See what RCM has been up to this January! And if you'd like to join our mailing list, please send us a private message with your email address. To send your email, click HERE.
Hello RCM Supporters
We hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing and safe holiday season! We have been hard at work this year at RCM, continuing to provide excellent care for those we support through the pandemic. We'd like to update you on what we've been up to this month.
Bilingual DSP Academy
The DSP Academy is a customized vocational training program that upon completion, participants will have all training and certifications needed to be a Direct Support Professional in the District of Columbia. Far too often the needs of people with disabilities who speak Spanish were unmet; DSPs were unable to effectively communicate with people and families needing supports. To reach Spanish speaking individuals and families with disabilities, RCM of Washington came up with the idea of a bilingual DSP Academy.
Virtual Learning Session for DSP Academy
There are four participants in this first Academy; two bilingual Spanish/English speakers and two English speakers. Due to COVID, this Academy is a hybrid of virtual and in-person sessions. Participants will complete a two part series of training: a 4-week, 12 session, virtual program (Disability Services Field Overview, Person-Centered Thinking, Intro to Developmental Disabilities, Health and Wellness, etc.) and a 3-day in-person training (CPR, First Aid, Human Rights, MANDT, etc.), both provided in English and Spanish.
This first Bilingual DSP Academy participants graduated on December 18th, all ready to enter the job market. To keep participants and facilitators safe, a COVID Agreement was signed by each participant. There were many precautions in place to keep people safe and healthy including temperature checks at the front door, disinfection of training surfaces and providing PPE for the class.
RCM hopes to hold another Bilingual Academy in the new year as it continues to meet the needs of people with disabilities in Washington, DC – including those who speak Spanish.
Celebrating the Holidays Safely
Though we weren't able to celebrate our Annual Holiday Party this year, we found many other ways to enjoy the season safely. How did you celebrate the holidays this year? How are you planning on celebrating New Year's?
Featured Member
This month we'd like to feature Tyrone Colson. In November, Tyrone was given an award from his employer, GCE Global Connections Enterprises, for being an excellent employee. Tyrone stated that he would like to keep this job for another two years then seek something new. A previous graduate of the DSP academy, Tyrone been praised by his superiors for his excellent work ethic.
Covid Vaccines at RCM
RCM is highly encouraging staff to receive the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine through Bread for The City. Some of our Intermediate Care Facility and Residential Habilitation frontline workers have already received the vaccine. We have been following the experiences of several employees through our Facebook page including RCM DSP of 9 years, Tish. Tish reported that it didn't hurt, and has experienced no side effects as of yet.
Thank you so much for reading this month's newsletter!If you have any suggestions or ideas for what to include in future emails please email RCM's social media/marketing coordinator Megan Spinella at mds282@georgetown.edu.
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