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It
is the mission of Disabled Persons Action Organization to provide quality and effective individualized services to developmentally disabled children and adults in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. The services are primarily geared toward helping families cope with the stress of caring for their disabled loved ones. |
Welcome to the online home of Disabled Persons Action Organization! For 40 years, DPAO has provided needed services to residents of Jefferson and Lewis Counties. We encourage you to learn more about the programs and services of our organization. We also hope that you return regularly to this site for up to date information on our cultural productions as well as our Summer Concert Series. |
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Find us on Facebook!CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION TO DPAO!!!
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Let us start by
saying we have missed everyone during this unprecedented time
and hope that you have all fared well! We are very
excited to announce that we are reopening our programs. The
safety and well-being of our participants and staff are our
highest priority during this time.
Our Agency has implemented preventative strategies to ensure that we provide an environment that optimizes everyone’s health and safety while maintaining a comfortable and caring setting. We have put into effect all of the regulatory guidance from Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We have developed a Safety Plan for each program that details our health and safety protocols. These are made available to you so that you have the necessary information to be able to make decisions about program participation. DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for Certified Day Program Reopening.pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for 1 on 1 Community Hab Reopening.pdfDPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for 1 on 1 Day Hab Reopening.pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for 1 on 1 Respite Reopening.pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for Short Term Respite Reopening.pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for Free Standing Respite Reopening (Jefferson County).pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for Free Standing Respite Reopening (Lewis County).pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for Community Prevoc Reopening.pdf DPAO/COVID-19 Safety Plan for SEMP Reopening.pdf DPAO/DPAO Contingency Plan.pdf DPAO/DPAO Emergency Protocol for Closing (2021).pdf DPAO/DPAO Program Reopening Details.pdf DPAO/NY Hero Act Prevention Plan.pdf |
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What does
DPAO do? Watch
Austin's story and listen to what DPAO has done for him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guYCboLXXeY&feature=youtu.be |
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THANK YOU to all of our Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) for all that you do! We recognize all of your hard work and the skills necessary for you to do your job. DSP's have the most impact on the individuals we serve! Core Competencies are the foundation of person-centered supports for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. The competencies are broken down into seven goal areas covering all aspects of the individual’s life, while also including the professionalism of direct support ...
In an effort to continue this recognition, we plan on spotlighting a Direct Support Professional of the Month ... every month!
JUNE 2022 DSP ...
Sierra
Bailey
Although Sierra has been working at
DPAO for a short time, she has really stepped up to the
plate to ensure the Short Term Respite program has continued
to thrive without a current coordinator. She also has agreed
to run all of the recreational activities for our
individuals. She is well liked by our participants and has
given them a sense of security while the program is going
through many changes. She never shies away from working out
of her comfort zone to ensure they are having fun. She is
witty, creative and always willing to lend a helping hand
when another program needs assistance. Way to go, Sierra!
Core
Competency: Putting
People First, Demonstrating Professionalism
MAY 2022 DSP ... Alexandria Reczko
Alex carries out daily goals with
her individual to the fullest! She assists her with grocery
shopping and maintaining her home. Alex also supports her in
becoming healthier by encouraging her to keep a healthy diet
and going to the gym. She is a reliable DSP and continues to
show her support in all areas that are needed. Thank you
Alex! Core Competencies: Putting People First, Supporting Good Health, Having a Home
APRIL 2022 DSP ... Blair Waldron
Blair is being recognized for going
the extra mile to put a smile on her individual’s faces! She
is always willing to listen to how their day is going and is
there for them and assists them in whatever it is that they
are trying to accomplish. Blair also never hesitates to help
out in the program that she works in. Thank you for being
such a great DSP!
C
MARCH 2022 DSP ... Michele Macaluso
Michele has been nominated by the person whom she is a DSP for ... “Michele has exceeded her job expectations by advocating for me even in situations where her job doesn't require her to do so. She is also a huge support for my anxiety and has managed to calm me down in every situation. Thanks to her, I have an apartment, a job, and a sense of purpose and ethics of my own. She is also extremely honest and refuses to do anything she deems unethical. It is for these reasons that I think she should be nominated.” Congrats Michele!
FEBRUARY 2022 DSP ... JoAnn Kirk
JoAnn carries out
daily goals with her individual to the fullest. She is being
recognized by providing and encouraging positive emotional
support to her individual during the difficult time he has
been going through. She continues to work on his goals such
as healthy lifestyle skills, encouraging exercise, and
helping to get his mind off difficult things. Thank you
JoAnn for being there during a time that was needed the
most! We appreciate you!
Core Competencies:
Putting People
First JANUARY 2022 DSP ... Dawn Donaghy
Dawn helps her individual in so many ways! She is teaching him how to be more independent by going to the bank and learning how to fill out a check book. They work on looking up different recipes to learn how to cook them. Another skill Dawn works on with him is safety by assisting him on how not to answer any phone numbers that he does not know and not to give information out. Dawn, thank you for being such a great DSP! Core Competencies: Putting People First, Supporting Safety, Being Active and Productive in Society
NOVEMBER 2021 DSP ... Jason Cameron
Jason has really helped his participant become more active in the community. They volunteer at Meals on Wheels, participate in different tournaments, go fishing, and attend church. Jason does a wonderful job at assisting him to remain active and social!
Core Competencies:
Being Active and
Productive in Society
OCTOBER 2021 DSP ... Kim Kilcullen
Kim is a great team player and always has a positive attitude! She often fills in as a Job Coach and in Prevoc. Every morning when she comes in, she has a smile on her face and greets everyone. She’s a very hard worker and is always offering to help people, even if she has enough of her own work to do!
AUGUST 2021 DSP ... Kelly Dingman
Kelly was nominated as DSP of the month by the parent of the
individual she works with.
“Since Kelly has been working with her individual, we have
seen significant progress toward his goals. She has
gone above and beyond to help him in ways that a parent
could not. We are so thankful that she is working with him
and has helped him grow so much! Beyond the specific goals,
she is a caring and thoughtful person! She communicates with
us about his activities and has been open and honest about
her interactions. Additionally, she has been flexible during
the COVID pandemic and provided services while keeping him
safe.” Core Competencies: Putting People First, Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships, Supporting Good Health
Core Competency: Putting People First |
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Disabled Persons Action Organization
Corporate Offices: 617 Davidson Street • PO Box 222 • Watertown, New York 13601 • (315) 782-3577 • (800) 533-2859 ● (315) 782-6673 (Fax)
William J. McClusky Day Habilitation Center:
633 Davidson Street ● Watertown, New York
13601 ● (315) 782-5285
Lewis County Free Standing Respite Home: 5205 Ebbly Road ● Lowville, New York 13367 ● (315) 376-8327 |