There are many types of Direct Support Professional (DSP) roles at The Arc, each with varying requirements and areas of expertise. You can’t talk about the enhanced medical support DSPs offer without talking about Health Access Assistants and the many ways they empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to take control of their health. Health Access Assistants play a vital part in navigating healthcare needs while fostering independence, self-advocacy, and personal growth.

What is a Health Access Assistant?

This role extends beyond basic healthcare tasks. Health Access Assistants build trusting relationships with the people they support, offering compassionate care tailored to each person’s unique needs. Health Access Assistants empower people to take control of their health. Working closely with Nurse Case Managers, Health Access Assistants schedule and attend medical appointments, provide essential tasks like personal care and transportation, offer emotional support, and empower people to make informed healthcare decisions. At The Arc, Health Access Assistants emphasize person-centered care by focusing on people’s individual goals and preferences. A Health Access Assistant must meet the qualifications of a DSP and complete all training, including becoming a Certified Medical Technician (CMT).

Health Access Assistants Promote Confidence and Independence

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Health Access Assistant is witnessing the people they support grow in confidence and independence. Through positive interactions and support, Health Access Assistants build self-esteem and encourage people to take ownership of their healthcare, empowering them to make informed decisions and live more independently.

If you’re passionate about promoting independence, consider joining The Arc as a Health Access Assistant. Visit our Career Page to explore opportunities.

September 8-15 marks National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Established by the United States Congress in 2008, National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week raises awareness of the many contributions of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is excited to join organizations across the country in honoring the vital role our DSPs play in supporting people with disabilities.

What is a Direct Support Professional?

DSPs are people who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in living the lives they choose for themselves. Their work is complex and determined by the unique needs of each person they support.

Being a DSP is not just a job – it’s a career rooted in empathy, respect, and unwavering commitment. “Our DSPs are the backbone of the work we do every day,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact they make, their unwavering commitment to the people they support, and their passion for the work they do.”

DSPs empower the people they support to lead their own lives. Whether that’s landing that job they’ve been working toward, exploring new cities, finding new ways to get involved in the community, creating new relationships and friendships, or even getting married. DSPs are there when the people we support lose a job, lose a loved one, or lose an ability they once had. DSPs are there for all of the highs and the lows. On any given day, they are the ultimate encouragers, supporters, advocates, allies, friends, confidants, connectors, and facilitators.

How We’re Celebrating

During National DSP Recognition Week, The Arc is celebrating with food trucks at three of our offices and other exciting recognition opportunities to acknowledge their exceptional service. While we celebrate National DSP Recognition Week in September every year, we honor and recognize the exceptional contributions of our DSPs every day.

Thank you to all our DSPs and all your hard work and commitment!

Founded in 2020, Behavioral Health supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health diagnoses to develop the tools and resources each person needs to navigate life’s many moments. The Arc employs a robust team of Clinicians, Lead Clinicians, and Behavioral Health Associates who exclusively support these overlapping disability and mental health diagnoses, meeting people where they are and creating environments where they feel supported and encouraged.

In many ways, The Arc’s Behavioral Health team doesn’t just include our clinical team – it also consists of every Direct Support Professional (DSP) who supports someone receiving behavioral health services. Because DSPs work with the people they support every day, they play a critical role in helping Clinicians better understand each person and implement strategies they develop together.

Our Behavioral Health team partners with DSPs, relying on their insights and experiences to support them on how to adapt to any situation and best support someone in the full context of their Behavior Support Plan. This partnership not only builds trust, it also builds DSPs’ skills and confidence in providing excellent support whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Fostering New Skills for DSPs

Our Behavioral Health team works with every DSP to grow their behavioral health management skills, whether they have decades of experience or are brand-new to the profession. DSPs who have worked in the field for many years often express excitement at having this resource to meet the person they support where they are at that moment. DSPs who are new to the field share in the excitement and are often eager to expand their skills to provide this much-needed support.

This partnership is essential for DSPs like Sandy and the person she supports, Joe. Sandy is a new DSP and wasn’t sure how to best support Joe when he felt overwhelmed. After talking with colleagues, Sandy reached out to the Behavioral Health team for guidance. The team was able to help Sandy look at Joe’s behavior from new angles and provide strategies to ensure she was meeting Joe where he was in the moment. This collaboration not only led to the development of a Behavior Support Plan for Joe, it is an example of how Behavioral Health and DSPs must work together to provide the best support possible for each person. 

