On this debate I am always reminded that in my youth, I spent countless hours being around and having fun with people with disabilities volunteering year round at an activity center.  I wasn't old enough to be paid, I frankly didn't think of getting reimbursed.  Real friendships, some continue to last to this day.

As a DSP, I certainly became more "professional" but no amount of money can pay for what I received through my relationships with people I "assisted".  I'm sure those of you with similar experiences would agree.

From someone that has been doing this since age 13 (not to mention sharing a household with my little brother with severe disabilities), I wonder if we are missing the boat when it comes to concepts such as integration and inclusion.  Perhaps not all typical DSP services need to be "professionalized"?

Could the answer be, when it comes to those day to day friendships, activities, non program/medical time... just hanging out can be done by someone without a GED who has an open heart?  Paid fairly, perhaps "supervised" by a qualified, well trained DSP?

Maybe within our Medicaid and ethical constraints we are asking for the wrong thing.  Maybe it's a new level that just focuses on interaction, friendship and hanging out?

Don't get wrong, we need to continue to professionalize the field.  But maybe the part of our work that means the most to the people we serve doesn't require a piece of paper to prove their ability to love?

Just a thought.

Jamie

From the phone of:
James W. Steele, MSW
Ohio Valley Residential Services
2261 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati,  Ohio. 45206
513-281-6800 x102
514-200-3695

On Jul 30, 2017, at 10:16 AM, "gtoth@windstream.net<mailto:gtoth@windstream.net>" <gtoth@windstream.net<mailto:gtoth@windstream.net>> wrote:

Very well said. That is really the heart of the matter.

On Jul 30, 2017, at 8:57 AM, Gail McPeake <Gail.McPeake@koinoniahomes.org<mailto:Gail.McPeake@koinoniahomes.org>> wrote:

I think it's more about literacy and being able to read medication labels, follow written directives, track and report often complex medical situations. The average person we support has at least 4 chronic health problems and receives 3-7 medications daily. Many also require frequent blood sugar or blood pressure checks. So maybe competency tests instead of GED or diploma, because those credentials don't necessarily guarantee a literate staff person.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 29, 2017, at 10:06 PM, Roy Cherry <rcherry@epilepsycenter.org<mailto:rcherry@epilepsycenter.org>> wrote:

Disagree...but you all knew that already..right Than?

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 28, 2017, at 11:46 PM, "drastoka@embracing-autism.net<mailto:drastoka@embracing-autism.net>" <drastoka@embracing-autism.net<mailto:drastoka@embracing-autism.net>> wrote:

I agree 100% Than.. I started working in the field at 16 (1980), in Lake County.  My co-workers were 16 and 17.  The folks we served received excellent care.  We have to let go of this GED/Diploma criteria, it just has to happen.

Great points..

-----Original Message-----
From: "Than Johnson" <TJohnson@CRSI-OH.com<mailto:TJohnson@CRSI-OH.com>>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:48pm
To: "Anita Allen" <aallen@opra.org<mailto:aallen@opra.org>>
Cc: "Shelby Rhodes" <shelbyr@havar.org<mailto:shelbyr@havar.org>>, "opra_members@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>" <opra_members@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>>, "opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com>" <opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com>>, "opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com>" <opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com>>
Subject: Re: GED waiver request

So if a 50 year old lady who a successfully raised 4 kids and passes our orientation and delegated nursing training says ' I don't want to go back and spend money and time getting my GED ' will not be approved for a waiver, then their is NO understanding of the why we have a workforce crisis.
We have to expand our workforce not set up barriers.
Than

Than Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, CRSI
www.crsi-oh.com<http://www.crsi-oh.com>

On Jul 28, 2017, at 12:04 PM, Anita Allen <aallen@opra.org<mailto:aallen@opra.org>> wrote:

The individual needs to working towards their GED for approval. DODD has not rejected anyone who is working towards it. There have been rejections for other reasons given.

From: Shelby Rhodes [mailto:shelbyr@havar.org]
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 11:48 AM
To: Anita Allen <aallen@opra.org<mailto:aallen@opra.org>>
Cc: opra_members@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_members@opra.simplelists.com>; opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_hr@opra.simplelists.com>; opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com<mailto:opra_workforce@opra.simplelists.com>
Subject: Re: GED waiver request

Lisa,

Is there a general rule of thumb on who is granted a waiver? For example, will someone working on his / her GED be given more weight than someone who you just feel confident would be a quality caregiver, given the background, references, etc.?

Also, what's the response time like?

Thanks!
--Shelby

On Fri, Jul 28, 2017 at 10:33 AM, Anita Allen <aallen@opra.org<mailto:aallen@opra.org>> wrote:
Information on DODD’s diploma/GED waiver request. Thanks Lisa!

From: Lisa Reed [mailto:lreed@rhdd.org<mailto:lreed@rhdd.org>]
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2017 12:16 PM
Subject: GED waiver request

I just received this updated form to use when applying to waive the HSD/GED requirement.  DODD appears to have a dedicated email now for this.  Kristi Williamson has been my contact for the few I’ve put through.  It has so far been a really simple process.

Lisa Reed, Executive Director
RHDD
1517 Chestnut Street
Coshocton, Ohio 43812

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Mr. Shelby Rhodes,
Executive Director

Havar, Inc.
396 Richland Ave.
Athens, OH 45701

(740) 594-3533 (ext. 106)

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You are receiving this important information as a Member service of the Ohio Provider Resource Association. Unless messages and/or replies are specifically directed, each posting/response is sent to the entire listserv group, a large and diverse body. The views of individual listserv users do not necessarily reflect the views of the OPRA Board or Staff. To send a message to this listserv, please use the reply button. To reply only to the original sender, please respond to the email listed after -on behalf of- in the FROM line of the message header. Thank you.
You are receiving this important information as a Member service of the Ohio Provider Resource Association. Unless messages and/or replies are specifically directed, each posting/response is sent to the entire listserv group, a large and diverse body. The views of individual listserv users do not necessarily reflect the views of the OPRA Board or Staff. To send a message to this listserv, please use the reply button. To reply only to the original sender, please respond to the email listed after -on behalf of- in the FROM line of the message header. Thank you.