Valley.