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Articles by Bobby Harris

Browse published articles attributed to Bobby Harris, with full-archive search.

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By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Role and Responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional (DSP)

One does not become a seasoned Direct Support Professional (DSP) ove ight. The financial rewards of a DSP are slim but can be enhanced with a credible portfolio, and state or national credential. Individuals or community-based agencies can employ DSP's. Organizations often look forward to employing DSP's with a credible portfolio which can ensure a level of quality. The ability to follow best practices and quality requirements are a must as a DSP.

Primary topic: Achievement

9,973 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Developmental Disabilities in the 1800's

At the beginning of the 1800's, science began attempting to replace religion. Society was encouraged to view the world scientifically, and communities began to hospitalize and medically treat the intellectually and developmentally disabled. The early medical practices towards the disabled were by no means satisfactory and led to several new humiliating experiments and malpractices. Although flawed, this was the first step towards change and a view that developmental disabilities could potentially be a manageable disease rather than a sin.

Primary topic: Achievement

3,578 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Trepanation: Oldest Form of Treatment for Mental Illness

It is believed that Trepanation is the oldest medical practice in the history of the world; second only to circumcision. The general concept of trepanation is to create a hole in the skull and leave it open, thereby increasing the volume of blood flowing to the brain. The scientific theory behind this practice is that the fact that man walks upright, with the brain above the heart, results in decreased blood flow to the brain. Babies, it is understood, are born with a hole in their skull, which is commonly referred to as the "soft spot" on the baby's head, and with time this hole seals off.

Primary topic: Achievement

2,874 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Direct Support Professional: Bridge Builders of Community Inclusion

Direct support Professional's (DSP's) have an important role in assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in becoming a part of their community. There are three areas we will explore in increasing successful community integration. Understanding the meaning of community inclusion is an important first step.

Primary topic: Achievement

2,097 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Two-Factor Motivation of Direct Support Professionals

Motivation of Direct Support Professionals (DSP's) can be a daunting task. To examine ways to motivate DSP's we can consider the two-factor theory. The psychologist Frederick Herzberg studied and theorized the motivational theory or the two-factor theory. The Motivational Theory further refines Maslow's hierarchy of needs and applies to organizational motivation of employees.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,831 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Understanding the ABC's of Behavior

ABC approach is a methodology adopted to study the behavior patterns of a person. ABC relates to Antecedents, Behavior and Consequences. The three words may look very simple, but the complexities involved in this study are exceptionally high. Understanding the ABC's of behavior enables one to build up effective strategies and combat erratic behavior of a person. For organizations, understanding employee behavior can lead to increase in efficiency as well as more productivity. Employee happiness can also lead to employing better strategies.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,755 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

How to Choose CPR, AED and First Aid Training

A common question often asked is which brand of CPR, AED and First Aid training is the best. The question is further complicated as there are many brands available to choose from across the United States and the world-wide web. In your situation which is best? The answer depends on a number of factors as well as your personal preference. All credible CPR, AED and First Aid courses will have a skills assessment component to ensure understanding of concepts and skill acquisition. Let us look at three national well-recognized brands of safety training and the offerings of each.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,642 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Applying Maslows Heiarchy of Needs in the Service of the Intellectual and Developmentaly Disabled

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory consists of five interdependent levels that one strives to meet in a life cycle. Some cultures may place more or less emphasis on the importance of each level, but each has great applicability to achieving a meaningful life for all people. The hierarchy is depicted as a pyramid in which each level builds upon the previous. In the realm of intellectual and developmental services, the hierarchy is an excellent resource in determining unmet needs and motivation of some problematic behaviors. Basic Needs

Primary topic: Achievement

1,617 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Setting SMART Goals To Increase Employee Development

The Goal Setting Theory is perhaps one of the biggest and most instrumental motivation theories in the world of business management. Extensively researched and developed by Edwin Locke in the 1960's, the Goal Setting Theory emphasizes on the significance of setting a goal for employees, and more importantly, setting a goal in an appropriate way. Managers cannot always keep a close track of performance and motivation levels of all employees. This is where the Goal Setting Theory plays a crucial role.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,617 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Developmental Disability: A Curse in the Ancient Era

A blessing for

Primary topic: Achievement

1,544 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Middle Ages: An Era of Widespread Ignorance

Evidences of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities date as far back as the 7000 BC. The centuries of malpractices and ill treatments experienced by the disabled during these early years can be blamed on a lack of scientific knowledge. Aristotle and Plato, two great Greek philosophers, revered during their time, were both of the opinion that the disabled should not be allowed to live.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,526 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Management Style and Higher Turnover Rates of Direct Support Professionals

