Celebrating Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

Recognizing Workers Who Support People with Disabilities

In honor of National Direct Support Recognition Week, The Arc of Delaware County, a not for profit organization which supports Delaware County’s children and adults with disabilities to live personally fulfilling lives, joins organizations from around the nation in celebrating its direct support workforce.

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is celebrated annually across the country to honor the tens of thousands of workers who enable people with intellectual, developmental and other significant disabilities and their families to live healthy community-oriented lives.

The Arc of Delaware County has grown exponentially since it was founded in 1967; supporting nearly 400 individuals with disabilities and employing over 200 staff, the majority of which are direct support professionals, making it one of Delaware County’s largest employers. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo joins governors from across the nation in signing a Gubernatorial Proclamation designating this week as Direct Support Professional’s Recognition Week.  This is the sixth consecutive year the U.S. Senate has approved such a resolution. 

“Direct support professionals work tirelessly every day of the year administering skilled and compassionate care to seniors and individuals with disabilities,” Senator Collins (ME) said.  “I commend the important work carried out by direct support professionals that allows these individuals to stay connected with their community and their families, and I am pleased to have supported a resolution honoring all that these professionals do to help those in their care live meaningful and productive lives.” 

Heidi Friedman, Life Coach (aka Direct Support Professional) at The Arc of Delaware County shared “The people I support are exactly like everybody else, in the sense that we are all different. Being a DSP has made such a difference in my life; it can make a difference in your life also.”   

To learn more about Direct Support Professionals view this video: Direct Support Professionals-Helping Individuals with Disabilities Live Personally Fulfilling Lives

To learn more, visit The Arc of Delaware County’s website at www.delarc.org or call 607-865-7126. Visit our Career Page to apply for a job in this rewarding field.http://www.delarc.org/careers/