September 13–19 is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, a time to recognize the dedicated professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Direct Support Professionals do incredibly important, and often challenging, work. They help people make choices, build skills, pursue their goals, participate in their communities, develop relationships, and live their lives as fully and independently as possible. They are trusted partners, advocates, problem-solvers, teachers, and friends.
DDAWNY’s member organizations see firsthand the difference DSPs make every day, and how much they mean to the people they support and their families.
Recognizing DSPs also means advocating for them. Throughout the year, leaders of DDAWNY’s member organizations work to elevate the DSP profession and advocate for the compensation and support these dedicated professionals deserve. This work is essential to building and sustaining a strong direct support workforce and ensuring DSPs are valued for the important work they do.
During DSP Recognition Week, DDAWNY joins our member organizations in saying thank you to DSPs across Western New York and the Finger Lakes. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment make a lasting difference every day.
Your work matters. The people you support matter. And the difference you make matters.