DSPs recognized for commitment to high-quality services for people with disabilities
GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Direct Support Professionals from The Arc Lexington continue to advance professional development by earning national certification 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 Thursday, January 8, The Arc Lexington was joined by OPWDD, state and local officials and members of the community to honor 12 DSPs who recently graduated the program and received their certification. These individuals represent the continued growth and success of the program at The Arc Lexington where more than 50 employees have now earned national certification, including 14 who have completed all three courses.
Those recognized at the ceremony included: Lina Alikhan, Kaitlyn Burkart, Emily Canary, Mary Cherry, Sierra Diamond, Sophia Hayes, Samantha Rowley, Teshia Shults, Aislynn Kearns, Athena Groves, Ashley Lobdell, and Harold Florez.
“These accomplishments reflect the heart of our mission and the strength of our workforce,” said Shaloni Winston, CEO of The Arc Lexington. “Our Direct Support Professionals are choosing to invest in their growth while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality support every day. Having more than 50 nationally certified employees demonstrates our organization’s commitment to excellence and to ensuring the people we support receive the very best care possible. We are grateful to FMCC and OPWDD for their continued partnership in making this opportunity available.”
FMCC President Greg Truckenmiller added, “The partnership between SUNY FMCC and The Arc Lexington exemplifies what is possible when education and community organizations work together to support individuals, families, and the professionals who serve them.”
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 just starting out in the field, but want to gain college credits for another degree in the future.
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 microcredentials 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.New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “As the backbone of our service system, it is so exciting to hear Direct Support Professionals from across New York State reporting new-found confidence and a renewed connection to their work after completing the Microcredential Program. I am grateful to The Arc Lexington, which partnered with Fulton-Montgomery Community College to allow employees to enhance their professional skills and education. I am immensely proud of today’s graduates, whose commitment to their professional development, amid other responsibilities, is commendable. You are making a real difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.”