Each year, nationally, we recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This is a week when we take a second to honor those individuals who provide daily support to individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
DSPs work with individuals in their family homes, supported living homes, and in the community. These important individuals help individuals with cooking, cleaning, daily tasks, personal care, helping individuals build relationships, participating in community events, pursuing employment, and achieving personal goals.
Imagine a world without these dedicated professionals wanting to help others. When I think of not having DSPs, I think back to the time period in history when we saw institutions where people often times were not treated with dignity and respect. The opportunities for individuals with disabilities are endless, especially with the assistance of DSPs in their lives.
Sometimes, DSPs are not just someone providing assistance. Often times, they are part of the individual’s support system and become part of the individual’s family support system.
Every day, DSPs show up to work ready to help these individuals. DSPs help create opportunities for people with disabilities to be seen, heard, valued, and included.
As a community, we are so lucky to have wonderful DSPs, and we should celebrate them all year long.
Above all, our staff here at WTRE would like to say THANK YOU to all of the DSPs in our community.
Thank you for your dedication, advocating, encouragement, teaching, ability to listen, and your supportive assistance that you provide. Your work matters, your dedication matters, and the people you support are better because you are there.