Immediate Support in Critical Moments 

One of the most impactful ways our Behavioral Health team supports DSPs is through immediate intervention during critical moments. DSPs receive training on how to respond in specific situations, keeping people safe, requesting support, or using relevant skills and strategies to de-escalate situations until additional support arrives.

For example, if a person receiving services has difficulty regulating their emotions while out in the community, DSPs are able to lean on the behavioral health team to prevent their own overreacting, underreacting, or misinterpreting behavior. When this very situation happened recently, a DSP recognized the behavior immediately and worked with their team to determine the appropriate next steps. They called a Clinician for support and partnered to support the person in distress using all the skills and strategies they learned.

Because our DSPs are partners with our Behavioral Health team, the people we support receive high-quality crisis management support no matter where they are, and DSPs feel confident and prepared, knowing they can provide timely and effective support when it’s needed most.

Enhancing Communication Skills for Sensitive Situations 

Whether or not someone is using words to communicate, communication skills are critical to growing life skills and receiving support.

Recently, Denise, a DSP, had to have a difficult conversation with the person she supported. Denise was able to rely on our Behavioral Health team for guidance and support in navigating this uncomfortable situation. First, the Clinician met separately with Denise to address her concerns, develop a plan together, and practice the skills needed to have a healthy, safe conversation. When it was time, all three met together, and the Clinician modeled effective communication techniques that all three were able to use during the conversation to resolve the issue.

This tailored support not only boosted Denise’s confidence but also equipped her to manage similar situations more effectively in the future. This approach underscores our team’s commitment to enhancing the overall quality of interactions between DSPs and the people they support. 

Building Capacity for Exceptional, Person-Centered Care 

As our services continue to evolve, the collaboration continues to illustrate how our Behavioral Health team and our DSPs depend on one another. Delivering exceptional, person-centered behavioral healthcare relies on the deep knowledge DSPs bring, allowing clinicians to develop strategies that enhance what the DSPs are already doing.

Our Clinicians and DSPs are building a network of behavioral health support that follows people receiving services wherever they go. The Arc’s commitment to this collaborative approach ensures that we are providing the most comprehensive, holistic, person-centered support possible, whether in the community, in a person’s home, or in their Clinician’s office.

There are many types of Direct Support Professional (DSP) roles, all with varying requirements of experience and expertise. When we talk about DSPs, we’re also talking about LPNs and the many ways their knowledge, skills, and expertise make an impact. LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse, and they provide enhanced medical support to people receiving services across many of our programs.

What is an LPN?

Outside of The Arc, LPNs are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing a wide range of services to people across many healthcare settings. LPNs possess a great deal of medical knowledge and nursing skills, which allow them to deliver high-quality healthcare. This role is often relied on to provide a ‘human touch’ in healthcare settings by ensuring that nurses, physicians, and other members of the team are meeting the needs of the people they support. At The Arc, our LPNs are not based in facilities like hospitals or doctor’s offices – they meet people where they’re in their homes and play a crucial role in offering specialized, home-based medical support that is both compassionate and tailored to each person’s unique needs. LPNs at The Arc maintain their LPN licenses, just like all others across the state.

LPNs are Committed to Person-Centered Support

LPNs are experts in providing person-centered support and are frequently role models for all those around them. Person-centered support looks like meeting people where they are not just physically but emotionally and building up trust and rapport over time. It means considering the whole person while providing services and taking the time to be careful, present, and attuned to each person’s needs and goals for their healthcare.

Unlike traditional medical settings, The Arc ensures that every person with a nursing plan has a plan that is aligned with their life and goals, focusing on what matters most to each person. LPNs are deeply involved in developing and executing nursing plans so they match the wellness goals of the people they support. Their work is integral in ensuring that medical support is both effective and empathetic, fostering an environment where each person can thrive.

LPNs Build Trust and Promoting Independence

We often hear that one of the most rewarding aspects of being an LPN at The Arc is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the person you support. More than providing healthcare to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, LPNs at The Arc are able to spend time promoting self-esteem and confidence for the people they support and truly get to know them as people. LPNs are known for creating nurturing environments wherever they go. This relationship-building is vital to empowering people to take an active role in their own wellness goals and live more independently.

