Friends For Life Podcast Tony Stuart

In this enlightening episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive deep into the world of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and their indispensable role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Join us as we explore the diverse responsibilities of DSPs, from personal care and health management to social engagement and skill development. We'll discuss how DSPs foster independence, advocate for inclusion, and enhance the quality of life for those they serve.
Our conversation will also cover practical tips for DSPs to provide the best care possible. Learn about the importance of empathy, effective communication, continuous learning, and a person-centered approach. Discover how team collaboration and self-care can help DSPs excel in their roles while maintaining their well-being.
Whether you're a seasoned DSP, new to the field, or simply interested in learning more about the critical work these professionals do, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to understand how DSPs are making a difference and creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Join Dr. Craig Escude in this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, where we explore health, wellness, and health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our special guest, Natalie Symons, a dedicated registered nurse and the director of the Milestone Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) in Western Pennsylvania, shares her extensive experience and innovative approaches to supporting individuals with IDD.
In this episode, Natalie discusses her role in providing training and technical assistance to agencies across nine counties in Pennsylvania. She highlights the critical work her team does, including offering over 250 medical and behavioral training topics, providing free technical assistance, and developing a new DSP app to support direct support professionals and family members. Natalie also shares their innovative use of virtual reality for training, which enhances learning retention and provides a safe environment for making mistakes.
Additionally, Natalie recounts her journey into the field of IDD health care, emphasizing the importance of listening to and advocating for individuals with IDD. She shares valuable advice on increasing activity, paying attention to subtle health cues, and the rewarding nature of working with this community.
Tune in to learn about the innovative tools and practices that are making a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD, and be inspired by Natalie’s passion and dedication to this vital field.
Three Key Takeaways:
Increase activity levels for individuals with IDD to improve overall health. Listen attentively and observe carefully to understand and address health needs. Embrace the rewarding nature of working with individuals with IDD and advocate tirelessly on their behalf. For more information on Milestone HCQU, visit Milestone PA and explore the DSP app and other resources.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Hey everyone, it's Tony here with another episode of the Friends for Life Podcast. Today, we're diving into a critical topic: injuries in the workplace. It's a complex issue, especially in our field, where there are a lot of moving parts.
In this episode, I emphasize the importance of disclosing any injuries either at the time of employment or immediately if the injury happens at work. From both a compassionate and a business owner's perspective, understanding how workers' compensation works is crucial. Non-disclosure can lead to significant financial strain on the company, affecting budget allocations that could otherwise benefit staff, particularly those at the lower levels such as DSPs and middle management.
Moreover, not disclosing an injury can put you in harm's way. If you provide this information upfront, it helps ensure you are placed in roles that won't exacerbate your condition. Concealing an injury can lead to perceptions of favoritism and discrimination, which we strictly do not tolerate at Friends for Life. We hire individuals for their uniqueness and dedication to caring for all, not to pick and choose which disabilities they want to work with.
I hope this episode clarifies the importance of transparency regarding workplace injuries and helps everyone understand the broader implications. Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we delve into the significant challenges people with disabilities faced before the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Prior to the ADA, public spaces were often inaccessible, lacking ramps, elevators, and other essential accommodations. This made it incredibly difficult for individuals with mobility impairments to navigate and participate in everyday activities, severely limiting their independence and quality of life.
Education was another area fraught with barriers. Many schools were ill-equipped to support inclusive education, leading to students with disabilities being placed in separate, less rigorous educational tracks or excluded from the education system entirely. Without necessary resources such as sign language interpreters and assistive technologies, these students struggled to learn and thrive academically, impacting their future opportunities.
Employment discrimination was rampant, with many employers reluctant to hire individuals with disabilities due to misconceptions about their abilities and the presumed cost of accommodations. Those who did find work often faced an unsupportive environment, lacking reasonable adjustments needed for success and well-being. This led to higher unemployment rates and economic disadvantage among people with disabilities, further marginalizing this community.
Social stigma and a lack of understanding about disabilities compounded these challenges, resulting in social isolation and discrimination. Healthcare was also a critical area of concern, with inaccessible medical facilities and inadequate care due to untrained providers. The ADA's passage was a turning point, addressing these issues and establishing civil rights protections to promote inclusion and equal opportunities. Join us for an insightful discussion on life before the ADA and the importance of continued advocacy for disability rights.

Welcome to another episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast with Dr. Craig Escudé. In this episode, Dr. Escudé is joined by Terry Broda, a seasoned nurse consultant with over 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Terry shares her unique journey into the field, which began unexpectedly and evolved into a lifelong passion.
Together, they delve into critical topics such as health equity, the importance of understanding medical issues like constipation and seizures, and the vital role of proper diagnosis in improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD. Terry's extensive background in psychiatry, neurology, and her work with First Nations communities provide rich insights and compelling stories that highlight the nuances of healthcare for people with IDD.
Listen in as they discuss the necessity of educating clinicians and supporters, the impact of medical comorbidities on behavior, and the importance of recognizing and treating underlying health issues. Terry also shares actionable steps that listeners can take to support this field, emphasizing the need for greater exposure, acceptance, and resource accessibility.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in or interested in the health and wellness of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from Terry Broda's extensive experience and dedication to this important work.
Join us for an enlightening conversation on the IDD Health Matters Podcast!

Welcome to the Friends for Life Podcast, where we delve into the nuanced world of providing support for individuals with developmental disabilities. In this episode, we discuss the complexities surrounding pet ownership among our clients. Pets can offer comfort and companionship, but they also bring challenges in care, training, and company liability.
Join us as we share practical tips for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Service and Support Administrators (SSAs), and agency providers. We emphasize the importance of efficient team meetings, understanding the unique needs of both individuals and their pets, and navigating scenarios where allergies, past traumas, or cultural beliefs come into play.
We also explore alternative pet options and stress the importance of safety for both caregivers and clients.
Learn more about our mission to empower and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through services like Adult Day Support and Home Health Care. We are dedicated to the motto "my ability is stronger than my disability" and invite passionate individuals to explore career opportunities with us.
For more information and career opportunities, visit friendsforliferc.com.