Hello Everyone,

Here at the Developmental Disabilities Institute we coordinate and administer training for direct support professionals and work closely with the Michigan Alliance of Direct Support Professionals, as you all probably know. We are currently working on ideas for new training and other publications. If you have any ideas, please feel free to reply back to me.

More specifically, we are looking for personal stories from direct support professionals that we would like to put into an informational booklet that gives  different perspectives to people like legislators and new workers in the field on what it means to support someone with special needs. We are looking for a variety stories. It could focus on a major event that you were a part of that occurred in the life of the consumer with whom you work.  The story could explain what compels you to stay in the profession. It could involve how you advocated for services for someone and the kind of obstacles you faced. It could be a story about the fun times you've had with a special consumer that impacted you personally. We'll accept stories that are funny or serious.

If you or someone you know would like to get involved with this project, please submit your story to Elizabeth Janks at E.Janks@... or by mail to
DSP Stories
4809 Woodward Ave. Ste. 268
Detroit, MI 48202
You may also record your story on tape and send it to us, if that would be more convenient for you. We will transcribe the story for you. We are looking for stories that are no longer than 500 words. If you have a picture and would be willing to give it to us, there is a possibility that it would be included in the booklet if proper permission is given. Please include your name, how long you've worked as a DSP, maybe how long you worked for the particular individual in your story, where you work (if you feel comfortable doing that) and a return address. We do plan to make simple edits to the stories if necessary.

Unfortunately, we will be unable to compensate you financially for your story.  Hopefully, this fact will not deter you from contributing. The booklet will serve as an informational tool for people who are interested in the profession whether it be as a career or on a more formal, political level.

Thank you for your time. If you have any questions, please reply back to me at aa7415@... or email E.Janks@..., or call 313-577-2654 and ask for Elizabeth or Janette.

Thank you again and I hope to hear from many of you.

Sincerely,
Janette Jennings
Research Assistant
Developmental Disabilities Institute
Wayne State University
4809 Woodward Ave. Ste. 268
Detroit, MI 48201
phone: 313-577-2654
fax: 313-577-3770