DSA’s Perspective on Disability  

• Disability resides not in an individual, but in the interaction between the individual and his or her environment.

• Disability exists only as long as an individual cannot freely access what he or she needs within a particular setting.  

• Disabilities can be reduced through a combination of personal development, appropriate support and an accessible environment.

DSA’s Service Philosophy

At Developmental Support Associates, our supports and services emphasize the unique nature of each person in the context of his or her environment. We believe that many factors must be considered in order to provide positive behavior supports and high quality person-centered services:

§ Behavioral Principles: The principles of behavior modification and applied behavior analysis are central to an understanding of motivation and behavior.

§ Intrinsic Motivation: Each individual has unique needs, interests and preferences. Learning and daily functioning are best supported when activities and materials reflect already existing motivations.

§ Development: Learning and behavior usually reflect stages of development, and most effective learning occurs when the supports and teaching strategies are developmentally appropriate. Also, most tasks are learned more easily when they are broken down into developmental steps.

§ Wellness: Physical, emotional, social and spiritual health must be supported in order to achieve a positive and fulfilling quality of life.

§ Culture: Each individual represents a unique expression of beliefs, values and behavioral expectations. Effective supports must reflect both the individual and the cultural setting.

§ Environment: Relatively minor reshaping of the environment can have a profound impact on learning and performance. In the proper environment, disability is minimized.

§ Rights: Appropriate supports must be designed in a manner that promotes autonomy,protects health and safety and promotes human and civil rights.

DSA’s Leadership Team

George Rathbone, MA, EdM, LCPC, NCC, CCBT

Mr. Rathbone is owner/director of Developmental Support Associates, LLC. He has been practicing as an educator, clinician and manager in the fields of development, disability, learning and behavior for over 30 years. He has presented at regional, national, and international conferences.  Mr. Rathbone is a nationally credentialed clinician who has formal endorsement as a Positive Behavior Support Facilitator for the Partnership for People with Disabilities and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mr. Rathbone has had extensive experience directing and consulting to long term residential programs in Northern Virginia. He was formerly the Chief of the Bureau of Clinical Services and Chief of Quality Assurance in the District of Columbia’s Developmental Disabilities Administration. He currently teaches psychology to art educators at the undergraduate and graduate level at the Corcoran School of Art and Design in D.C.

Edward G. Robinson, M.Ed., C.A.S., MHT

Mr. Robinson currently chairs a major national committee for the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly AAMR). He is a Harvard University trained educator and clinician who has managed mental health agencies and residential programs in the Northern Virginia and  DC  area for 25  years.

Mr. Robinson is president and founder of Issac and Imani, Inc. , an organization that has worked locally and in Africa to design supports to families with members who have significant special need.

DSA’s Support Staff

DSA staff members are seasoned and dedicated professionals who have been selected for their established reputations as top quality direct support providers. They communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally, and they have a strong dedication to serving individuals with disabilities.

Areas of Expertise Include:

At Developmental Support Associates, we try to be flexible to the specific needs of the individual, and we sometimes offer services we have not listed here.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific needs.