Direct Support Professionals from The Arc Lexington continue to receive national certification through FMCC’s DSP Microcredential Program
DSPs recognized for dedication to provide services for people with disabilities
GLOVERSVILLE, NY – An increasing number of Direct Support Professionals from The Arc Lexington are pursuing advanced training and national certification to proficiently provide daily services and supports for people with disabilities. This is made possible through the DSP Microcredential Program offered at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
During a special recognition ceremony held Monday, January 13, The Arc Lexington was joined by OPWDD, leadership from FMCC, state and local officials and members of the community to celebrate the approximately 20 DSPs who recently graduated the program and received their certification. Lexington staff who completed the program included, Jessica Brenan, Jessica Brick, Pamela Chrisman, Ruby Conte, SaMia Eason, Hilary Fitzpatrick, Kristin Ginter, Rebecca Grossman, Ashley Karas, Michael Putman, Shyanne Roberson, Elizabeth Thompson, Nicole Varney, Megan Waldron, Samantha Welch, Jessica Wilson, Randi Nellis, Diane Bellamy, Lisa Kiszka and Pricilla Loveless.
“This group of DSPs represent what has become a remarkable program at The Arc Lexington. More of our staff have now achieved this prestigious national certification, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to balancing college, work and personal responsibilities. Their dedication ensures the individuals they support receive the highest quality of care and services they deserve,” said Dan Richardson, Deputy Executive Director of The Arc Lexington. “I am thrilled to see so many following in their footsteps and embracing this monumental opportunity. I also extend my deepest gratitude to FMCC and OPWDD for continuing to provide such a vital resource to our community.”
“It is an honor to recognize the latest classes of DSP 1 completers with the recognition ceremony on January 13,” said Julie Lindh, Assistant Professor of Human and Addiction Services at FMCC. “The success of this program has been possible through the collaboration of FMCC and Lexington to recruit and support those in the program. The work of a Direct Support Professional is rewarding and challenging work, and taking on college classes can be an extra challenge. These students have gone over and beyond and demonstrated a commitment to their professional development by taking advantage of this grant opportunity.”
While the DSP Microcredential Program does focus on the DSP field, it also provides educational opportunities for everyone. At The Arc Lexington, all employees are encouraged to enroll in the program, as the college credits they earn can be used for a different degree. For example, if an employee is studying nursing, the credits they would receive for the psychology course could count toward their necessary nursing credits. This can also prove incredibly helpful for younger employees such as recent high school graduates or Human Service interns who are just starting out in the field, but want to gain college credits for another degree they want to pursue in the future.
Shyanne Roberson is a DSP who currently serves as a peer mentor at Lexington’s Transitions, a post-secondary program designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance to young adults with autism and other neurodivergent conditions as they navigate through college, employment, and independent living. Roberson said by taking this program, she feels she is better able to understand how people with disabilities react and how to handle those reactions.
“Taking this program has taught me that everyone learns at different speeds and I am now able to better work one-on-one with each person who has a disability,” said Roberson. “As part of DSP 1 course, we learned the history of our field and it has helped me think more about each individual and how they react and interact. As a mentor with Transitions, this has helped me better understand each student. I am also able to better answer any questions they may have whether with their school work or their internship, etc. It’s definitely a worthwhile program.”
The DSP Microcredential Program launched in the fall of 2023 through a partnership between SUNY and OPWDD at a dozen college campuses, including FMCC, to support the academic and career success of DSPs across the state. Successful completion of the program leads to SUNY micro-credentials and college credentials, one or more national certifications, and college credit toward a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree. Due to grant funding, the program covers the cost of tuition, fees and books.
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “The SUNY DSP microcredential program is providing a true career path for New York’s direct support professionals to refresh skills, improve communication and better support people with developmental disabilities. I am so proud of the DSPs who are participating in this program through Fulton-Montgomery Community College and applaud their commitment to their own professional development. Thank you to our partners at The Arc Lexington for supporting their staff to excel and increase their competencies.”