Thirtieth Anniversary Issue on Progress and Priorities in Direct Support

When we think of teams, we think of teamwork. Team is the noun and teamwork is the verb. Together, teams and teamwork represent the core concept in community direct supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Direct support professionals (DSPs) team with the person they support, family members, and other professionals to support the person’s goals. Effective teams are one of the most important factors in the success of people supported and the organization.

Teams and teamwork were not essential in our country’s institutions or any institutional models of care. Rather than supporting the needs of individuals, congregate care forced people to follow institutional demands. So, teams are a very important concept in direct support, where tender love and care are needed. Let’s get out your team notebooks; here is why we need to pay attention to teams and teamwork.

Teams vs. Groups

A group might put together a community bingo game or an agency fundraiser. But teams are greater than groups. A team works together toward a common goal, like supporting a person’s life.

So, what do teams have to do with IDD services? Everything, of course! We do not just open group homes for persons with IDD without creating a team of people to support them, nurture them, and care for them. Each person on a team brings knowledge and skills to share.

Teams share responsibilities and effort. Some people get this easily. Some need time to understand it. Others do not get this at all. This latter group will leave our teams looking for a new career that does not require them to work alongside others. For some staff, that is ok! To work in our field, you must work with others. Working alongside others is an essential skill set in direct support. If a DSP cannot do this, they will have a very hard time in this field. DSPs who enjoy working with others will thrive on all the collaboration.

Tony Thomas

Another difference between teams and groups is that in a group you work beside someone—in teams you work with someone. Teams are essential drivers of supports for people with IDD. Someone’s primary team includes the person supported along with their DSPs, family members, and others who support the person. The DSP is the team member who sees and supports the person on a day-to-day basis. Besides family members, DSPs often know the person supported the best. Your opinion, understanding, and knowledge are to be respected and cherished.

Organizations serving people with IDD that put more focus, time, and attention on how different teams are operating tend to have higher staff satisfaction and better outcomes for people supported. Then culture and ethics improve and the people supported have the best life possible.