Over 500 DSPs Attend Ohio's Third Annual DSP Recognition Event This Month  .  

OADSP hosted its third annual DSP recognition event at the Xenos Center in Columbus, OH on September 12, 2012 for over five hundred attendees. Its country western theme was throughout the event from the tagline: "Blazing Trails, Leading the Way, Enhancing Lives Every Day";to the bandannas and cowboy hats as participant giveaways. 

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Director, John Martin was the keynote speaker. He addressed the DSPs with words of vision and encouragement as they continue to move toward better wages and a more professional image commensurate with that of other respected professions. 

OPRA president, Mark Davis presented the State Proclamation that stated September 12, 2012 DSP Recognition Day and ended his presentation by saying,

 "You are why we exist. You are our number one issue." 

John Raffaele talks about adopting a "Code of Ethics"

This year's DSP recognition event had something for everyone. John Raffaele was an amazing and energetic presenter. He made the topic of professional ethics not only thought-provoking but, fun and exciting as well. "Every profession has a code of ethics; lawyers, doctors, accountants, nail technicians, and cosmetologists.   

Direct support professionals also benefit from having a code of ethics." 

John Raffaele is an advisor to the National Alliance of Direct Support (NADSP) , the organization that created the direct support professional's code of ethics, and is impressed with the work Ohio is doing for the profession. "Ohio is a leader when it comes to supporting the Direct Support Professional. The national group is learning from what Ohio is doing."

DSP's entertain the audience with a skit entitled..."Group Home on the Range!" DSP Event 2012 

  

We welcomed back audience favorites Jasmine Beckwith a DSP from Koinonia Homes Inc. Click on the video link to hear the power of her message.

 

Jasmine Beckwith, DSP at Koinonia Homes, singing at the Ohio DSP Recogntion Event 2012

And watched Faticia Ayers, Ohio DD council manager give a spectacular performance!

Faticia Ayers, Ohio DD Council manager, has been with OADSP since its inception. "OADSP is like my baby and I get the opportunity to see it grow and develop," says Ayers. 

 

Another part of the event was the Campfire Confessions where DSPs, who were sitting at the same tables, were able to share how they enhanced the life of person they supported. Of course, the event would not be complete without its signature souvenir photo set, complete with this year's fitting western theme. People happily waited in line to have their picture taken with their team to show both pride in their profession and team spirit. 

 

Lisa Barnes, OADSP board member and return event coordinator, was thrilled with the record turnout. As the event drew to a close, OADSP President, Tony Thomas and Executive Director Amy Gerowitz addressed the attendees with final remarks. They thanked all of the participants for attending and the sponsors who helped to make the event a success. It was a day to remember and the organizers wanted DSPs to walk away feeling recognized and appreciated.

 

Kashauna Shepherd of Ohio Valley Residential Services (OVRS) might have said it best, "This event was just the boost I needed!" 
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