Working as an LPN at The Arc is a fulfilling opportunity to use expert medical knowledge and skills while also providing compassionate, person-centered support.

If you would like to apply to be an LPN, check out our Career Page today!

At The Arc, we believe that every Direct Support Professional (DSP) makes mission-critical decisions every day, which enrich the lives of the people we support, improve our operations, and maintain our reputation for innovation and improvement. Over the last seven years, The Arc has prioritized investing in our DSPs by doubling wages, establishing a culture of leadership at every level, and professionalizing the DSP role.

On April 1, The Arc partnered with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) to launch the Direct Support Professional Career Ladder. The career ladder provides professional development opportunities for DSPs to grow in their careers and ‘move up the ladder’ without having to leave the DSP profession behind. 

“Part of our strategic plan, Leading Boldly, is providing career mobility opportunities for employees, especially DSPs,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “This DSP Career Ladder increases our employees’ skills, recognizes them for their knowledge and experience by increasing their compensation, and means the people we serve will receive even higher quality support.”

How the Career Ladder Works

The Career ladder pairs additional training and learning opportunities with a monetary raise. There are three levels, DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III, each requiring more than 50 hours of online, hybrid, and in-person training in addition to the standard professional development already required for DSPs at The Arc.

It all begins with a foundational session on the NADSP Code of Ethics. This session is essential, as the Code of Ethics serves as the guiding framework for the entire program, shaping participants’ professional conduct and decision-making. Once this foundational session is complete, participants dive into a series of learning activities that allow DSPs to earn badges that reflect the specific skills and knowledge they’ve acquired. As participants accumulate badges, they progress toward earning a DSP Certification for DSP-I, II, or III.

DSPs can complete their learning activities wherever they have access to Wi-Fi, making it convenient to progress at their own pace. In addition to online learning, DSPs demonstrate their professional competencies through testimonials that highlight positive experiences and their effective work as DSPs. This practical approach ensures that participants are not just gaining knowledge but are applying it in ways that make a real difference.

An important aspect of the program is that there are no qualifying exams or required presentations. This makes the program accessible to all DSPs, allowing them to focus on applying their skills in their daily work without the pressure of traditional academic assessments.

For each level completed, DSPs receive an increase to their hourly base rate of pay, totaling $3.50 more per hour once they complete DSP-III. The hourly incentives tied to certification levels are in addition to any Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that the employee receives. This ensures that the financial benefits of the program are maximized, providing participants with a significant reward for their efforts.

“The Arc has put many resources in place to make sure employees who seek to further advance their careers are as successful as possible,” said Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture at The Arc. “The existing training required of all DSPs at The Arc count toward earning these badges, meaning that all DSPs start 25% of the way toward achieving DSP-I.”

Enrollment in the NADSP Career Ladder Program is an easy process, but it’s essential to meet the eligibility criteria. Interested DSPs must complete an application to be considered. Applications are open year-round and reviewed weekly to admit new participants.

 Why the NADSP Career Ladder Program Matters

Since launching in April, 14 DSPs have completed one of the three levels in the program, with seven earning DSP-I, four earning DSP-II, and three earning DSP-III. An additional 82 DSPs have been accepted to the program and are beginning to work toward completing the first level.

“It’s an honor for me to demonstrate my commitment to superior professionalism and to be recognized,” said Destinee Foote, who recently achieved DSP-II and is working toward DSP-III, “DSP Certification was one of my main goals to conquer. The Arc offering this program is amazing and is an awesome opportunity for all DSPs.”

The Arc’s NADSP Career Ladder Program is more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a pathway to personal and career growth. By providing a structured, flexible, and rewarding framework for career advancement, The Arc is empowering DSPs to deliver the highest standards of care while achieving their own professional goals.

“The Career Ladder Program is about growing and thriving in your role. We’re all about helping our DSPs gain new skills and get recognized for their hard work. It’s a win-win that boosts both personal growth and the quality of care we provide,” said Brandy Stephens. “People should have the opportunity to progress in their careers while still doing the work they love.”

We are excited to announce the addition of two accomplished professionals to our leadership team. Rylie Shewbridge and Caroline Slobodzian will be joining The Arc, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles as Director of Government Relations and Director of Development.

