We will be awarding $5,000 to DSPs in our community!
Submit your nominations below
Each September, our community comes together to celebrate the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who make such an important impact in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The work of a DSP is complex and highly specialized, as they support every aspect of an individual’s daily life on a unique, person-by-person basis. These unsung heroes act as a lifeline for people with disabilities under normal circumstances.
Submissions for the 2024 DSP Recognition Week contest are now closed.
Thank you for all of your support with over 800 DSP nominations, we are honored to be able to give back to our community and look forward to sharing the winners with everyone. Get all of the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Instagram!
2024 DSP Recognition Week Contest Winners
Cristobel Lopez, ARC Otsego – “He has been with The Arc Otsego for over 20 years and works to provide 24hr support for several of his clients. Handling communication with program staff, training and supporting new staff coming into the house all while remaining calm and unruffled, he is a huge asset to The Arc Otsego team.”
Amarilys Camacho, Meaningful NY – ” She has worked to help manage her clients weight by adding fresh strawberries and low fat milk to make them smoothies. In addition, she even strained the seeds to prevent them from noticing the change. Motivating them to exercise by dancing to their favorite songs and by going on walks in the community – helping them to lose over 23 lbs! I am so proud of them and Amarilys because without her I don’t think this would have been possible!
Krystal Turpin, EEDA – “Krystal has worked for EEDA over 6 years, she knows her job and does it very well. She has a great rapport with the people we support, as well as the staff. Krystal has worked in many of the programs and is an inspiration to her coworkers.”
Raychel Brown, AIM Services – “She has seen us through thick and thin, saw my family through a massive move and advocated for them with this transition. Driving out of her way an hour and a half to help them transition to less time with their favorite person. Raychel is an incredible woman, I can lean on her in a heartbeat. She helps plan events, break down goals, and achieve them! I have seen so much growth in the last 4yrs that truly wouldn’t have been attainable without her.”
Jewel Long, People Inc. – “We are beyond blessed to have Jewel as a DSP. This is the first summer her client has not been in a program due to transitioning in to an adult day program. Jewel has been very dependable through this transition, and helped them have a wonderful summer. Jewel is truly a rockstar and is so deserving of this nomination.”
JoAnn Holmes, Support Link – “JoAnn Holmes has worked with her client for over 30 years… she has introduced them to many community events and people. JoAnn also shares her hobbies with them, such as card making – they love giving cards they have made with JoAnn to friends and family. I find JoAnn to be trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated to our family.”
Louis Usera, EFR – “Louis is 100% consistent with his responsibilities and is always willing to do absolutely ANYTHING to keep their client, happy and comfortable. The confidence that he has built in them is unspeakable. His compassion and care when it comes to providing and assisting their client with personal hygiene is heartwarming. I have never felt the peacefulness and assurance that Louis brings to me when they are not in my direct care. Louis is absolutely amazing!!”
Ryan Hawkes, Yedei Chesed – “I am writing to share how much Ryan has gone above and beyond as his clients community habilitation worker, greatly improving their life and my life as a bonus, even in the short time he has been working with us (4 months). With Ryan’s support, they are now hiking the trails of our community, swimming in our local lakes, exploring the mall, eating out, grocery shopping, going to the movies (!), the list goes on. Little did I know, they LOVE going out! Ryan constantly stays in touch while they are out, often video chatting with me on their outings to show how good they is doing. And they who historically has not been an easy one to smile, always has a smile on, so big that it fills their whole little face. Going out to the community has not only expanded their world, but also positively impacted their confidence, independence, and physical strength.”
Nina Kapralova, Halo – “The care and compassion that Nina provides to her client is like no other. Being a parent to a special needs individual you see so much ugly in the world but then you have people like Nina who make all the difference!”
Edward Polanco, PCCS – “Edward Polanco is one of the more kinder and supportive staff that I have supported within Self Direction. He has been supporting an individual who receives self-direction services for the last 4+ years and has been there through many milestones in the person’s life. He continues to support this person using patience, consistency, and building positive relationships with those around them. He is currently working on assisting the person in obtaining a GED, and always strives for the best interest of those he supports.
