Congratulations to Jacqueline Cerna, who has been selected as the NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month for December of 2020. Jacqueline is being recognized for her excellent ‘Personal Care’ E-Badge submission. This badge represents a DSP’s skill in supporting the individual in meeting their physical and personal care needs and provides training in these areas when needed. This badge is part of the Community Living Skills and Supports CMS Core Competency. It is also aligned with NADSP’s Community Living Skills and Supports competency.
Jacqueline’s Personal Care submission described how she supported a person with skin conditions that made personal care both very important and very challenging. Throughout the process she put this person in control of this aspect of his life, repeatedly asking things like “What do you want to do?” or “What do we need to do?“. Jacqueline also helped him to set reminders in his phone to make sure that important tasks were not forgotten. This approach ultimately led to a reduction in symptoms, better hygiene, greater self-confidence, and new relationships.
Jacqueline works as a Direct Support Professional for Tierra Del Sol in California. The mission of Tierra Del Sol is to champion inclusion and value for all individuals with disabilities through creative pathways to employment, education, and the arts. To learn more about Tierra Del Sol, click here.
Jacqueline’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Jacqueline 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 he 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.
1. Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency
Throughout the past several weeks I have given A Little Disney Magic workshop giving the associates the chance to interact with each other over something they love. I have also been sending out weekly newsletters to several departments by being a great way to continuously connect with those I support.
2. Why is this competency so important to DSPs?
In personal care I am able to recognize the importance of maintaining reciprocal relationships and proactively facilitate relationships between the people I support, their family and friends.
3. How have you used this competency in your work?
To interact with the people I support in a manner that is respectful to them. Also, to promote the use of language that is respectful, sensitive and contemporary to each other and to others. As well as practice positive intention and transparency in my interactions in all of my classes. I have used this competency each and every day as I pass it along to others of its importance
4. How can other DSPs replicate your practices?
My peers have practiced and do these practices every day, and I cannot be even prouder of them.
5. How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your Agency?
The NADSP E-Badge Academy benefits the agency by not only recognizing the agency but the people who work within the agency itself.
6. How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefits the People I Support?
The NADSP E-Badge Academy benefits the people I support in numerous ways; all from communication, interactions, and making friendships..
7. What does the future hold for your involvement in NADSP E-Badge Academy?
My future involvement with the NADSP E-Badge Academy can go beyond limits.
8. How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image? Do you feel stronger professional identity with your occupation?
I am still in the learning process just as my colleagues because every day is a new day and we always get to learn something new. I am glad that I was able to be recognized for my hard work and perseverance by honoring me with the NADSP E-Badge.
Well Wishes from Tierra Del Sol
“It has been wonderful to see the confidence the NADSP badge program has given to our DSP’s like Jacqueline Cerna. The platform allows for folks to voice their stories and make connections to the Code of Ethics and through this, recognize their strengths as support staff and leaders. I am thrilled to see Jacqueline’s work recognized and used to inspire others to continue their journey within the NADSP badge program! Great work Jacqueline!.”
– Karina Tovar, Learning & Development Program Manager, Tierra Del Sol
“I would like to congratulate Jacqueline for receiving the NADSP badge earner. Jacqueline has been a role model not only to the individuals she supports, but to her peers as well. She is passionate about the folks she supports and provides excellent detailed documentation. Jacqueline has gone above and beyond with the adaptation into our remote services. She hosts multiple workshops for our associates and students to attend. I am excited to see her continuous professional growth within Tierra del Sol.”
– Aaron Andrade, Client Services Manager, Tierra Del Sol
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.
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About NADSP
The vision of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is a world with a highly qualified and professional direct support workforce that partners with, supports, and empowers people with disabilities to lead a life of their choosing. NADSP works to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values, through certification, credentialing, training, professional development, and accreditation services.