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Therap, CDS Plan First Ever Joint Conference
 Therap and the College of Direct Support (CDS) will present their first-ever joint training
conference – "Side-by-Side Technology: Therap, CDS Training Conference I" – in
Overland Park, KS, on October 28-30 at the Ramada Inn Overland Park near Kansas City.
This historic conference will bring
together two industry leaders in the field of
utilizing web-based technology to support
people with developmental disabilities and
educating and training a workforce to
deliver the support services.
Therap Services, LLC, based in Waterbury, CT, is a web-based service organization that
provides an integrated solution for documentation and communication needs of agencies
providing support to people with disabilities, especially developmental disabilities. It
offers an easy and efficient alternative to the immense amount of paperwork that is done
manually by the care providers. Within a few years Therap has extended its services to
satisfied users in over 30 states in the United States, as well as Bangladesh and Nepal.
CDS is an online learning management system and curriculum used to develop, educate
and build careers for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). CDS is currently being used in
32 states, Canada and Australia and has approximately 70,000 learners online at any one
time of the day. Also embedded in CDS is the College of Frontline Supervision and
Management used to train managers and those considering becoming supervisors. CDS is
a collaborative work of the University of Minnesota and Elsevier/Mc Strategies. CDS is
headquartered in Knoxville, TN, and its curriculum is developed by the University of
Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration.
"Therap and the College of Direct Support working together and side-by-side is a natural
evolution of the services that we provide, services that complement one another and make
our respective clients work more efficiently and effectively," said Richard Robbins, Chief
Executive Officer and a co-founder of Therap. "This is going to be an exciting conference
for current users of both companies – and non users – to see what we offer and why it
works well."
Early bird registration prior to September 12 for the three-day conference is available for a
$150 per person fee. After September 12 the fee will be $225 per person. The fees
include all meals for the three-day conference.
The conference will feature multiple interactive sessions and workshops focusing on the
services provided by Therap and on the curriculum and the Learning Management System
offered by CDS. There will be specific sessions for advanced users of both systems, for
system administrators and for those who have not used CDS or Therap.
"This will offer one and all an up-close experience with our distinct and respective
technologies as both companies work to offer state-of-the-art supports to our clients and
prospective clients," said Bill Tapp, National Director of CDS. "Our focus is on education
and Therap's focus is on documentation. What we both do is instrumental in improving
the lives of those people served and supported by our clients."
To learn more about the conference and register for the event, please visit www.therapservices.net and click on the "Conferences" link. For additional information, call 203.596.7553.
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U.S. Senate Resolution Designates Week of
September 8 as ‘National Direct Support
Professionals Recognition Week'
The United States Senate, acting on a Senate Resolution introduced by Sen. Ben Nelson of
Nebraska on July 14, has set aside the week of September 8 as "National Direct Support
Professionals Recognition Week" to honor the hard work and dedication of the nation's
Direct Support Professional workforce.
Sen. Nelson, the sponsor of the resolution, was joined by several fellow senators as
co-sponsors: Susan Collins, Maine; Max Baucus, Montana; John Kerry, Massachusetts;
Gordon Smith, Oregon; Pat Roberts, Kansas; Chris Dodd, Connecticut; Orin Hatch, Utah;
Sherrod Brown, Ohio; Jim Bunning, Kentucky; and Jeff Bingaman, New Mexico.
The designation of the week of September 8 coincides with ANCOR's annual
Governmental Activities Seminar Sept. 7-9 in Washington. You can learn more about the
great work, the conference and ANCOR's National Advocacy campaign by going to
www.youneedtoknowme.org.
ANCOR is the national association representing more than 800 private providers of
community living and employment supports to more than 350,000 individuals of all ages
with disabilities. In order to meet their mission of providing quality, individualized
supports, ANCOR's members employ 400,000 DSPs who daily provide a broad range of
services that enable persons with significant disabilities to live meaningful, productive
lives in their communities.
The resolution in part says: "…..The Senate commends Direct Support Professionals as
integral in supporting the long-term support and services system of the United States; and
finds that the successful implementation of the public policies of the United States
depends on the dedication of Direct Support Professionals."
To read the entire
Resolution, just click on this LINK.
"Often referred to as personal assistants, personal attendants, direct care workers, in-home
support workers or paraprofessionals, these workers are the backbone of our nation's
long-term supports system that enable people to live successfully in the community and
avoid more costly institutional care," said Renee Pietrangelo, ANCOR's chief executive
officer. "The majority of these workers are female and many are the sole breadwinners of
their families. They provide a vital community service to the nation. Yet, many remain
impoverished and are eligible for the same Federal and State public assistance programs
on which the individuals served by the direct support professionals must depend."
For more information about the ANCOR Governmental Activities Seminar in
Washington, visit www.ancor.org.
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ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund Gathers Resources
to Assist Individuals in Need During Disasters
In immediate response to the June floods in the Midwest, the ANCOR Foundation
mobilized its ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund. The fund gives assistance to disability
providers and the individuals they support should a natural or man-made disaster, act of
terrorism, or some other detrimental, unforeseen large-scale event occur in the United
States.
