Alpha’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Alpha about his experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how he carries out his work, the skillsets he demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on their professional recognition, and how he gets credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

I shared a story where the individuals and the staff got together for a movie night. The film we voted for was far too intense for one of the individuals as his PTSD flared up. So I worked with him by getting him to a safer space.  l gave him some words of understanding and encouragement as a means of uplifting his spirit so he can proceed through the rest of his night peacefully.

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

It’s important because I think If one individual feels unsupported that energy can extent to other individuals in the house. It’s important for people to feel supported mentally as well as emotionally so physically they can fulfill their full potential as well. When individuals feel good everybody wins.

Have you used this competency in your work?

This competency is extremely useful. Just off the strength it’s the foundation for our conduct as DSPs. We are there to be supportive, not just physically but in a holistic sense. It’s something that we practice daily.

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

I think being observant. Getting to know the individuals and having a curiosity of what motivates them and what doesn’t. The key is to adjust your approach to each individual person. After a while you will develop an eye to their emotional states and you can move accordingly. I think just being present and empathetic to their ups and downs and knowing that every day they’re growing is important as well. Our job is to be there and be supportive. Being observant and present is an important part of that. They have to have a sense that we are not just there with them physically, but we are mentally and emotionally checked in so they know they’re supported.

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

I think it benefits our agency because it puts on display that we have strong, caring and capable DSPs. That we are doing our best and yet still striving to do better. It highlights the best of what our agency can offer and what we are all about.

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

It benefits the individuals we work with in that reflecting in the academy has helped fine tune skills and abilities we have picked up in the field.  Helping us to remember what we picked up from the trainers in our agency.

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

I think more expansion and opportunity. I think it also opened the door for growth and experience in this line of work.

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

I think having a credible and notable organization like the NADSP is a plus to anyone’s professional image that’s a part of this line of work. I feel a stronger professional identity within my occupation and definitely feel more skilled. They give you badges that ultimately feel like a sense of accomplishment. They also encourage some economic growth, which is always a strong symbol of credit.

Words from from Barber National Institute

So I had the pleasure of working with Alpha week by week as he completed his certification requirements. When he was first getting started with NADSP, he didn’t seem to have a lot of confidence and wasn’t able to recognize just how high quality his work as a DSP has been over years. But after completing all of the testimonial responses for the eBadges, and being recognized for this work, it’s clear that Alpha is now confident in his [top-tier] DSP skills, and is able to see how he truly makes a positive difference in the lives of the individuals he supports. He is someone who really takes the time to listen and implement individualized, person-centered services, while also empowering individuals to be as independent as possible.

–Megan Morrow, NADSP Local Administrator, Learning & Development

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month