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Creating a Culture of Coaching
by Melanie Hecker, MPA
In our last article, we described how it is damaging for Direct Service Providers (DSPs) to view their role as one of discipline and authority. As an alternative to this viewpoint, we proposed DSPs instead view their role as one of helping consumers with the goals the consumers themselves set, on their own terms. Helping consumers on their own terms can be seen as “coaching” the consumer, as opposed to treating them like a jailer. To normalize a view of DSPs in “coach” roles, direct service agencies need to create organizational cultures of coaching. Cultures of coaching can be created with the following methods.
Incorporating the Voices of People with Disabilities
It is common for DSPs to not understand why consumers are behaving in a manner which they consider to be inappropriate. People with developmental and intellectual disabilities perceive the world, experience emotions, and interact with the world differently from non-disabled people. These differences can cause non-disabled DSPs to be unable to interpret or misinterpret the underlying reasons behind their consumer’s behavior. When a DSP cannot perceive the true reasons behind consumer’s perceived “misbehavior”, they feel that all they should do is punish or scold the person they are working with. If the person’s behavior is mistakenly perceived as rude, inpatient, or attention-seeking, the consumer can be viewed as a “behavior problem”, when they are trying to get a need met. To identify the true causes of perceived “misbehavior”, organizations need to actively incorporate the voices of people with disabilities.
People with disabilities need to be included in every aspect of direct service organization. The first, and most important area in which people with disabilities need to be included is on organization’s board of directors. Every direct service provider agency needs to have at least two people with developmental disabilities on their board of directors. This representation will ensure that the true needs, motivations, and goals of people with disabilities are incorporated into organizational decision making. Continue reading
Full article link: https://centerforstartservices.org/self-advocate-sentinel-creating-culture-coaching
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