NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Omobolare Olatunji
Congratulations to Omobolare Olatunji who has been selected as the July 2023 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month.We are recognizing Omobolare for her excellent ‘Communication Modes’ E-Badge submission. This badge represents a Direct Support Professionals’ work in using positive and respectful verbal, non-verbal and written communication a way that can be understood by the individual, and actively listens and responds to them in a respectful, caring manner.This badge is part of the Communication CMS Core Competency. It also aligns with the NADSP Competency Area of Communication.
Omobolare works as a direct support professional at Richcroft, Inc. in Maryland. The mission of Richcroft, Inc. is to create opportunities and cultivate relationships that enable every person to live their best life.
Omobolare’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Omobolare about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work as a direct support professional, the skillsets 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:
One of the people I support was having crisis, really dragging his mom and he didn’t listen to anybody. I was able to redirect him with what he likes most is music, and he came back to baseline. Which I was able to intervene before the crisis escalate.
Why is this competency so important to DSPs?
Competency is important to direct support professionals because it will enhance their skills when crisis arises and when needed.
How have you used this competency in your work?
I use communication on a daily basis to perform successfully as a Direct Support Professional.
How can other DSPs replicate your practices?
DSPs can replicate my practices by reflecting further in training. I encourage DSPs to go for NADSP training, this will bring them more knowledge on the job.
How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?
It brought my agency to the limelight as one of us who just completed her DSP-1 program was chosen to represent ALL Direct Support Professional’s to meet with the President at the White House! (She’s talking about Oledayo Solanke, DSP-1 featured here in our coverage earlier this year.)
How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?
I’m using all the skills l learned during the program to support them and I am giving my best support.
What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?
It will enable me to serve the people l support better as l dive further into more training.
How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?
I feel more skilled. l feel so attached to what l do, because it brings so much satisfaction. I was celebrated and appreciated by my company.
Statement from Richcroft, Inc.
“I am so very proud of Omobolare for being recognized by NADSP as an E-Badge earner of the month. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to her dedication, exceptional skills, and profound impact on the lives of individuals with differing abilities. Omobolare represents and lives the mission of Richcroft by consistently creating opportunities for the folks she supports. Her genuine care, respect, and advocacy have transformed their lives, providing them with a sense of belonging and purpose. On behalf of Richcroft, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. May it inspire you to continue your incredible work and may it serve as a reminder of the difference you are making in the lives of individuals with disabilities.”
-Kevin Drumheller, MSW, M.Ed., Chief Executive Officer, Richcroft, Inc.
The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLSs) the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges. These badges demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values that these professionals utilize every day, recognizing the professional development that might otherwise go unacknowledged. Through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, DSPs and FLSs are acknowledged for the experience and education that they bring to the human services field.
NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Michael Olix
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Patrick Sgro
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Leslie Danley
