About Comcare’s E-Badge Academy Program

Comcare has been participating in NADSP E-Badge Academy for just over a month and have seen excitement from our staff at the opportunity to earn professional certifications for the skills that they use daily.  Our staff are highly skilled individuals that go through a lot of training.  We felt this was an opportunity for them to showcase that knowledge and skills while also giving them the opportunity to earn some extra cash while doing it.

In this short period of time, we’ve already had a few staff successfully obtaining their DSP I and Front-Line Supervisor certifications.  These staff have become mentors and role models for other staff on what a quality staff looks like.

As we invest more into staff development and more staff earn those certifications, we fully anticipate that our current staff retention and new staff referral rates will continue to climb.  Everyone wins, our staff, those people supported, and the agency as a whole.  We are excited to continue this journey and feel this certification program will be another tool for us that helps move us closer to the agency that we are striving to become.

Mandy’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Mandy about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work as a direct support professional, the skill sets she demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on her professional recognition, and how she gets credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

My coworker and I, worked with the person served on learning how to communicate yes and no so that he was better able to make choices in his life. He is now able to more consistently communicate with staff if he wants to do something or not, and we use this everyday so he can lead his life. 

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

It’s important that we work to find ways that work for the people we serve to better direct their lives. Everyone is different, so we have to work to find what works for each individual person so they can lead their day and make it meaningful for them. 

How have you used this competency in your work?

We use this every day when planning out the day. In ICF we have a lot of regulations and it’s harder to be person centered, but we still do everything we can to let the people we serve lead their day. 

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

Always remember that each person you serve is different, what works for one may not work for the other. We tried several different things before we found something that worked for this specific person in being able to communicate his choices. 

How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?

I hope that it will help everyone participating in the academy reflect on things they have done and learn things they could do to help the people we serve. I think it is already making people see that we need to be more open minded and think outside the box. 

How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?

Learning more about being person centered and how I can really make the change for the people I support and the company. 

What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?

I would like to successfully earn all my badges, be a leader, and continue to grow.  

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?

Do you feel stronger professional identity with your occupation? With the extra training and reflection on work I have done in the past, I personally feel, that it is helping me in putting forth more person-centered practices with the people I serve. I believe I have grown as a person and in my career. 

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy given you credit for competency?

National recognition is a big deal when our company is so small and not really as known as some other companies are. Comcare is growing as a whole, and I am thankful that I get to be a part of that and my success in my career is making a difference.

Well Wishes from Mandy’s Agency

“We are all extremely proud of Mandy and her selection as a NADSP Earner of the Month.  It’s an honor well deserved.    

Mandy is a great advocate for those she supports.  She is constantly looking for ways to help them to embrace what a person-centered life looks like.  Through her support and encouragement, they are fulfilling the goal that we all have for those with disabilities that they are able to achieve their best lives possible.   I look forward to continuing to see the positive impacts that someone like Mandy has on the people she supports.”

– Cathy Thomas, Executive Director, Comcare, Inc. 

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month