Person-Centered Direct Support (CD-ROM)

Format: Powerpoint/Quicktime Presentation

People who rely on personal assistants need workers who find meaning in offering service in person-centered ways. A sense of meaning increases the chances of retaining workers. An understanding of what it means to work in a person-centered way increases the chances that workers will make a positive difference in the lives of the people and families they assist.

Appreciating inquiry into the performance of direct support workers when they are at their best reveals a relationship that engages their hearts, their minds and their hands. In collaboration with a group of direct support workers in New York City, Beth Mount and John O’Brien identified 12 themes that make a positive difference to quality of life…

• Share Life’s Journey
• Create Understanding
• Generate Respect
• Raise Expectations
• Listen with Heart
• Build Alliances
• Open Choices
• Learn the Neighborhood
• Let Beauty Shine
• Support Voice
• Celebrate Community
• Nurture Relationships

Discovering these themes inspired the creation of resources to guide the development of person-centered direct support. They can be used for staff development, conference handouts, staff appreciation, or retreats.

Ideal resource for enabling person-centered direct support workers

Accompanying Fold-Out Poster