Messages of thanks and acknowledgment from various departments and staff members were shared throughout the week to highlight just how grateful we are for the tremendous work done by our DSPs.
Entertaining activities filled the days for our support staff members across locations; such as luncheons, barbeques, candy “bars” complete with a chocolate fountain, games and scavenger hunts, Zumba, paintball, yoga, and painting – something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition, thanks to an outpouring of donations, staff were able to enter numerous raffles for the chance to win great prizes and gift cards – including tickets to a New York Yankees game seated in the Delta Skybox and VIP parking.
CLICK HERE to see the photo album from this memorable week.
Special thanks to all those who made donations for the raffle prizes and to the DSP Week committee members for organizing these memorable festivities.
The role of a support professional has many descriptions. Our DSPs are caregivers, teachers, devoted advocates, and friends to the children and adults supported at DDI. Because of them, we are able to achieve our purpose, which is to help children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities experience personal growth and fulfillment.
Our gratitude for you - our DSPs - and all you do for the children, adults, and families we support is immeasurable. Please know that you are celebrated this week, and every week, for your never-ending commitment to the individuals in your care.
Since it is difficult to express in words just how valuable our support staff are, we can do so in our actions and continued quest to increase funding to give these extraordinary DSPs the salaries they deserve.
Visit #bFair2DirectCare to see you how can get involved with this initiative. You can also visit the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), a national nonprofit whose mission is to elevate the status of DSPs by improving practice standards; promoting system reform; and advancing their knowledge, skills, and values. Here you can sign the petition they have created to establish a Direct Support Professional Standard Occupational Classification.