EPI Direct Support Professional Named Iowa DSP of the Year

posted on Friday, June 6, 2014

Direct Support Staff (DSPs) are the true backbone of the organization, showing everyday their willingness to go above and beyond to support the individuals served.

Each year, ANCOR recognizes DSPs across the country for the encouraging work they do. Mitch Tyler, DSP at EPI was one of the 30 DSPs to be awarded DSP of the Year.

This year the awards were presented at the 2014 ANCOR Conference: Beyond the Envelope in Miami, FL. EPI's own Executive Director Chris Sparks, serves as the National Advocacy Committee (NAC) co-chair and spoke at this year's award ceremony. Watch the video. (please excuse the video quality, phones can only do so much!)

EPI was honored to have a staff member receive such an esteemed award.  Mitch Tyler became the third DSP from EPI to be awarded DSP of the Year for Iowa.  Mitch has been with EPI for over six years.  Always willing to go the extra mile, Mitch’s peers wanted to nominate him for his leadership and ability to truly be there for those he supports.  “Mitch’s leadership is a pivotal component of the strength and endurance of his team. The bond Mitch develops with each person is strong and he works diligently to ensure that those he supports live a full life the way they would like to live it.”

American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), is the advocate and resource for private community providers for services to people with disabilities.  ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) also advocates for the resources necessary to recruit, train, and retain a healthy, sustainable direct support workforce.  Both ANCOR and NAC play a pivotal role in increasing awareness of issues relating to support staff including wages, workforce development, and recognition.

ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign.  Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks, substantive community participation, and advocating for the people they serve.