Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/924926
Friendship Inc. 801 Page Dr Fargo, ND 58103-2315 PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTS Privacy. Religion. Relationships. Personal Possessions. Movement. Diet. Medical Care. Finances. Many of us take these basic rights for granted. But for the people we support, the reality is there are restrictions in these areas with the intention to keep people safe. Some people can't carry their wallet or be alone in the community. Others have certain foods or items belonging to them locked up. A two-year old initiative at CHI Friendship has been successful in helping the people we support get many of these rights completely reinstated or their limitations reduced. It started in the summer of 2015 during a leadership team meeting where we role-played rights being taken away. Dori Leslie, Vice President of CHI Friendship, took all cell phones from the staff during this meeting. "It was meant to create a feeling of discomfort, and it worked," said Leslie. "There was a newfound empathy involving rights restrictions, and people were ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. It is amazing what we can accomplish while applying the Golden Rule to our work at CHI Friendship!" The first step was to identify existing barriers to removing certain restrictions. Many feelings of "it's always been that way" or "what if" were still prevalent. CHI Friendship found creative and innovative approaches to eliminate and reduce these restrictions, such as fading plans, technology, task analyses, and increased education for our staff and clients. The initial commitment persisted, and CHI Friendship has since been putting every rights restriction under a microscope to determine if it is still needed. As a result, there have been many successes. "We have seen clapping, laughing, and tears of joy in response to reducing restrictions," said Leslie. "When people can do the things they want to do when they want to do them, they feel more empowered and self-confident." Countless stories have emerged since that initial leadership team meeting in 2015. Through the new vision/initiative, we have removed nearly 200 rights restrictions from people's plans! CHI Friendship Is Hiring CHI Friendship is looking for applicants committed to delivering quality direct support. Openings for Direct Support Professionals Coordinator include full-time, part-time, and PRN positions. We assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license and insurance. No experience is necessary for our entry-level positions. Starting salary is $15/hour. CHI Friendship offers an excellent benefits package. Should you be offered a position with CHI Friendship, you will become part of one of the country's leading health industry organizations. Visit chifriendship.com/careers to learn more about employment opportunities.