DSP 1300 - Empowerment and Advocacy in LTSS

Clock Hours: 19

Course Description:
This course outlines personalized empowerment techniques and advocacy strategies to assist with the needs and rights of individuals and their families in support situations. Various practical methods will be outlined to enhance the ability of the individual to lead a self-determining life by applying services needed to obtain their goals. These characteristics may include wanting more responsibility, creating self-direction, making informed choices, and taking calculated risks. The learner will be able to provide information and appropriate supports to the individual to help build self-esteem, learn assertiveness, and improve decision-making. The learner will be an effective advocate for the individual, learn about the challenges faced by the individual, and help to overcome these challenges by understanding the rights of the individual. The ability to identify actions and decisions needed when barriers are present such as discrimination, oppression, stigma, etc. will be discussed. Federal, state, and local laws will be identified along with employer-provided protections and when it is appropriate to partner with or refer an individual to an advocacy agency. The learner will have the opportunity to apply these new skills in the various Long Term Services & Supports service settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:
This course prepares the DSW to know and do the following:

Help the individual set goals, make informed choices, and follow-through on responsibilities.

Support the individual to advocate for him or herself by encouraging the individual to speak for his or her self.
Support the individual to get needed services, support and resources.
Assist the individual get past barriers to get needed services.
Tell the individual and his or her family their rights and how they are protected.