Bruce Wagner and his new barbecue grill purchased with funds raised through the April 2008
Walk for Disaster Relief, an ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund event held in New Orleans, LA. Also
in the photo is Direct Support Professional Judy Borgos. | "There are 53.9 million individuals in the
United States with disabilities, which
represents 18 percent of the total U.S.
population," said Kari Amidon, ANCOR
education and foundation director.
"Unfortunately, in times of a disaster, these
individuals are sometimes left behind.
The
ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund seeks to
locate these individuals and provide them
with the support that they need before,
during and after a disaster."
The ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund recently came to the assistance of 20 such
individuals in New Orleans, LA, who were displaced in 2005 as a result of Hurricane
Katrina. The Fund, which raised $10,000 during the Walk for Disaster Relief held in
April, provided these individuals with critical items such as furniture, clothing and home
repairs.
"Thanks to donations made to the Fund, we were able to assist these individuals in
returning to their own homes by providing them with the resources that they needed to
resume their quality of life," said Bill Tapp, ANCOR Foundation president.
Robert Perrette is one example of an individual affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to
the ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund, Perrette, who suffered a total loss of home and
property, was able to replace some of these items, including formal business attire.
Another individual, Bruce Wagner, also lost all of his property as a result of the 2005
hurricane. One item that was sorely missed by Wagner was his barbecue grill.
"While it may seem like a small item to some, Bruce's barbecue grill provided him with
enjoyment and was an asset to his quality of life," stated Suzanne Bourgeois, program
director of Supported Living Services for Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans.
"He was thrilled to go shopping and purchase his new grill, thanks to the ANCOR
Foundation Cares Fund."
Summer 2008: Flooding in the Midwest
Now, as the flooding the Midwest has caused an untold amount of damage to property, the
ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund is once again mobilized to assist when and where
needed.
"We firmly believe that the ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund can help to send the message
that the strongest communities are those that embrace the unique talents of people with
disabilities," said Tapp. "Together, we can show that we are rooted in community and will
remain so moving forward."
To find out more information about the ANCOR Foundation Cares Fund, visit
http://www.ancor.org/ foundation/activities.htm.
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We Welcome David
Hancox To CDS National
Advisory Board
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David Hancox, the Executive Director of
the Metropolitan Center for Independent
Living in St. Paul, MN, is the newest
member of the College of Direct Support's
National Advisory Board (NAB).
The center, which he has directed for 11
years, serves a seven-county metropolitan
area. As an independent contractor, David
served as chief lobbyist for the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living
(seven years) and for the Association for Supported Living Residences (one year). David
also contracts his services to government agencies, school districts, corporations and
nonprofit organizations as a private consultant focusing on disability issues.
He has more than 35 years of varied experience in the field of disabilities. For seven years
David coordinated the day-to-day operation of Minnesota's Partners in Policymaking
project. Concurrent with these responsibilities, he also served as a senior planner, special
grants coordinator and Director of the Minnesota office of the World Institute on
Disability. Additionally, he has been employed as a public policy analyst, staff
development director, community residential services director, case management
specialist, direct service provider, and in various paraprofessional capacities. David's
services are regularly sought as a special consultant, public speaker, evaluator and author.
"His background, his knowledge of our field and his energy all make David a perfect
professional to serve on our National Advisory Board," said Bill Tapp, CDS National
Director. "He understands the challenges and issues that face the direct support workforce
and is a great addition to our CDS family."
The NAB provides a global perspective on the direct care workforce in America.
Representatives from major national organizations provide us guidance in the
development of upcoming CDS curriculum and workforce development tools.
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Alpha Resource: The August Partner Profile
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Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, CA, provides services and supports for
individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families. Founded in the
early 1950s, Alpha has evolved into a multi-faceted services center that provides a wide
array of support services, including advocacy, information and resources, technical
assistance and personal representation for children and families, teen recreation and
outdoor adventures. Also, we offer a broad spectrum of adult services focused on what is
important and meaningful in the life of each individual. Our success is attributable to
visionary leadership, strong community support and a well-trained and dedicated staff.
Alpha serves 92 adults, 45 teens, and more than 1,200 families per year throughout the
Santa Barbara County. We have a staff of 100 with 47 full- and part-time staff providing
direct support (14 staff members are in our Children and Family
Services division and 33 in Adult Services). The balance of our staff
operates two successful thrift stores.
 | Our August Partner Profile features Alpha Resource and is written by its
Executive Director, Kimberly Olson.
Click on this LINK to read the full
Partner Profile.
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ANCOR Survey Reveals Troubling Results About
the ‘Leadership Gap'
The headline tells the story: "Survey Results Suggest Impending Leadership Gap at
ANCOR Member Agencies."
The Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership conducted the survey of 130
ANCOR members that covered a variety of subjects – reimbursement policies,
fundraising challenges and leadership, among others. The results of the survey on
leadership should be a wake-up call to many agencies that do not have experienced
industry executives to oversee their agencies and futures.
"The study ANCOR conducted with The Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic
Leadership at Rutgers University points to an impending leadership gap – both in who
will lead our organizations and in the competencies all leaders will need to effectively
meet the challenges and opportunities ahead," said Renee Pietrangelo, ANCOR's chief
executive officer. "The study of over a third of ANCOR member agencies indicated that
leadership/management and interpersonal skills lead the list of competencies needed to
steer organizations through the changes ahead."
