DSP Promoting Community Inclusion 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A DSP is supporting a person with a disability who wants to join a local bowling league. What is the BEST first step?
- Call the bowling alley to ask if they allow people with disabilities
- Ask the individual what they enjoy about bowling and what support they might need (Correct answer)
- Sign the individual up and inform the league of their disability
- Research adaptive bowling equipment online before discussing with the individual
Correct answer: Ask the individual what they enjoy about bowling and what support they might need
Person-centered planning begins with listening to the individual's preferences and identifying what supports they need.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes 'natural supports' in community inclusion?
- Paid staff who accompany individuals into the community
- Relationships and assistance that exist naturally in community settings, such as neighbors or coworkers (Correct answer)
- Government-funded services provided in public spaces
- Adaptations made to community environments for accessibility
Correct answer: Relationships and assistance that exist naturally in community settings, such as neighbors or coworkers
Natural supports are unpaid, naturally occurring relationships and resources within a community setting.
Question 3: A person you support is nervous about attending a community yoga class for the first time. What approach should the DSP take?
- Tell them the class is easy and they have nothing to worry about
- Offer to attend the first class together and gradually fade support as confidence grows (Correct answer)
- Suggest they practice at home until they feel ready
- Contact the instructor ahead of time and arrange for a private lesson instead
Correct answer: Offer to attend the first class together and gradually fade support as confidence grows
Graduated support that fades over time helps build independence while respecting the individual's comfort level.
Question 4: When a DSP accompanies an individual to a community event, they should primarily:
- Stay close and speak on behalf of the individual to ensure clear communication
- Facilitate interactions between the individual and community members while staying in the background (Correct answer)
- Document all interactions for the individual's support plan
- Ensure the individual follows the event schedule without deviation
Correct answer: Facilitate interactions between the individual and community members while staying in the background
DSPs should facilitate rather than dominate, helping the individual connect with others while maintaining their autonomy.
Question 5: An individual with a disability wants to volunteer at a local animal shelter, but the shelter staff seems hesitant. What should the DSP do?
- Accept the rejection and help the individual find a different activity
- Meet with shelter staff to discuss the individual's abilities and how any concerns can be addressed (Correct answer)
- File a formal ADA complaint immediately
- Inform the individual that not all places are welcoming and try elsewhere
Correct answer: Meet with shelter staff to discuss the individual's abilities and how any concerns can be addressed
Educating community partners about an individual's abilities and addressing concerns can open doors for meaningful inclusion.
Question 6: Which scenario demonstrates TRUE community inclusion rather than mere community presence?
- A group of individuals with disabilities attends a movie theater together with their DSPs
- An individual with a disability regularly attends a book club and is recognized by name by other members (Correct answer)
- A DSP takes an individual to a park while the individual sits apart from other visitors
- A group home arranges a weekly outing to a shopping mall
Correct answer: An individual with a disability regularly attends a book club and is recognized by name by other members
True inclusion involves meaningful participation and genuine social connections, not just physical presence in community settings.
Question 7: A DSP notices that a community member is uncomfortable around the individual they support. What is the MOST appropriate response?
- Remove the individual from the situation to avoid conflict
- Ignore the discomfort and continue the activity
- Naturally model respectful interaction and help create opportunities for positive connection (Correct answer)
- Report the community member's behavior to the manager
Correct answer: Naturally model respectful interaction and help create opportunities for positive connection
Modeling respectful interaction and fostering positive connections can help reduce discomfort and build community acceptance.
DSP Promoting Community Inclusion 2
A DSP is supporting a person with a disability who wants to join a local bowling league.
What is the BEST first step?