ANCOR Names Mitch Tyler as 2014 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Iowa

posted by Katie Slade on Tuesday, May 6, 2014

On May 6, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Mitch Tyler of Exceptional Persons, Inc. in Waterloo as the 2014 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Iowa. “We at EPI are proud of Mitch. The award shows the dedication Mitch has to support people with disabilities and reflects the quality of services provided by Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)” said EPI Executive Director, Chris Sparks. The award was presented on May 6 at the 2014 ANCOR Conference: Beyond the Envelope in Miami, FL.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) – also referred to as caregivers, personal assistants and direct care or homecare aides – provide a rich mosaic of daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. These DSPs are integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities and lead full and independent lives.

“Most Americans are not aware of the critical work DSPs do every day and the essential role they play in the social and economic life of communities across the country,” said Dave Toeniskoetter, president of ANCOR. “We want to make sure DSPs like Mitch Tyler are recognized for the difficult but inspiring work they do every day.”

“DSPs are on the front lines supporting people with disabilities and ensuring those individuals are granted full inclusion in their communities,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “It is absolutely essential that individuals, like Mitch Tyler, are given the recognition and respect they deserve.”

Mitch Tyler has been a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at EPI for over six years and was nominated by his peers for this distinguished award. “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.”

This award marks the third ANCOR Direct Support Professional of the Year award received by an EPI Direct Support Professional. ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign, which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct support workforce. Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks, substantive community participation and advocating for the people they serve.

About Exceptional Persons, Inc.

EPI, founded in 1957 in Waterloo, Iowa, as Exceptional Persons, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization created as a catalyst for community based services for people with developmental and other related disabilities. Today’s EPI fosters the active community participation of people with disabilities through residential and transportation services, day activity centers, community living, as well as works to expand child care options and to improve the quality of child care available for families in Northeast Iowa. EPI serves over 5,500 children, adults, and families in Northeast Iowa a year and employs more than 450 dedicated individuals.

About ANCOR

The American Network of Community Options and Resources is a national trade association representing more than 800 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 400,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR seeks to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. ANCOR provides organization, professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that advance our vision, mission and goals. Its prime goal is to be the indispensable leader, resource and advocate for a diverse private disability services network that ensures full citizenship and engaged community participation for people with disabilities of all ages. For more information about ANCOR, visit www.ancor.org.