She also added: "One of the most sobering results from the survey is that only 27 percent
of the organizations surveyed have established a vibrant succession planning process and
structure in their organization. This woeful statistic means we must give serious thought
and take mindful action to address the overall lack of leadership preparedness for the
future within the service provider community."
Please click here to read the full story published in the June 2008 edition of "LINKS."
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Demonstration Initiative Exploring Using CDS To
Train Treatment Foster Care Parents Is Underway
The College of Direct Support is supporting an initiative to bring CDS to the field of child
welfare with the Treatment and Public Foster Care Demonstration Initiative, directed by
Dr. Traci LaLiberte, director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the
University of Minnesota.
In a nutshell, the Demonstration Initiative is evaluating the use of various components of
the CDS curriculum to be used to train and educate foster parents in supporting foster
children who have disabilities.
"As child welfare is a multi-faceted field with many stakeholders, we have focused our
initial efforts in the area of treatment and specialized foster care. Studies indicate that
50% to 80% of children in child welfare related treatment foster care settings have a
disability label of some type," LaLiberte said. "Foster parents struggle to obtain
high-quality training designed to support them in managing challenging behaviors,
promoting positive behavior, encouraging social networks with friends and family, and
teaching person-centered planning strategies."
One of the major issues happens when foster parents have the added challenge to find
respite care for their foster children when they have to travel long distances to reach
applicable training sites, she explained. "The CDS certainly addresses the needs that foster
parents have for training in the area of disability since they can study the CDS courses
online at home," LaLiberte said.
There is a pilot site in Connecticut ready to launch and another in Minnesota. LaLiberte
said that organizers in both states have worked hard to identify specific courses that will
be included in the pilots based upon the type of work of each individual learner. "For
example, in Minnesota, a large community advisory group came together to review all
CDS courses and create modules for child welfare staff and slightly different modules for
foster, kinship and adoptive parents," she explained.
In July, Bill Tapp, National Director of CDS, LaLiberte and Mira Swanson of the Center
for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare attended the Foster Family-Based Treatment
Association national conference in Texas. "This was our first conference exhibit at a child
welfare focused conference and those there were extremely interested in and excited about
the College of Direct Support being used in the treatment and specialized foster care
field," LaLiberte said.
For additional information, you can contact LaLiberte at 612.624.2279 or email her at
lali0017@umn.edu
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News, Notes and Looking Ahead
CDS Sets Date for 2009 Administrator's Forum
Mark this date on your calendar for the
2009 College of Direct Support's
Administrator's Forum: March 22, 2009.
CDS will present its annual forum in
conjunction with ANCOR's 2009
Management Practices and Trade Show,
March 22-24, 2009 at the The Westin St. Francis on Union Square in San Francisco.
As we move towards March, we'll be
passing along more details about the
Administrator's Forum – registration
deadlines, times and the agenda.
March 22, 2009: Mark it down!
Risk Management Summit
Set in September
The 2008 Risk Management and Finance Summit for Nonprofits will be held September
7–9, 2008 at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, MN. Risk management is needed
now more than ever.
In an uncertain economy, what are the special threats to your mission and organization?
Join your peers and learn from national experts what savvy nonprofits are doing to protect
their clients, their employees and volunteers, assets, facilities and their missions.
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center was established in 1990 to provide assistance and
resources for community-serving nonprofit organizations. As a nonprofit, the Center is
positioned to understand and respond to questions with practical, affordable suggestions
for controlling risks that threaten a nonprofit's ability to accomplish its mission.
The center's mission is to help nonprofits cope with uncertainty. It offers a wide range of
services (from technical assistance to software to training and consulting help) on a vast
array of risk management topics (from employment practices, to insurance purchasing to
internal controls and preventing child abuse). It does not sell insurance or endorse
organizations that do. Click here for program details and registration.
Technology FYI from CDS
The College of Direct Support is pleased to announce that all current CDS customers have
been switched to our new 5.0 platform addition. You will find many enhancements to the
Learning Management System. If you have questions, please contact our support staff
(toll free) at 1.877.353.2767.
For CDS users who are using Vista: Make sure that the Vista firewall is not blocking
cookies or pop-ups. Vista has a feature called a "Phishing Filter" which can create many
problems with downloads. Also, Vista has a piece of code missing that will prevent some
of your CDS lessons from running correctly.
Without this piece of the code your audio
will not work correctly. You can cut and paste this link into your browser and install this
fix: http://www.bytescribe.com/downloads/tsp_codesc_install.exe
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Mission Statement: The College of Direct Support is a learning gateway for
contemporary best practices for Direct Support Professionals. By incorporating
web-based learning, backed by nationally recognized curricula, the CDS is
designed to promote a profession of direct support.
111 Center Park Drive, Suite 175 | Knoxville, TN 37922
tel :: 877-353-2767 (toll-free) | fax :: 865-531-4708
www.collegeofdirectsupport.com
Submit eNewsletter material here
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