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Nominations

Do you know someone who is making a difference in the field of Direct Support? Then they should be nominated to win an award from DSPAT and DIDD More…

Winners Circle - Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Program

The Direct Support Professionals Recognition Program is a collaborative effort of the Direct Support Professionals Association of Tennessee (DSPAT) and the State of Tennessee, Department of Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). The program is funded by DIDD.

Do you know someone who provides direct support to people with disabilities who demonstrates the values of the DSP Code of Ethics? Then they should be nominated to win an Annual Above & Beyond ($1000) award.

 

Criteria for DSPAT Award Nominations

MONTHLY & QUARTERLY AWARDS
Criteria

The Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Program is a joint effort between DSPAT and the State of Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) to recognize Tennessee’s DSPs who “go the extra mile” in their support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and who serve by Example, encouraging other DSPs to strive for excellence. All DSPAT awards are currently funded through the generosity of DIDD. Monthly awards are $100 (three per region,) Quarterly awards $500 (one per region.) Quarterly winners are selected from monthly winners. No additional application is necessary for Quarterly award consideration. Awards are solely based upon the information provided in the nomination. Please keep the nine core values from the DSP Code of Ethics in mind as you prepare your nomination. Do not simply restate the values; offer specific examples of how your nominee demonstrates or puts the values into practice. You will be notified of the decision of the Awards Committee. If you have questions or need assistance in completing a nomination, please call 1-800-835-7077 or 615-248-5878 and ask to speak with someone in the DSPAT office.

ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD
Criteria

The purpose of the Recognition Program is to recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who work hard and “go the extra mile” to support people with a disability in their community, with special emphasis on the values in the Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals.  The Recognition Program is funded by the State of Tennessee, Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.  This is DSPAT’s highest honor and we are seeking the best of the best. Nominations for the Above and Beyond Award are accepted from January 1 through April 30, 2012.  The award will be presented on June 1, 2012 at the Tennessee Disability MegaConference.  The winner will be notified by May 11.

Consideration given to DSP Code of Ethics

PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS: As a DSP, my first allegiance is to the person I support; all other activities and functions I perform flow from this allegiance.

PROMOTING PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL WELL BEING: As a DSP, I am responsible for supporting the            emotional, physical and personal well-being of the individuals receiving support while being attentive and energetic in reducing their risk of harm.

INTEGRITY and RESPONSIBILITY: As a DSP, I will support the mission and vitality of my profession to assist people in leading self-directed lives and to foster a spirit of partnership with the people I support, other professionals and the community.

CONFIDENTIALITY: As a DSP, I will safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of the people I support.

JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, and EQUITY: AS a DSP, I will promote and practice justice, fairness, and equity for the people I support and the community as a whole. I will affirm the human and civil rights and responsibilities of the people supported

RESPECT: As a DSP, I will respect the human dignity and uniqueness of the people I support. I will recognize each person I support as valuable and help others understand their value.

RELATIONSHIPS: As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to develop and maintain relationships.

SELF-DETERMINATION: As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to direct the course of their own lives.

ADVOCACY: As a DSP, I will advocate with the people I support for justice, inclusion, and full community   participation.AND

  • Take extra training to improve skills
  • Have exceptional relationship(s) with person(s) supported
  • Support the person(s) in special activities
  • Have a good relationship with co-workers
  • Have a genuine commitment to people with disabilities

If you need help completing the form, call 1-800-835-7077 and ask for DSPAT.

Monthly Award Guidelines (.pdf)

Nomination Form for Monthly and Quarterly Awards (Doc)

Above & Beyond Award Guidelines (.pdf)

Nomination Form for Above and Beyond Annual Awards (Doc)

You can submit your nominations one of three ways:
1.Mail 151 Athens Way Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37228
2.Fax 615-248-5879
3.Email dspat@thearctn.org

If you have any questions please call 615-248-5878 ext 17