Most Supervisors tend to subscribe to one of two thoughts on employee motivation. Intuitive Supervisors can "Prime" their employees for success by simply setting positive expectations. Supervisors that are short-fused can and often do, set negative expectations that become self-fulfilling prophecies. Depending on the outlook adopted, it can effect motivation and productivity of employees across the entire organization.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,468 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Living With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

In a world that has been consistently and admirably trying to better itself for people with disabilities, the knowledge among the general population about intellectual and developmental disabilities is still remarkably limited. For those who are relatively new to these terms, here is a quick overview.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,402 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Role of Expectancy in the Workplace

The Expectancy Theory proposed by Victor Vroom in 1964 explains human behaviors in the workplace setting with a simple equation. The theory states that an individual's behaviors or performance of a certain task is directly associated to what the person expects the outcome to be. If an individual has reason to believe that their expectations will be realized, then this will have a positive effect on their behavior and performance. The entire theory is summarized in a simple equation: Motivation Force= Expectancy × Instrumentality × Valence

Primary topic: Achievement

1,326 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Direct Support Professional: Bridge Builders of Community Inclusion

Direct support Professional's (DSP's) have an important role in assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in becoming a part of their community. There are three areas we will explore in increasing successful community integration. Understanding the meaning of community inclusion is an important first step. Second, one must understand the significance of natural supports for people having developmental and or intellectual disabilities. The third step is community bridge building.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,316 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Developmental Disabilities During the Holocaust

Considered as one of the darkest period in human history, the Holocaust appears in every history book. It was a period where millions of people was persecuted. Until this day, the horrors of the Nazi communism are still widely remembered all over the world.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,315 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Reach for the Stars: Making Dreams a Reality in Human Services

Early in my career as a Case Manager for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I had the privilege to play a part in turning someone's dream into a reality. The person, we will call Joe, was a huge fan of cooking shows, especially Emeril Lagasse. Each year Joe wanted to see Emeril as he was Joe's favorite Chef and TV personality. During a planning session, Joe and I discussed hs desire to see Emeril. I posed a question asking Joe "What is it about Emeril that you love so much?

Primary topic: Achievement

1,279 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

5 Key's to Success As a Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professionals (DSP's) are people who work with and for people with intellectual disabilities or physical disabilities. The motive of DSP's is to help the program participants to increase independence and integrate into the community with minimal restrictions. DSP's often enter the field of adult human services with a prejudice that the relationship with people having intellectual disabilities is automatic. In reality, that isn't the fact. There are some concepts that are very essential for the DSP to understand to better their chance of success.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,273 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Reach for the Stars: Making Dreams a Reality in Human Services

Early in my career as a Case Manager for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I had the privilege to play a part in turning someone's dream into a reality. The person, we will call Joe, was a huge fan of cooking shows, especially Emeril Lagasse. Each year Joe wanted to see Emeril as he was Joe's favorite Chef and TV personality.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,272 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Direct Support Professional: Understanding Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in Kentucky

Each State in the U.S. has a similar definition of abuse, neglect and exploitation. If you are a Direct Support Professional living in Kentucky, you need to know what the State Government of Kentucky defines as abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,266 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

World War 2: A Movement to Eradicate Weakness and Disability

World War 2 was a terrible time for several sects of people, including Jews, Gays and Lesbians. But it was perhaps especially horrendous for the developmentally disabled. Even as some semblance of humanity and empathy towards the disabled began to emerge during the 1800's, no one could have foreseen the utterly inhumane and torturous practices that were characteristic of the Third Reich.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,224 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Renaissance: Understanding the Developmentally Disabled

Between the 14th and the 17th centuries, the Renaissance, a period that symbolized rebirth and renewal, saw a significant change in people's perspective towards the developmentally and intellectually disabled. The ill-treatment and disregard towards such individuals by no means ended completely. The disabled were still subjected to forms of abuse, mockery and mental harassment. However, the world was slowly but surely beginning to understand and empathize with the conditions of the developmentally disabled.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,221 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Achieving Existence, Relatedness and Growth in the Workplace

Renowned American psychologist, Clayton Alderfer, first proposed the ERG Theory for motivation in 1969, with a paper entitled "An Empirical Test of a New Theory of Human Need". Before the Clayton Theory, the world of management solely relied on the famous Hierarchy of Needs developed my Abraham Maslow.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,218 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Solutions to Increase Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

The Emotional Intelligence Theory (EQ) was first developed in the 1975 by Howard Gardener, in his book, The Shattered Mind. In 1990, psychologists John Mayer, and Peter Salovey published a crucial article on the Emotional Intelligence Theory that would later go on to garner much attention. However, this was a time when the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was considered the ultimate test of a person's competency and potential. These preliminary works and research articles by Mayer, Salovey and Gardener, was given little consideration.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,217 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

