Kevin Metz
Session Description
OADSP originated in training and professional development for Direct Support Professionals, and our roots are best represented by OADSP’s flagship program for adult “in field” learners, DSPaths. In 2014, in response to an escalating direct support workforce crisis, OADSP and industry partners developed and launched “Community Connections Career Partnership in Ohio” (C3P(O)). Now known as DSP-U, this one-schoolyear program is a re-working of DSPaths for secondary-school-age students (typically high school seniors), as well as adult learners not already working in the I/DD field. DSP-U is meant to help identify promising DSP candidates, train them through a combination of classroom lessons and internship experiences, and expedite their entry into the I/DD field. This session will explore how schools, county boards, and providers can collaborate to increase the awareness of DSPs.
Presenter Bio
Kevin Metz, Director of Education, Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals
A native of Akron, Ohio, Kevin has worked for over 30 years in the I/DD field, primarily in northeastern Ohio. He has been actively involved with DSPaths for more than a decade, specifically in collaboration with the program’s Licensed Entities, from onboarding through learners’ completion of the different curricula. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and Certificate in Gerontology from The University of Akron, and an M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State University. Kevin also serves as the Executive Director of the Stark County Medical Society.
Contact Information
Kevin Metz
kmetz@oadsp.org
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