Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville
Rotary speaker chair, Tina Todd, executive director of Guernsey Residential,
and Jennifer Oakley, Provider Support and Employment Navigator for GCBDD.
Tina Todd, executive
director of Guernsey Residential, spoke to Byesville Rotary about how her
organization provides and manages residences aimed at enabling people with
developmental disabilities to live as self-directed a life as possible.
Guernsey Residential works closely with the Guernsey County Board of
Developmental Disabilities
.
Todd explained that a
major element in their program is their staff of Direct Support Personnel
(DSP’s). Most of Guernsey Residential clients need some type of support during
their daily routines. The DSP’s provide that support on a 24/7 basis.
A DSP works 24/7 for
7 days then has 7 days off. DSP’s provide all types of support from purchasing
supplies for meal preparation, insuring meds are taken appropriately,
accompanying clients to outside entertainment such as movies or concerts,
driving clients to and from appointments or to their work location.
Todd pointed out that
it is important for a DSP is to understand and interact with each client as an
individual and to develop a relationship of trust. She described DSP’s as
special people that are hard to replace.
Todd explained that
one of her biggest challenges as executive director of Guernsey Residential is
to find and hire people to become DSP’s. She stated that in Ohio 10-20% of
positions for DSP’s are vacant. People to fill DSP positions are in very high
demand in the United States.
Todd pointed out that
when she interviews a person for a DSP position, she looks for a person who
communicates well, has a passion for helping others, is flexible, has good
listening skills and lots of patience. Ohio law requires that a DSP be 18 years
old and have a high school diploma or have a GRE certificate, and be able to
read and write English. Eight hours of additional training is required and
DSP’s will attend continuing education classes during their employment such as
first aid, CPR, as well as instruction on how to administer medication.
Todd finished her
presentation with a lively question and answer session with the Byesville
Rotarians attending the meeting.
Shana Fair announced
that there will be no meeting on Tuesday, March 17, which is the day of the
primary election. Instead, the club will meet at Georgetown Tavern on the Hill
for spaghetti and some fun on Wednesday, March 18.
Connect with
#ByesvilleRotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com , Twitter Byesville_Club, or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior
Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome
at the club’s meeting. #6690
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