I, too, am enjoying this discussion. I look forward to seeing what comes of this discussion.
When a holiday is approaching, arm your staff member or DSPs: Here’s an idea. The DSP could bring up the conversation that, “Rather than giving gifts, I would like to do something meaningful with you this year.”
That could be making cards to crafts to donate, taking a small angel from a tree. They might donate time to ring the bell for Salvation Army or serve lunch at a shelter depending on the personality and abilities of the person. If the person agrees, they should
have an equal role in planning, volunteering and purchasing items to see the project through. Have the DSP make sure to acknowledge and thank them for this thoughtful Christmas gift during the project.
When someone wants to pay for a meal. Arm the DSP with something to the effect if each person buys their own, they can enjoy a meal out together more often. They could say they don’t want to share a dinner with
them only when the person can pay for it. If the DSP could not afford the particular restaurant – or it’s the day before payday, lol – they could bring a protein bar, order a drink and say that they want to enjoy the time with them but they are on a special
diet.
I hope this is helpful. Teresa Whipkey 740-322-6907
From: opra_members@opra.simplelists.com [mailto:opra_members@opra.simplelists.com]
On Behalf Of Gary Tonks
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 2:20 PM
To: Andrea Dobrin; Jamie Steele
Cc: Dougherty, Jan A; Justin Blumhorst; OPRA General Listserve; Stephen Colecchi; drastoka@embracing-autism.net
Subject: RE: Misappropriation
The conversation has to extend to questions about community activities:
I want to go to the movies. As an individual, I have funds, but my direct support staff do not. Is it ok for me to buy his ticket?
It’s dinner out night, all of us in the home have funds to buy dinner, but my direct support staff does not. Does he just sit and watch us eat; prevent us from going out; encourage the
individuals to pitch in for his meal; or, does his employer pay for him?
Gary
From: Andrea Dobrin [mailto:Andrea.Dobrin@koinoniahomes.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 12:11 PM
To: Gary Tonks; Jamie Steele
Cc: Dougherty, Jan A; Justin Blumhorst; OPRA General Listserve; Stephen Colecchi;
drastoka@embracing-autism.net
Subject: RE: Misappropriation
You’re correct Gary - and your last statement identifies the conflict for providers and individuals…………..”what an individual
must do to be included” verses what an individual chooses to do…..and all the shades of gray in between.
Great conversation everybody!
From:
opra_members@opra.simplelists.com <opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>
On Behalf Of Gary Tonks
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 9:56 AM
To: Jamie Steele <jamie.steele@ovrs.org>
Cc: Dougherty, Jan A <jdougherty@summitdd.org>; Justin Blumhorst <justin.blumhorst@capabilitiesinc.biz>; OPRA General Listserve <opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>;
Stephen Colecchi <stephen.colecchi@hattielarlham.org>;
drastoka@embracing-autism.net
Subject: Re: Misappropriation
Like many rules and laws, It was developed in response to abuse. A few providers and their staff were encouraging / forcing individuals to buy gifts for them. It’s obviously time to revisit and openly discuss
The discussion will expand to what an individual must do to be included in the community at large.
Gary Tonks
On Wed, Dec 19, 2018 at 9:12 AM Jamie Steele <jamie.steele@ovrs.org> wrote:
Great discussion! Believe it or not, unless we vet theses types of issues amongst ourselves, rule changes that reflect our reality, will never be updated. Your reflection and stated opinion on matters like this, help the OPRA Board and staff advocate to the administration. This is how it works. Keep it up!
Dave to answer your question of where this started, I have a hunch it came from the legislative staff under the the Ritchie Administration:)...kidding
From the phone of:
James W. Steele, MSW
Executive Director
Ohio Valley Residential Services
2261 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio. 45206
513-281-6800 x102
513-200-3695
On Dec 19, 2018, at 8:56 AM, "drastoka@embracing-autism.net<mailto:drastoka@embracing-autism.net>" <drastoka@embracing-autism.net<mailto:drastoka@embracing-autism.net>> wrote:
I agree Jan - it is confusing. Our philosophy is to mainstream our folks into our communities, normalization is a must, individuals can and should vote, they can sign their own leases, we want our folks to have jobs in the community, use their own ATM cards but they can not buy someone a Christmas gift? Does that really make sense? Who created this rule and how old is it? My thoughts are - let anyone who wants to buy a gift for someone, buy a gift. Monitor the process, inform the guardians and educate the person who is buying the gift and help then shop for it, if needed.
Merry Christmas
-----Original Message-----
From: "Dougherty, Jan A" <jdougherty@summitdd.org<mailto:jdougherty@summitdd.org>>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2018 7:10pm
To: "Stephen Colecchi" <Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org<mailto:Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org>>
Cc: "Justin Blumhorst" <justin.blumhorst@capabilitiesinc.biz<mailto:justin.blumhorst@capabilitiesinc.biz>>, "OPRA General Listserve" <opra_members@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>>
Subject: Re: Misappropriation
Thank you Stephen. The larger picture is the confusing message providers give to the people receiving their services. They call them family members, friends, etc. This is confusing because we all give gifts to family members and friends. So the one day a year they want to buy their family members/friends they cannot because on this day they are a client of services. It sure what the solution is, but the message is confusing.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 18, 2018, at 6:31 PM, Stephen Colecchi <Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org<mailto:Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org>> wrote:
>
> We just reviewed and updated our policy a month or so ago. Gifts to DSPs are prohibited. Many of the ethical guidelines for some of the licensed professionals also prohibit gifts from being accepted. If a family wants to provide a meal (for example pizza) - that is permitted - provided that all employees working at the specific location are included. I can send the specific language tomorrow when I get to the office.
>
> Steve
>
> Stephen Colecchi
> Chief Executive Officer
> Hattie Larlham
> O: 330-840-6838
> C: 330-472-5572
> Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org<mailto:Stephen.Colecchi@hattielarlham.org>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
>
>
>> On Dec 18, 2018, at 5:55 PM, Justin Blumhorst <justin.blumhorst@capabilitiesinc.biz<mailto:justin.blumhorst@capabilitiesinc.biz>> wrote:
>>
>> Hey Everyone!
>>
>> With it being the holiday season, people are giving gifts. What are your policies if people you serve give presents to DSP's? My understanding is that they cannot take the gifts... if anyone has anything wrote up or has any training on how to say no to these appropriately, I would appreciate it :)
>>
>> If anyone has any other thoughts on accepting the gifts, I would appreciate that too...
>>
>> JB
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