Let’s Extend National DSP Recognition Week by 51 Weeks

Posted on July 23, 2020

National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is an annual celebration that highlights the life-changing contributions of the direct support professional workforce. Throughout one week in September, human service organizations across the country take positive steps to acknowledge DSPs. Some examples include award ceremonies, catered lunches, prize giveaways, and more.

These are wonderful programs that organizations put in place to make sure that DSPs feel appreciated. National DSP Recognition Week is a great way to set aside time that is specifically devoted to the essential work of DSPs and say “thank you.”

In the past, NADSP and CQL have collected and shared individual stories of excellence in direct support. We have posted articles and videos showcasing extraordinary DSPs who are embodying the most ethical standards and/or supporting people with disabilities to achieve their personally-defined outcomes.

This year, we’re going to try something different.

Deep-Rooted DSP Recognition

For 2020 National DSP Recognition Week, we want to learn about specific organization-wide initiatives that lift up and bolster DSPs throughout the entire year. This includes significant, long-lasting, and meaningful actions that have far-reaching effects on DSPs.

We want to share organizational efforts that provide solutions to these types of questions:

• What platform or methods do you use to recognize DSPs throughout the entire year?
• How are DSPs involved in ‘big-picture’ decision-making at your organization?
• What specific programs do you have in place to help DSPs advance in their career?
• How do you offer staff development opportunities for DSPs?
• What platform or methods do you use to collect DSP questions, concerns, and suggestions?
• How have you transformed systems and practices to be responsive to the needs of DSPs?

During National DSP Recognition Week from September 13 – 19, 2020, NADSP and CQL will post these initiatives on our websites and social media accounts to help spread best practices and improve the standing of DSPs nationwide. While we’ll also offer our gratitude for DSPs during National DSP Recognition Week, this campaign has the potential to make a world of difference in the lives of thousands of DSPs.

By sharing these initiatives, other human service providers can both learn about and replicate your efforts to build up the DSP workforce. This is also an opportunity to highlight the programs your organization has developed to strengthen DSPs.

Submit Your DSP Initiative

After clicking the ‘GET STARTED’ button below, you will be directed to a SurveyMonkey page to submit your organization-wide initiative that positively impacts DSPs. You are welcome to submit multiple entries, but please only submit one initiative per survey.

Before submitting your initiative, please be sure that you can answer “Yes” to the following questions:

• Is this a specific program or initiative? (vs. a mission/vision statement)
• Does your initiative/program have a long-lasting impact?
• Has there been a positive effect on the lives/work of DSPs?
• Are you able to provide DSP testimonials/quotes about that impact?
• Could other organizations replicate your efforts?

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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.