In this episode of DSP Chat, host Asheley Blaise delves into the power of appreciative inquiry in direct support work. When we shift from traditional 'fix-it' methods to approaches that emphasize listening, co-creation, and honoring the voices of individuals being supported we support the whole person. Emphasizing the importance of asking better questions, this episode invites listeners to reconsider the expert is in the DSP and person receiving services relationship, proposing partnership and co-creation over fixing and power over.

Key Takeaways:

• Transformative Listening: Shift focus from behavior fixing to listening and acknowledging what is already working well for individuals.
• Co-Creation in Planning: True person-centered planning involves creating plans with individuals, prioritizing their voices and aspirations.
• Role Reflection: DSPs should reflect on arriving in their roles not as experts, but as partners sharing power with those they support.
• Problem-Solving vs. Potential-Dwelling: Focusing on potential rather than just challenges can lead to profound impacts on individuals' lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Co-creation begins when people's stories shape the agenda." - Baturu Mboge
• "Are you arriving as the expert or as the partner?" – Asheley Blaise
• "Appreciative inquiry is about refusing to let challenges become the whole story." – Asheley Blaise

Concluding this episode, Asheley Blaise invites listeners to reflect on their roles in direct support, urging them to shift from fixing behaviors to building partnerships based on listening and co-creating meaningful support plans. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for the full episode of DSP Chat and stay engaged for more insightful discussions in the series.

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Baturu Mboge: Baturu Mboge is a dynamic advocate for person-centered systems in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). With a diverse career that began in community-driven initiatives across Africa, Mboge brings a unique blend of global and local insights. He has progressed from being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to holding the position of Vice President of Learning and Development at Care Coordination Organization of New York. His work remains deeply rooted in values of empathy, co-creation, and the empowerment of individuals through systems that prioritize the voice and choices of those they serve.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages in an insightful conversation with Baturu Mboge, exploring the transformative potential of Appreciative Inquiry in the realm of person-centered care. Mboge shares his extensive experience in leveraging storytelling as a powerful tool to foster empathy and understanding, thereby creating inclusive communities where people thrive. Through discussions on themes such as collective empowerment, local leadership, and systems change, the episode delves into the impact of being deeply present and genuinely listening to the stories of individuals in the IDD field.

Baturu Mboge, a seasoned advocate for person-centered practices, highlights the importance of co-creation in the quest for meaningful and lasting change within systems supporting individuals with IDD. His philosophical approach, influenced by the African concept of Ubuntu, emphasizes dignity and the interconnectedness of human experiences. Blaise and Mboge explore how shifting conversations from deficit-based frameworks to strength-based dialogues can reposition individuals as the authors of their own stories, significantly enhancing their participation in shaping service outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Appreciative Inquiry as a Tool: Appreciative Inquiry creates spaces for individuals to share their stories, fostering understanding and empathy beyond traditional roles and titles.
• Co-Creation in Service Planning: Valuing lived experiences and engaging in genuine dialogue leads to more inclusive and effective person-centered support systems.
• Listening as an Act of Empowerment: Truly listening and involving individuals in decision-making processes transforms their role from service recipients to active co-creators of their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Through storytelling, we come to know one another beyond our roles, titles, or levels." - Baturu Mboge
• "Co-creation begins when people's stories save the agenda, not just inform it." - Baturu Mboge
• "We are not there to ask what is wrong and how do we fix it. We are there to ask the person what do you want to do and how can I help?" - Baturu Mboge

Resources:

Coordinated Care Alliance New York

For those interested in creating empowered, person-centered support systems, this episode of DSP Talk with Baturu Mboge offers thought-provoking insights and practical strategies. Tune in to explore how these transformational approaches can be integrated into everyday practice, and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes.

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Asheley Blaise explores the intersection of AI and human services, focusing on its impact on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The episode navigates concerns about AI replacing DSPs, emphasizing AI's role in eliminating repetitive tasks and enhancing support quality. Key insights include the need for DSP involvement in tech development and the importance of human judgment and empathy. Ethical considerations regarding AI's data use and the significance of preserving human connection in support services are also discussed, stressing the need for DSPs to shape AI's future use in their field.

Key Takeaways:

• AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance DSP work, not as a replacement.
• DSPs should be integral in AI technology development to ensure practical application.
• Technology can organize and identify patterns, but human judgment is vital for understanding person-centered care.
• Ethical considerations are crucial when implementing AI, as data can harbor biases and miss important cultural context.
• DSPs hold the crucial of maintaining human-centric support in the evolving landscape of AI advancements.

Resources:

· NY Alliance AI Toolkit

To explore these insightful discussions further, tune into this episode and stay updated with the latest conversations from DSP Chat, where Asheley continues to shed light on the evolving dynamics within the world of direct support professionals.

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