Direct Support Professionals: Supporting a Self-Advocate’s Mission

BJ Stasio is an advocate and activist based in Buffalo, New York. He is passionate about advocating for disability rights and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. BJ relies on personal care attendants and self-direction support staff to support him in his daily activities and advocacy work. He is dedicated to giving back to the community and believes in the power of storytelling to create positive change.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Gina Scarpa interviews BJ Stasio, an advocate and activist who receives support from a provider organization in Buffalo, New York. BJ shares his interests, such as football and taking naps, and discusses the supports he relies on to live the life he wants. He highlights the importance of having dedicated direct support professionals (DSPs) who understand his advocacy work and respect his autonomy. BJ also emphasizes the need for better wages and recognition for DSPs in the caring field. Throughout the conversation, BJ's passion for advocacy and his appreciation for the DSPs in his life shine through.

Key Takeaways:

• BJ Stasio relies on personal care attendants and self-direction support staff to support him in his daily activities and advocacy work.
• A great DSP is someone who understands the importance of advocacy, supports the individual's goals, and encourages self-care.
• DSPs should not speak for an individual but rather provide support in the background, allowing the individual to advocate for themselves.
• Wages and labor classification for DSPs are important issues that need to be addressed to recognize their value and contribution to the caring field.
• Advocates should tell their stories and work together to create positive change for individuals with disabilities.

Notable Quotes:

"One thing that is important for [you] to say now is, thank you for what you do for me. It’s important to know [they/DSPs] are valued.” - BJ Stasio

"[My DSPs] are dedicated to my mission of advocating for others, but at the same time, helping me realize that I need to take care of myself, too, because self-care is important." - BJ Stasio

“I always believe it's important to give back because of all those people who have helped me have the life that I want” - BJ Stasio

"Important issues that are on the table, of course, are the wages and the labor classification that DSP should have with the federal government to be recognized as a part of the caring field." - BJ Stasio

"The future for me is limitless… Tell your story, because it does matter." - BJ Stasio

Resources:

SANYS: Self-Advocacy Association of New York State - SANYS: Self-Advocacy Association of NYS

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Self-Direction - Self-Direction | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (ny.gov)

The Regional Center for Workforce Transformation - Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation | Code of Ethics & Core Competencies for Direct Support Professionals

To listen to the full episode and gain more insights from BJ Stasio's advocacy journey and the importance of DSPs in his life, tune in to the DSP Talk podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and discussions on disability support.

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