Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is September 8-14, 2013

Over 40 members of our staff at Boone County Family Resources are considered Direct Support Professionals, including Supported Living Assistants, Teacher Counselors, and Community Skills Specialists.

Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who work directly with people with developmental disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his /her community or the least restrictive environment.

A direct support professional is a person who assists an individual with a developmental disability to lead a self-directed life and contribute to the community, assists with activities of daily living if needed, and encourages attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion.

A DSP may provide supports to a person with a disability at home, work, school, church, and other community places. A DSP also acts as an advocate for the disabled individual, in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.

Check out this great, short video to get a re-cap of what they do and are responsible for:

Do you know a DSP? Make sure to tell them thanks. Comment on this post to give a shout out to your favorite Boone County Family Resources DSP.