Celebration of Excellence held for DSPs and Frontline Supervisors at AHRC Nassau, a participating provider in the NADSP E-Badge Academy
Brookville, NY (February 6, 2024) - The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) gathered at AHRC Nassau today to celebrate an impressive milestone celebrating the 1,000th DSP to earn certification from The NADSP/OPWDD E-Badge Academy since the program was announced in July 2023.
The E-Badge Academy offers Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLS) the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges. These badges demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values that these professionals use every day to support people with developmental disabilities, recognizing the professional development that might otherwise go unacknowledged. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) certification program provides national recognition for the contributions and competence of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who apply for and meet the certification standards.
OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, “OPWDD partnered with NADSP to provide direct support professionals with development opportunities they deserve, while highlighting the profession to attract new people to join this rewarding field. We are thrilled that this program has improved retention for our provider partners and continues to see increased enrollment. Congratulations to our 1,000th DSP Tiajuana Gardner and to all of the E-Badge Academy participants and graduates from across New York State who have committed to this training and career opportunity.”
The DSP certification (DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III) acknowledges direct support professionals for their exemplary work in supporting people with disabilities and recognizes the knowledge, skills and values of direct support professionals through participation in the NADSP E-Badge Academy. By earning individual electronic badges based on specific core competencies and hours of completed accredited education, direct support professionals have control and flexibility in their path of pursuing certification.
The organizations employing credentialed DSPs can provide stronger assurances of quality to people supported and can proudly market their employment of nationally certified staff. People receiving supports from certified DSPs will have the advantage of partnering with highly trained professionals committed to supporting them using the ethical and effective interventions that they have mastered.
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals CEO Joseph MacBeth said, “Thanks to OPWDD and our 39 provider organization partners that have embraced this certification model, New York is leading the nation in professionalizing the direct support role. After less than a year, we celebrate the 1,000th certification through the E-Badge Academy, a rigorous journey where our very best direct support professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills and professional values while doing very complex work in supporting people with disabilities become valued members of their communities. On behalf of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, we congratulate each and every one of those who have earned their certification”.
“Here on Long Island and across New York State, the DSP role remains underrecognized. The NADSP/OPWDD E-Badge Academy offers tangible recognition of the exceptional strategies, skills and values that these professionals embody in the care and support of people with developmental disabilities,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau and a former DSP. “It is an honor to host an event focused on the continued professional development of DSPs and for the 1,000th certification to be a distinguished AHRC Nassau Employee, Tiajuana Gardner.”
For Tiajuana Gardner, an AHRC Nassau DSP, the E-Badge program was challenging, but it was worth the effort. Her perseverance led to her being the 1,000th E-Badge recipient. Tiajuana is proud of her achievements and brings that sense of pride to her work as a DSP III graduate.
Gardner, the 1000th NADSP E-Badge Academy recipient, said, “You can never stop learning; more education only makes you better at caring for the people you support.”
About OPWDD
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides high-quality person-centered supports and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of over 600 not-for-profit providers. OPWDD’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth, and a home within their community. For more information, visit www.opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals The various services and programs offered by The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) provide professional development opportunities along with the resulting recognition and acknowledgement that employees deserve. Whether a DSP pursues a rigorous certification, or a Frontline Supervisor benefits from an in-depth curriculum, NADSP equips organizations with tools to help their employees succeed. For more information about the E-Badge Academy, visit: E-Badge Academy - NADSP.
About AHRC NassauAHRC Nassau provides person-centered supports to over 2,200 people throughout Nassau County. AHRC Nassau partners with a family of organizations including Brookville Center for Children’s Services, Citizens Options Unlimited and Advantage Care Health Centers, so that together, they can provide a true continuum of services and supports across a person’s lifetime.
