When Experience Matters, Count on a DSP

posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012

DSPs, Direct Support Professionals, provide critical supports so that people with disabilities and their families can be active members of their community.

National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, September 9-15, calls upon us to make time in our busy routines to demonstrate our gratitude.

“We’re proud to take part in this national celebration that honors DSP workers who give so much to so many every day,”  - Chris Sparks, Executive Director of EPI.

Over 200 DSPs at EPI, provide services for an average of 500 residents and their families in the Cedar Valley on a daily basis.

DSPs are the people who work as direct care workers, in-home support workers, personal assistants and attendants to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live independently in communities of their choosing.

However, low wages (a function of limited Medicaid funding) coupled with difficult work often leads to high turnover. As a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), EPI supports the ANCOR National Advocacy Campaign in its mission to increase wages and enhance career development and resources for DSPs.

At EPI experience matters and we know we can count on our DSPs to provide the highest level of quality service. Our DSPs are at the very heart of EPI and we work diligently on their behalf to continue to raise awareness of the important work they do 365 days, 7 days a week.

Executive Director, Chris Sparks, has stepped up on a nation level to co-lead ANCORs National Advocacy Campaign. Going so far as to lead a rally in front of our nation’s capitol on behalf of DSPs around the country (we have some footage on our YouTube channel of this event, check it out).

Closer to home, EPI has developed multiple career building opportunities through the College of Direct Support and The Lighthouse Leaders program built on the foundation of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

If you know a DSP, let them know how much you appreciate their dedication and service. EPI will make blue ribbons available for anyone to wear in recognition of DSPs during the week of September 9-15. Stop by and pick one up today.