Which phrase best describes a Direct Care Worker’s role in meetings?

Which phrase best describes a Direct Care Worker’s role in meetings?

• A. Leading the entire organization.
• B. Assisting with communication supports and strategies to participate.
• C. Making all decisions for the person.
• D. Withholding input.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a Direct Care Worker supports the person to participate in meetings by providing communication supports and strategies. In practice, this means helping the person understand what’s being discussed, using plain language or visual aids, and employing tools like augmentative communication supports so the person can express preferences and questions. The DCW may help prepare the person for the meeting, restate or summarize what was said in a way the person can understand, and actively encourage the person to share their views. The goal is to enable the person to participate and have their choices respected, not to take charge or decide for them. This aligns with person-centered practice, where the worker facilitates participation and self-determination rather than leading the organization, making all decisions for the person, or withholding input.

The key idea is that a Direct Care Worker supports the person to participate in meetings by providing communication supports and strategies. In practice, this means helping the person understand what’s being discussed, using plain language or visual aids, and employing tools like augmentative communication supports so the person can express preferences and questions. The DCW may help prepare the person for the meeting, restate or summarize what was said in a way the person can understand, and actively encourage the person to share their views. The goal is to enable the person to participate and have their choices respected, not to take charge or decide for them.

This aligns with person-centered practice, where the worker facilitates participation and self-determination rather than leading the organization, making all decisions for the person, or withholding input.