Rylie Shewbridge: Director of Government Relations

Rylie comes to The Arc as an accomplished government relations expert with almost 8 years of experience representing a diverse range of organizations at local, state, and federal levels. She has analyzed legislation, developed and drafted policy proposals, and served as a strategic advisor. Rylie previously worked closely with The Arc and its leadership as the Senior Government Relations Associate at Bellamy Genn Group.

“Rylie has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes and advocate effectively for important causes,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc.  “We are excited to  leverage her expertise as we work with our legislative partners to create a more inclusive, supportive community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities..”

In her role, Rylie will collaborate with The Arc’s lobbyists and coalition partners, strategically aligning and effectively communicating policy positions. She will facilitate the execution of a comprehensive government relations plan, coordinating outreach and engagement efforts at all government levels across The Arc’s enterprise.

Caroline Slobodzian: Director of Development

Caroline is an experienced fundraiser with  nearly 25 years of development experience, and comes to The Arc from the Clean Water Action Fund in Washington, DC, where she worked for over 13 years. Caroline brings key leadership, fundraising, and development skills to The Arc’s growing External Relations team.

“Caroline has extensive experience in development and takes a strategic approach to fundraising,” said Jonathon. “Caroline is excited to support our diverse work throughout the community and work with stakeholders throughout our enterprise to foster a culture of philanthropy.”

In her role, Caroline will maximize opportunities for engagement and growth , ensure effective and inspiring development initiatives, and  support diverse revenue streams through traditional and innovative strategies. The Arc is confident that the addition of Rylie and Caroline to the team will enhance its efforts to  support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, innovate services, and advocate for a more inclusive community.

With more than 60% complete, Port Street Commons is on track to open in Fall 2024, bringing a unique resource to the Town of Easton.

Nearly one year after starting construction, we’re excited to share the latest progress at Port Street Commons. With the installation of insulation and drywall on the first and second floors, the project is now 66% complete and will open in the Fall. This milestone underscores the project’s efficiency and commitment to delivering a transformative space in Easton.

Check out Port Street Common’s progress so far.

Steady Progress and Key Milestones

Since breaking ground in June 2023, Port Street Commons has steadily progressed through key phases. Following the clearing and preparation of the site, vertical construction began in February, with the installation of steel structures, followed by the completion of the roof in May. With the exterior of the building nearing completion, we are preparing for a permanent power supply and completing interior work, all essential steps toward final finishes.

Port Street Commons is slated to open in Fall 2024 and will celebrate the ribbon cutting on November 7, 2024.

More information and details about the ribbon cutting will be available in September 2024.

A Community-Focused Vision

“Port Street Commons is not just about constructing a building. It’s about creating a vital community resource that will enhance the lives of people throughout the community,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “We are grateful for the steadfast support from our many partners and stakeholders, which has been crucial in making this vision a reality.”

The 24,000-square-foot Port Street Commons is strategically designed to integrate office space, a place for services – including counseling and affordable housing, all under one roof. The Arc at Port Street will be The Arc’s new, permanent Eastern Shore headquarters and will include offices, a behavioral health suite, and a community hub. The Residences at Port Street will feature nine two and three-bedroom affordable housing units managed by Chesapeake Neighbors. Emphasizing universal design principles throughout the building, the project ensures accessibility for all residents and visitors, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and community support.

Broad-Based Support and Funding

Support for Port Street Commons has come from stakeholders throughout the community. With a wide array of federal, state, local, and private support, over $6.1 million has been secured for the project. This collaborative effort highlights the project’s broad-based community backing and its significance in meeting local community-identified needs.

As construction enters its final phases, Port Street Commons is poised to provide essential services and foster a welcoming community environment that embodies The Arc’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment.

With summer break coming to an end, many families are thinking about going back to school and beginning to prepare for the upcoming school year. As you think about what that looks like for your child and family, one question on your mind might be, “How can I make sure my child gets the support they need?”

Building Stronger Relationships with Your School System

The Arc is here to support you as you navigate the many nuances of special education and individualized education plans (IEPs). We offer Project Learn, a program that partners with families and advocates for inclusive educational practices, empowering parents to actively participate in shaping their children’s educational experiences. Our goal is to help set a solid foundation for success at school and beyond.

Through Project Learn, The Arc supports you and your student in understanding your rights, developing a strategy to build a stronger relationship with your school system, and helping you understand your IEP. This program connects families with an experienced educational consultant and provides six sessions of one-on-one support, giving you and your student the tools and resources you need to become strong self-advocates.

