Feb. 3, 2021 (DES MOINES) – Optimae LifeServices announced today it will provide nationally recognized employee training to direct support professionals (DSPs) and front line supervisors (FLSs) in 2021, partnering with The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) as a member organization.
“By continuing our membership with NADSP in 2021, Optimae is continuing our commitment to direct support professionals,” said Bonnie McHugh, regional knowledge acquisition and transfer specialist. “As members of the essential workforce, these employees provide critical health care services, and we’re pleased to provide ongoing training and development to assist them in their important role.”
Optimae’s core values of teamwork and education closely align with NADSP’s value statement. Through teamwork and education, Optimae staff “create a healthy and supportive environment for meaningful and successful outcomes,” and “generate continual improvement,” respectively. Similarly, NADSP believes “high quality support requires all professionals to follow the individual path suggested by the unique gifts, preferences, and needs of each person they support, and to walk in partnership with the person, and those who love him or her, toward a life of opportunity, well-being, freedom, and contribution.”
“Especially in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s critical that we show DSPs that they are essential,” said Joseph Macbeth, president and chief executive officer of NADSP. “NADSP membership means that organizations are going from praise to promise — not just acknowledging the work of DSPs, but especially providing tangible support and advocacy.”
Optimae’s partnership with NADSP began five years ago when the alliance visited the state of Iowa to conduct training sessions. Representatives from NADSP met staff and customers from Optimae and started to work regularly with the organization. In 2020, Optimae offered leadership training for front line supervisors from NADSP, securing a $40,000 grant from the Iowa Employer Innovation Fund to further develop front line supervisor training for its statewide workforce.
“By 2020, the NADSP has had the great honor to share our curricula, many hours of training, technical assistance and continued partnership with the good people of Optimae,” said John Raffaele, director of educational services for NADSP. “The NADSP is happy to have Optimae as a member organization and a partner in the continued quest for helping people with disabilities experience lives of distinction and inclusion.”
By continuing their NADSP membership, employees of Optimae will be able to access a robust library of archived webinars on subjects important to DSPs, receive e-newsletters, take advantage of discounted rates for the NADSP E-Badge Academy and the annual NADSP conference, as well as apply a 10 percent discount for NADSP training offerings.