3 Elements to Improve Your Communication Skill

Communication is essential in any positive relationship. Most people believe communication is natural and requires no additional effort. This view is not necessarily accurate, as all people are different. People have a particular style of communication that may or may not match up with another's understanding. Often the problems arise due to the difference in perspective. There are three elements to communication that when consistent increases your believability. Understanding these three factors and the interaction of the environment, will help to improve communication skills and trust.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,206 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Choosing the Best Work Samples for Your DSP Portfolio

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) you are challenged each day to create a new, fun and meaningful learning experience for program participants. Often DSP's overlook their valuable contributions and fail to give themselves credit for the task performed. In order to write a quality DSP Portfolio, you must be able to prove ownership of your contributions to the supports one receives. You must also be able to show that you gained insight and experience as a result of your contributions.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,189 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Direct Support Professional (DSP): Understanding the Good Samaritan Law's

Direct Support Professionals are service providers. Thus, they are required to meet the standard of care for those they support. Understanding the Good Samaritan Laws are vitally important for anyone providing CPR or First Aid care. By the nature of their job, a DSP is required to have training in CPR and First Aid. This requirement exists in practically each of the United States of America. As a qualified provider, it is the expectation and requirement that a DSP will perform potentially life-saving techniques upon a person if needed, as part of the caregiver relationship.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,114 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Motivational Management in 3D

The American psychologist, David McClelland theorized the Needs Theory, also known as the three-dimensional theories. The three-dimensional theory further refines and builds upo Maslow's hierarchy of needs. So what does this model explain? It says that the need for achievement, power and affiliation are the three primary motivators that effect behavior and motivation of people from the managerial context.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,112 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

10 Tips for Writing Reflective DSP Portfolio Summaries

Direct Support Professionals may frequently be asked to write a reflective summary about their work with intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. The summary is supposed to be an analysis of the DSP's experiences and learning's as they work towards supporting an individual, and any associated thoughts, ideas and feelings. Writing a reflective summary should not feel challenging. It is simply an organized account of your personal reactions and opinions about your work and how your experiences as a DSP have helped you to grow and learn.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,109 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Rise of Medication for Treatment of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The treatment of intellectual and developmental disabilities has a long history that is glaringly characterized by abuse, torture and malpractices. In the ancient era, the developmentally disabled were simply left to die. Caging them, isolating them and abandoning them were common practices since it was widely believed that there was no treatment for such individuals. Later, the concept of institutionalization and hospitalization came about but there was little change in the way people mistreated the developmentally disabled and were repulsed by them.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,085 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Civil Rights Movement: A Time of Hope for the Developmentally Disabled

Following a long and endless history of torture and suffering, the Civil Rights Movement brought a tide of change for the developmentally and intellectually disabled. After World War 2, several soldiers returned home physically disabled, and the President of the time, Franklin Roosevelt, who himself was afflicted with polio put all his efforts behind the rehabilitation of handicapped soldiers.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,084 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

The Present: Better Times for the Developmentally and Intellectually Disabled

The lives and times of developmentally disabled people began to change for the better during the Civil Rights Movement in 1960. What started off as protests by groups of headstrong and determined individuals, demanding rights for themselves and for others eventually turned to be the ultimate turning point in the long history of torture and ill-treatment of the developmentally disabled. A significant change that this movement brought about was awareness among people that the developmentally and intellectually disabled were capable of living life on their terms.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,079 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Requirements to Become a Direct Support Professional

If you are interested in serving your community, you can always go in for volunteering. You can donate to charitable causes too. However, a few of us think a step ahead and actually think of a career that's rewarding as well as helps you serve the community in the truest sense. Some of us strive to be Direct Support Professionals, helping people with different needs to complete their daily affairs and lead a normal and healthy life just like everyone else.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,061 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

5 Reasons to Outsource Direct Care Training

When a company outsources its work, it gives it to third-party providers who specialize in that specific service and commit to getting the work done within the promised time frame. Companies outsource work for a number of reasons. Some organizations do it to save costs; others to drive in more productivity, while some organizations outsource work when they look for specialized skills and are not looking to hire someone full time. Outsourcing direct care training can help your direct care personnel to know the best practices, be better trained and also help you save costs.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,048 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Is Direct Support Professional (DSP) the Right Career for You?

People with intellectual or physical disabilities do have equal rights, just like you. However, it is not always possible for them to lead as normal a life as most. From carrying out daily chores to working in the community, they may need the support of others. That's where a DSP comes in.

Primary topic: Achievement

1,004 views

By Bobby HarrisRecently published1 topic

Utilizing the Power of Positive Expectation

The Pygmalion effect is a simple theory based on the Power of Expectation. The Pygmalion Effect states that the higher the expectation placed on an individual by his/her supervisors; the better is the individual's performance.

Primary topic: Achievement

963 views

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