REGION: 5 – Brooklyn
DSP Nomination Name: Tracy Colon
Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 15
THE NOMINEE’S FAVORITE OR MOST REWARDING PART ABOUT BEING A DSP:
Tracy Colon says the most rewarding thing about being a DSP is that it gives her the opportunity to help the people in her care to improve their quality of life by encouragement.
“They depend on us daily and it feels good to bring them happiness and give them the acceptance they need,” she says. “To witness people with developmental disabilities conquer the difficulties they may face with daily living activities makes ME feel good. To have made a positive impact on their lives – this is rewarding in and of itself.”
ABOUT TRACY:
According to Lawanna Davis, Tracy’s supervisor and Developmental Assistant III, Tracy has taken a supportive teaching approach towards her coworkers and with the people she supports.
“She has been the voice of reason during several challenging situations,” Davis adds. “She presents a united front with the supervisory staff when introducing new guidance and policies. Tracy’s assertive and flexible and gets along well with her peers.
“Tracy is willing to go beyond what is requested of her. When an important task is scheduled on her day off, she will call the house to make sure it’s carried out correctly. She ensures that there is a sufficient food supply and other essential items that are required. She does not debate on whose turn it is, she just gets it done. Tracy is the go-to staff for the treatment team. She’s very knowledgeable about the people she supports, as well as the day-to-day operations of the house.”
Davis says if a question needs to be answered, sometimes staff go to Tracy before the house supervisor because they know she will have the answer. She says Tracy also reports problems with a ready solution.
“If furniture is damaged, Tracy has already put in a work request, got furniture condemned and brings a quote for a replacement item when reporting the issue,” Davis adds. “Her responses are what would be expected from a house supervisor even though she is not a supervisor.
“Tracy advocates and delivers individualized service for all the people in her care,” Davis says. “She has built trusting relationships with the people in her care and with their families. During service plan meetings she possesses detailed knowledge of the person’s needs, wants and background.
Davis speaks highly of Tracy’s ability to bring people together and communicate positively.
“Tracy has assisted in bridging the gap between supervisors and the direct support staff by showing them that effective communication does work and can be trusted.”
Davis adds that Tracy understands the concepts and vision of OPWDD regarding supporting a person with developmental disabilities to live richer lives and attaining the closest level of independence.
“Tracy interacts with people in a respectful way and serves as a good role model for new staff to follow. She is an advocate for the people's rights, and always encourages them to make their own decisions,” Davis adds.
Team Treatment Leader Hasan Shabazz adds, “I have worked with Tracy for 15 years and she is a phenomenal employee. She goes beyond the call of duty on many occasions. Tracy willfully does DA II duties to assist the residence to maintain optimal functioning and to provide the highest quality service to the people in her care. Tracy never complains, and if she does, she always offers suggestions to help rectify the conflict or problem. She rarely calls out, and she always makes sure the residence has what it needs. She is an excellent DSA and should serve as a model for all other staff to replicate.”