Region: 1 – Western New York
DSP Nomination Name: Dylan Warren
Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 10+
The nominee's favorite or most rewarding part about being a DSP:
Dylan Warren believes that all people being served, as well as his coworkers, should take small steps towards effectively working on goals to enhance their lives and enrich the environment – and is an enthusiastic lead-by-example model.
About Dylan:
According to Fredericka Moye, Developmental Assistant II, and Dylan’s supervisor, Dylan deserves sincere recognition for his professional service and commitment to OPWDD.
“He began his career with Western NY more than 10 years ago, and he has proven his dedication and commitment to the people we serve through many years of enthusiastic and devoted service,” she says.
When serving individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors, Moye says it requires specialized interventions and problem-solving skills. These interventions, she adds, must emphasize the positive approaches to behavior change and focus on teaching new skills.
“At times, it is extremely difficult to teach and promote proactive strategies and reinforce a skill-building technique that conforms to many different environments,” Moye continues. “Dylan always manages to do this with planful skill and kindness. He will take the time to get to know each of the people he works with personally, and then effectively supports and promotes independence, skill-building and safety.”
Moye says there is no job that Dylan cannot do.
“Dylan stepped up tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that all PPE were counted weekly and sent to the appropriate party in a timely manner. He makes sure the house has all the supplies needed to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the people we serve,” Moye says. “He attended every meeting during my recent medical absence and kept staff abreast of everything that was going on.”
She continues, “Dylan is an excellent resource for other staff and is very thorough and organized. He created a reference book of everything that was introduced to staff – from our fire portal to EHR to use as a reference. Dylan is my go-to person who I can always count on to get the job done.”
“We are proud to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and committed coworker as Dylan Warren,” Moye concludes.