DSP Talk

About DSP Talk

Welcome to DSP Talk, the podcast that's exploring the complex world of disability support. Join us as we speak to direct support professionals, people receiving services and support, family members, and other field experts, as they delve into the diverse and dynamic world of disability support, navigating the challenges, sharing uplifting stories, and shedding light on the impactful human experience within the direct support profession. Our episodes highlight the journey towards community inclusion, the significance of a competent workforce, and the vital role direct support professionals play in the lives of those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you're a dedicated direct support professional, a recipient of support services, or just someone eager to make a difference, DSP Talk is your go-to platform for inspiration, enlightenment, and advocacy. Get ready to challenge stereotypes, broaden your perspective, and join the movement towards acknowledging this essential group of professionals. Welcome to DSP Talk! Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation | Code of Ethics & Core Competencies for Direct Support Professionals (https://workforcetransformation.org/) Brought to you by: The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (https://opwdd.ny.gov/) and the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (https://nyalliance.org/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

Category

business · business · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Feb 2024

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

59 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   DSP Chat: Looking Beyond What We See

   What if, instead of asking, “How do we stop this behavior?” we asked, “Why might this be happening in the first place?” In this episode of DSP Chat, host Asheley Blaise builds on a conversation with Sharon Cyrus Saveri and looks at how understanding the whole person can help Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) respond with greater compassion, recognize unmet needs, and provide more effective, person-centered support. Key Takeaways: Understanding behavior as communication: Looking beyond the behavior to consider what a person may be experiencing or trying to communicate. Taking a whole-person approach: Exploring biological, psychological, and social factors that may influence behavior, including health, emotional well-being, relationships, and environmental changes. Putting trauma-informed care into practice: Promoting safety, trust, choice, personal space, and respect while avoiding unnecessary power struggles. Focusing on strengths, not just challenges: Using positive psychology to recognize a person's abilities, interests, relationships, and opportunities for growth. Three Questions to Ask When Behavior Is Difficult to Understand What might be contributing to this? Consider possible medical, emotional, environmental, or social factors. What might help this person feel safe, understood, and respected? Think about communication, personal space, choice, and what helps the person feel comfortable. What strengths, interests, or skills can I build on? Look beyond the immediate challenge to identify what works and what can help the person thrive. For a deeper insight into how you can look beyond what you see, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned to DSP Talk & Chat for more expert conversations enhancing the understanding and impact in the field of developmental and intellectual disabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   6 Oct 2026

   What If We Got Curious? Looking Beyond Behavior

   Sharon Cyrus-Savary is a licensed mental health professional and program leader with a focus on trauma-informed, evidence-based, and equity-centered care for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences across the lifespan. Her extensive experience encompasses intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, forensic psychology, substance use, and behavioral health program development. Sharon is committed to coordinated care that enhances access, quality of care, and quality of life. Her leadership roles include serving as a trustee and scholarship chair of the American Mental Health Counselor Association Foundation, and she is an active member of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Episode Summary: In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise is joined by Sharon Cyrus-Savary to explore the nuanced care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Sharon brings her wealth of experience to the conversation, discussing models like New York START, and delving into trauma-informed support, the biopsychosocial framework, and positive psychology. Her insights emphasize the importance of quality care and life improvements for those facing behavioral or mental health challenges. Sharon Cyrus-Savary explains the New York START program's role in crisis prevention and response for individuals with IDD, emphasizing the importance of a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. By leveraging the biopsychosocial framework, the discussion highlights strategies for understanding behaviors beyond their surface level, exploring the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. Sharon underscores the need for direct support professionals (DSPs) to focus on strengths and possibilities through positive psychology techniques, promoting connection and meaningful life experiences over mere behavior mitigation. Key Takeaways: Biopsychosocial Approach: This framework aids DSPs in understanding the reasons behind a behavior, focusing on biological, psychological, and social factors rather than simple cause and effect. Trauma-Informed Care: Without needing to know specific trauma details, DSPs can create environments that are safe, respectful, and empowering, acknowledging that trauma affects everyone differently. Emphasis on Positive Psychology: Shifting the focus to strengths and potential rather than deficits can improve the care and connection with individuals. Role of DSPs: As key team members, DSPs are essential in observing, documenting, and communicating critical information that supports and enhances the quality of life for individuals under their care. Notable Quotes: "We're not just asking, 'How do we stop this behavior?' Instead, we're asking, 'Why is this happening?'" – Sharon Cyrus-Savary "Not what's wrong, but what's strong. What skill, what connection, what opportunities might we increase?" – Sharon Cyrus-Savary "Trauma shapes our experiences of the world, relationships, and transitions. It impacts everything." – Sharon Cyrus-Savary "Direct support professionals are the key observers, communicators, relationship builders, and advocates for the people they support." – Sharon Cyrus-Savary Resources: New York START/CSIDD (https://opwdd.ny.gov/nystartcsidd) For a deeper insight into how these frameworks and approaches are transforming care practices, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned to DSP Talk for more expert conversations enhancing the understanding and impact in the field of developmental and intellectual disabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   22 Sept 2026

   DSP Chat: Your Voice, Your Choice

   Host Asheley Blaise interviews Lace Kitchen about empowering individuals with disabilities through supported decision-making, emphasizing their right to self-determination and dignity of risk.

Who has been a guest on DSP Talk

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lace Kitchen
• Lace Kitchin
• Sharonda Johnson
• Patrick
• Emme

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about DSP Talk