MADSP Forum
Each year, the MADSP hosts a Direct Support Professional Forum where direct support professionals, supervisors, administrators, persons with disabilities, and family members come together to honor the work and accomplishments of direct care workers throughout the state. The Forum is also a venue for several of Michigan’s small business owners with disabilities to showcase their products and services. Between 10 and 15 small businesses are invited each year to display their goods at the annual Forum. Other aims of the annual Forum include:
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Identifying innovative ideas to increase wages, benefits, and respect for the direct support professional
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Addressing issues surrounding direct support staff recruitment and retention
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Providing opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas
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Gaining feedback on other issues of interest for future MADSP Forums
The Sixth Annual MADSP Forum was a great success with over 75 direct support professionals attending from around the state. All of the event's activities are outlined in the MADSP Sixth Annual Forum Proceedings.
The Seventh Annual MADSP Forum was held on Friday, June 1st, 2007 at the Maccomb Community College campus in Clinton Township, MI. The event drew over 80 DSP's and administrators from around the state of Michigan and featured speakers and presenters touching on topics such as the importance of being a knowledgeable DSP, self-determination and personal assistance, stress management, and peer mentoring. Speakers included Alma Handy, Maureen Sheahan, Jean Brisbo, and DDI's own Angela Martin. Ms. Maria Cebreco, the founder of Cebreco Consulting and a federally certified Navigator who assists people with disabilities to navigate the complex system of employment, delivered a keynote address entitled Partnerships for a Better Life: A Personal and Professional Perspective. Ms. Cebreco is a dynamic and multifaceted businesswoman who is a consumer herself. Maria brought her unique perspective and experiences to the Forum and was very warmly received. You can view pictures from the 7th annual Forum here.
Several members of Michigan's direct support workforce were honored for their contributions to the field. Each honoree was nominated by his or her peers and received a framed certificate of appreciation for their work along with a gift card. Those being honored included:
- Jacquie Pellegrino, Alternative Services, Inc.
- Doris Connley, Alternative Services, Inc.
- Adrianne Jackson, Alternative Services, Inc.
- Jonda Ackley, MQCCC
- Christine Bubier, MQCCC
- Reozand Dunbar, Adult Well-Being Services
- LaTonya Richards, Adult Well-Being Services
- Alberta Jowojori, Adult Well-Being Services
Thank you to all of our DSPs for their hard work and dedication to the field of direct care.
Once again, the forum followed a morning/afternoon format with one complete program held at each time and connected by a catered lunch. Thank you to everyone who helped make the 7th Annual Forum a great success!
In preparation for each annual MADSP Forum, the Alliance hosts 4 quarterly meetings that rotate in location throughout the state. The purpose of the quarterly meetings are to plan and implement the annual Forum for the current year. All are welcome to attend the meetings and offer feedback on what issues you feel are most important and should be addressed at the Forum. If you would like to host an MADSP quarterly meeting at your organization or agency, please contact Michael Bray at (313) 577-6684 or mikebray@wayne.edu for details.
From Left: Michael Bray, Elizabeth Janks,
Rep. Shaffer, Kathy McGeathy, Angela Martin.
Rep. Shaffer, Kathy McGeathy, Angela Martin.