Vision Boards and Mentorship: A Positive Afternoon for Self-Advocates & Local High School Students
A future in the field of direct care is bright for Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District students, enrolled in the DSP Pathways Program. On January 28, the twelve students left the Brookville mansion feeling inspired and hopeful after meeting with goal-oriented self-advocates and experienced residential staff.
The high school seniors are preparing for Direct Support Professional (DSP) roles through one of the only high school-to-DSP pipeline curricula in New York State.
In this 120-hour program, students will learn from a curriculum created in collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and earn NADSP-certified e-badges to become certified DSPs.
The DSP Pathways Long Island Pilot, was made possible by an $80,000 work-based learning grant from Bellmore-Merrick, who designated funding through New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The program provides hands-on experience, formal training, and direct mentorship in the field of disability services.
On January 28, students met with Cathy Loquercio, Coleen Mackin, Steven Barsh, Noah Probert, and Michelle Rudoff, seasoned self-advocates, to create vision boards and set goals aligned with their Personal Outcome Measures (POM). During this activity, self-advocates and students learned from one another while students practiced skills needed to be successful as a DSP.
Together, self-advocates and students picked out pictures and affirmations to create a visual roadmap for achieving goals.
“I think it was great getting hands on experience, especially working on a POM, and understanding the whole DSP process,” said Giada Capus, a student.
For example, Michelle hopes to travel more. She’d like to visit Mexico so that she can see her favorite camp counselors from Camp Loyaltown. As students brainstormed strategies to help her reach this goal, they identified small, achievable steps she could take along the way, including a shorter flight to Disney World in Florida.
Steven also enjoyed working with the students and appreciated their person-centered approach.
“The ladies helped me pick out the pictures and they were really spot on,” Steven said of his experience. “Hopefully they can get into their chosen fields.”
DSPs and managers including Michelle Nerette, Manager, and Donell Jones, Assistant Manager, of the North Cedar Street residence in Massapequa; Rochelle Howell, Manager of the Oak Tree Drive residence in Smithtown; and Tammy Vallancourt, Manager of the Ontario Avenue residence in Plainview, will mentor students once they start work-based learning in day and residential services.
“If you guys have patience, you have love, you can do it too,” Rochelle said. “You can be a DSP, a manager, an assistant manager, anything you want, and we will be here to support you.”
Michelle told students that her goal for the house she manages is to provide a home-like atmosphere where residents feel comfortable.
“The residential program is 24/7, 365 days, holidays, nights, weekends. We never close,” said Deanna Allen, Director of Residential Services. “We are people’s homes. It’s always our job to be there for them when they need it.”
This project is supported by Bridget Cariello, Assistant Director of Project Development; Jim Stock, Assistant Director of Talent, Development, and Engagement; Laura Franzen, Assistant Director of Employment Services; and Jana Lichtenthal, Senior Employee Training Specialist.