Christa Needed Better Resources for Her Daughter

Christa first encountered Project Learn at an outreach event specifically tailored for parents of children with disabilities, where she was searching for supportive services designed to cater to the needs of her daughter, Della.

Christa was concerned about the limitations of Della’s existing IEP, which primarily focused on physical therapy goals, neglecting other critical areas of her development. With Project Learn, she found a dedicated advocate who played a pivotal role in addressing her concerns with the IEP. The program supported Christa in setting up a comprehensive data collection binder, which became instrumental in tracking Della’s progress and needs over time.

A Holistic Approach to Education Planning

Project Learn takes a holistic approach to education planning. Beth Nolan, educational advocate and co-founder of Project Learn, partners with families to identify and implement solutions.

Beth actively participated in Della’s IEP meetings and supported Christa in expanding Della’s goals to encompass a broader spectrum of needs that included educational, social, and emotional aspects of her development.

“I love having an advocate at my child’s IEP meeting who knows the rules and can ask for specifics that I may not know about.” – Christa, Project Learn Parent

The comprehensive approach to Project Learn not only aligned with Della’s overall well-being but also empowered Christa by providing her with the necessary tools and knowledge to actively participate in her daughter’s educational journey.

“By providing that one-on-one support to parents, we’re helping them resolve IEP challenges, so their children have the resources they need to be successful in school,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families at The Arc. “The other part of this program is empowering parents with the knowledge they need to continue to advocate for their student at school and beyond.”

How to Apply for Project Learn with The Arc

If you’re ready to learn more about how The Arc can help you get more involved in your child’s education apply for Project Learn, today.

Once the application is submitted, The Arc’s Family Navigator will reach out to gather more information. There is a minimal cost to participate, with a maximum fee of $50 based on an income sliding scale.

After acceptance into the program, the family meets with the Family Navigator to set up a data binder containing essential documents such as assessment results, doctor’s letters, and progress reports, which are vital for IEP meetings. The Family Navigator also discusses any additional needs and connects the family with the Educational Advocate, who provides one-on-one support. Finally, families complete a survey to evaluate the services and check in with the family navigator to ensure all their needs are met.

As the new school year approaches, it is important to ensure your child receives the support they need. With The Arc’s Project Learn, you can build a strong foundation for your child’s educational success and become an empowered advocate for their needs.

The Arc is dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live the lives they choose, and that includes empowering people to travel where and how they choose. With summer being a prime time for exploration and relaxation, people are enjoying making memories, from day trips to weekend getaways throughout the region.

Planning a trip can be a complex process as people research destinations, budget and manage money, and begin planning itineraries. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide support not just in planning the trips but also in empowering the people they support to make decisions and put their plans into action.

Planning the Perfect Getaway

Jonathan and Mike are close friends and roommates. In the Spring, Jonathan went on a cruise with his family. He had so much fun that when he returned, he and Mike immediately began planning a trip together for the summer.

With the support of their team, Helen and Joseph, Jonathan and Mike narrowed their destination to Ocean City, Md., and began researching everything the region had to offer. From local attractions to accommodations and dining options, Helen supported them in exploring it all. This thorough research helped Jonathan and Mike decide where they wanted to stay and what they wanted to do, ensuring the trip was exactly what they wanted.

Part of planning the perfect trip is thinking about finances and having a budget. Together, Jonathan, Mike, and their team discussed the costs of travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment. A sound budget ensured the trip was financially feasible and encouraged Jonathan and Mike to develop and practice essential money management skills.

Time to Getaway

Joseph joined Jonathan and Mike on their trip and ensured they accomplished their goals and had a great time. They both loved getting to spend time together, sharing a hotel room, spending time at the beach, and playing putt-putt golf. 

“Joseph and I are a great team. I help plan the logistics of the trip, and he joins the guys on their vacation and knows how to make it the most fun possible. Our intention is to help them make the most of whatever they want to do.” – Helen Ayomobi, Team Leader.

Empowerment Through Support

DSPs like Helen and Joseph play a key role in not just supporting people but empowering them. By guiding Jonathan and Mike through each step of the planning process, they were able to make their own choices and take control of their vacation.

Jonathan and Mike’s trip to Ocean City was a success, filled with joy and new experiences. Through a combination of careful planning and structured support, The Arc helped them create memories that will last a lifetime, all while fostering independence and confidence.