A Closer Look at Frontline Initiative

Episode 12: Exactly When He Wanted: David Liscomb’s Path to a Fulfilling Retirement

Planning for retirement isn’t something often done by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but David Liscomb isn’t like most people. As he was approaching retirement he made a plan with his trusted ally, John Leo. Listen to David talk about what is important for DSPs to know when supporting someone to plan their retirement.

Episode 11: Dupree Edwards talks about the DSP who wouldn't give up on him.

Dupree once struggled with tasks like cooking, cleaning, and daily living skills. He felt DSPs gave up on him, but things started to get better when Miss Gail came into the picture. She taught Dupree that freedom has responsibility and she believed that he could achieve his dreams.

Episode 9: Larry Williams, Anthony Grindstaff and Susan Arwood on Enabling Technology

DSP Anthony Grindstaff, Larry Williams, and Susan Arwood share how enabling technology has changed Larry’s life for the better and how a visit from the Tennessee Governor’s wife, Maria Lee, provided Larry with new enabling technology for his back door. Larry receives support, and Anthony and Susan work for Core Services of Northeast Tennessee. Thanks to his technology, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltjf65PtLk]he now has much more freedom to do the things he wants when he wants to do them. RESOURCES Core Services Productions. (2024). Remote Support Specialist  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zb-ji5p1Vk&t=28s]  [video]. Core Services Productions. (2021). Chris the Remote Support Specialist using Nucleus  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9-HdqJNHMI&t=8s]  [video]. Tech First SHIFT. (2024). Accreditation.  [https://www.techfirstshift.com/purpose-of-accreditation] Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. (2024). Enabling Technology.  [https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/enabling-technology.html] If you have ideas for topics you would like us to talk about contact Chet at: frontline-dsps@umn.edu.

Episode 10: Tammy Murner at Black Hills Works

A quiet revolution began over a decade ago in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where the spirit of innovation transforms lives at Black Hills Works  [https://www.blackhillsworks.org/] (BHW). At the heart of this change is the Technology and Innovation team led by their dynamic director, Tammy Murner. The team's mission is to transform the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) Murner notes. through the strategic use of technology. “It all started with a single vision to support peoples’ self-determination and independence through the use of technology and has grown into a comprehensive program,” explains Murner. “We began small, but our commitment to innovation led us to partnerships and grants that allow us to expand our reach.” If you have ideas for topics you would like us to talk about contact Chet at: frontline-dsps@umn.edu.

Episode 8: Nick Smith on DSP Advocating for themselves and Voting

As DSP we are accustomed to speaking up for the wants and needs of the people we support. Nic shares his story of speaking up for himself and all DSPs on a national stage. Nicholas Smith has been a Direct Support Professional for over 25 years. He has worked at SPIN, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the past 17 years. He was a contributor in the 2023 issue of Frontline Initiative, DSPs use the NADSP Code of Ethics to Support People. You can find the issue here: https://ici.umn.edu/products/-aj88oT2QS6F633fE0LpLQ If you have ideas for topics you would like us to talk about contact Chet at: frontline-dsps@umn.edu.