The American Network of Community Options and Resources
(ANCOR) recently recognized Heidi Friedman of The Arc of Delaware County’s
Community Living Skills program in Arkville as the 2013 Direct Support
Professional of the Year for New York at their Annual Conference in Washington,
D.C. “We at The Arc of Delaware County are
very proud of Heidi. With this award we
celebrate her dedication, knowledge, and advocacy on behalf of people with
disabilities here in Delaware County and across the nation.” said Catherine
Tweedie, Director of Community Relations.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide a rich mosaic of
daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. These DSPs are
integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities
and lead full and independent lives.
“Most Americans are not aware of the critical work DSPs do
every day and the essential role they play in the social and economic life of
communities across the country,” said Dave Toeniskoetter, president of ANCOR.
“We want to make sure DSPs like Ms. Friedman are recognized for the difficult
but inspiring work they do every day.”
“DSPs are on the front lines supporting people with
disabilities and ensuring those individuals are granted full inclusion in their
communities,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “It is absolutely essential
that individuals, like Heidi Friedman, are given the recognition and respect
they deserve.”
ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is
given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign,
which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct support workforce.
Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks,
substantive community participation and advocating for the people they serve.
The Arc of Delaware County, where Heidi is employed, is a
not for profit organization providing community based supports and services to over
300 children and adults with disabilities.
It is one of the largest employers in Delaware County with a workforce
of nearly 200. It is a Chapter of
NYSARC, Inc., and is affiliated with The Arc of the U.S., and ANCOR. For more
information about The Arc of Delaware County, visit www.delarc.org
Read additional news about Heidi and her award as published in The Daily Star on 5/21/13 by visiting Area Life Coach Wins State Recognition
The ANCOR is a national trade association representing
more thanwww.ancor.org.
800 private providers of community living and employment supports and
services to more than 400,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit
organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private
providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the
crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of
people with disabilities and their families. Through its National Advocacy
Campaign, ANCOR seeks to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a
sustainable direct support workforce. ANCOR provides organization,
professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services
and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that advance
our vision, mission and goals. Its prime goal is to be the indispensable
leader, resource and advocate for a diverse private disability services network
that ensures full citizenship and engaged community participation
for people with disabilities of all ages. For more information about
ANCOR, visit 
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