September 10, 2018 (North Carolina) – The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is excited to recognize and celebrate the week of Sept. 10 as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. The week recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of outstanding DSPs and their contributions to the disability community across North Carolina and the country.

The Direct Support Workforce is made up of over 3.6 million workers in the United States and over the past decade, the demand for DSPs has increased by 35%. DSPs ensure people with disabilities have the necessary supports that enable them to live, work and enjoy their lives as independently as possible.

“Direct Support Professionals use their skills and knowledge to help support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in so many important ways,” said Chris Egan, executive director of NCCDD. “A well-trained DSP can provide effective supports with individuals living with a disability to explore choices, learn skills, and work toward achieving valued personal outcomes.”

In support of Goal Three of the Five Year Plan: Increase Advocacy for Individuals with I/DD, NCCDD provided support to the NC Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NCADSP) initiative. The goals of this initiative were to build connections and collaboration among the DSP community statewide and promote the value of this line of work. This is important work that will continue to remain a focus of NCCDD.

DSP Recognition Week is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign, whose mission is to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce.

Celebrated annually across the country, DSP Recognition Week honors the tens of thousands of workers who enable people with I/DD and their families to live healthy lives in their communities.

About the American Network of Community Options and Resources: The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) is a national trade association representing more than 1,000 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 600,000 individuals with disabilities. ANCOR provides organization, professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that support our mission, which is to advance the ability of our members in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fully participate in their communities.

About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians.

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