About the Georgia DSP Council
Why a Statewide DSP Council?
- Retention and recruitment of DSP’s will not be solved on any scale without a living wage for DSP’s which can best be spoken to by the DSP’s working in the field.
- Having representation from DSP’s on a council will lead to better services for the people we support, as research shows us high DSP turnover leads to fewer achieved outcomes for the people, we support experiencing disabilities.
- Advocacy for more compensation for DSPs coming from a non-provider affiliated organization directly from DSP’s working in the field will be more persuasive & legitimate to State officials, legislators, and policy makers.
- DSP’s have employment that is paid like entry level job, yet requires the skills, versatility, and responsibility of a professional careers.
- A Council of DSP’s can bring information and perspective directly to the state without having to bring in providers or others as middleman.
Mission & Vision
- Mission: The mission DSP council is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for DSP’s to earn a living wage, be recognized as a job classification, Advocate for safe work environments, advocate for benefits, Advocate for more than a living wage a middle-class wage. etc.
- Vision: The vision of the DSP Council is a world with a highly qualified and professional direct support workforce. DSP Council works to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, advocating for policy changes and advancing their knowledge, skills and values, training, professional development services.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Telicia Parrott
GA DSP Council Member
Georgia Options
Shanekia “Nicky” Graham
GA DSP Council Member
UCP
Quanisha “Q” Canty
GA DSP Council Member
Fraser Center
Jasmyn Thornton
GA DSP Council Member
Hi-Hope Services
Donna Lowe
GA DSP Council Member
Star Choices, Inc.
David Goncharuk
GA DSP Council Member
Cross Plains Community Partners
Catecia Hamilton
GA DSP Council Member
Diversified Enterprises
Billy Martinez
GA DSP Council Member
ARC of SW GA
Alfreda Hall
GA DSP Council Member
Arc of Macon
Deborah Conway
Director of Advocacy
Deborah Conway has dedicated her career to collaborating with teams, employees, individuals with disabilities and families for implementing high-quality, person-driven services and workforce. Deb was formerly the Executive Director for Cross Plains Community Partner where she led the organization from a sheltered workshop to competitive integrated employment and a community-based model for service delivery. She believes leadership, partnership, and innovation are at the heart of change and person-centered services.