Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist Early Intervention and P.L.A.Y. Project are two free services offered at Champaign Co Board of DD. But what are they and how do they help?
Early Intervention (EI) is for children ages birth to 3 years. The EI program provides certified therapists to work with children who are suspected of having a developmental impairment. Therapists also work with parents to help them understand and work with their child's issues. P.L.A.Y. Project is for children ages birth to 6 years and is essentially an EI program specialized for children suspected of having autism. Here are some important things to remember about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project:
If you want to learn more about EI and P.L.A.Y. Project, contact Jennifer Bradford (Early Intervention Director) at 937-653- 5217. ² Statistic found at www.wecarechildren.org Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist
Employing people with disabilities is beneficial to both the individuals and the employers. Having a job:
Employers will find that hiring those with disabilities:
We encourage anyone with disability employment questions to contact the Champaign Co Board office at 937-653-5217. Whether you are a person with disabilities curious about employment or a business interested in hiring persons with disabilities, we can help you! ¹ nTIDE reports can be found at kesslerfoundation.org
Written by: Leigh Anne Wenning, Superintendent In September, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate our direct support professionals (DSP). To be completely honest though, we appreciate our Direct Support Professionals on a daily basis. Without them, the work of the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities would grind to a halt.
Direct support professionals, providers, caregivers, companions … you may have heard them called many titles, but for so many people with developmental disabilities they are the most essential workers. DSPs are the people who show up every day and work directly with people with developmental disabilities in their homes, workplaces, or in the community. DSPs have many roles. Personal care is probably what most people think of when they picture a DSP’s job, but that only scratches the surface. Of course, DSPs may help with personal care tasks like bathing or hygiene, but they may also assist with banking, budgeting, shopping, and scheduling and attending medical appointments. They may help a person with a disability learn new skills like creating a household budget or becoming a better cook. A DSP may also accompany a person on trips, vacations, or other leisure activities. DSPs are also essential in the workplaces of people with disabilities. Learning a new job or skill at work can be a challenge, but a DSP can be there for support and assistance. This is not only helpful for the person receiving services, but the employer benefits as well! We are currently in a state-wide crisis due to a lack of DSPs. The Champaign County Board of DD can assist anyone looking to enter this incredibly rewarding career. From helping with the certification process to providing free training and resources, the CCBDD can help. Whether you’re interested in working a set schedule or drop-in hours, we can connect you with the right provider partners or help with independent certification. For more information on the DSP role, check out our website at www.champaigncbdd.org or call 937-653-5217 and ask for the Provider and Employment Support Coordinator. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/champaigncbdd.org. |
Archives
March 2024
Categories
All
|