2025 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week Campaign - The Council on Quality and Leadership

Posted on October 3, 2025

An Overview Of The DSP Recognition Week Campaign

Who Is Involved?

During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, CQL partnered with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

When Did It Start?

This campaign took place during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, occurring from September 7th through September 13th, 2025.

What Is The Project?

CQL and NADSP shared stories throughout DSP Recognition Week, providing updates about programs that empower DSPs during the year.

Why Was It Created?

Although direct support professionals are recognized during DSP Recognition Week, the gratitude is often short-lived and short-term.

Where Is The Impact?

By sharing programs that have meaningful effect on DSPs, this campaign can help address the most pressing workforce crisis issues.

How Does It Help The Field?

These examples of programs that positively impact DSPs have the potential to be replicated across the human services field.

Inside The DSP Recognition Week Campaign

During DSP Recognition Week, CQL posted updates about these initiatives on its website and social media accounts to help spread best practices and improve the standing of DSPs nationwide.

DSP Recognition Week

Every year in September, the human services field dedicates a week to acknowledge Direct Support Professionals and express gratitude for their contributions, skills, and expertise. During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, DSPs are recognized and celebrated in a variety of ways, including state proclamations, special gifts, luncheons, award ceremonies, and more.

Honor A DSP • Submit Your Initiative

In this 2025 campaign, CQL shared updates about organization-wide initiatives that lift up and bolster DSPs throughout the entire year. This included significant, long-lasting, and meaningful actions that have far-reaching effects on DSPs. The campaign could help other human service providers both learn about and replicate efforts to build up the DSP workforce.