Gov. Charlie Baker has issued a proclamation in Massachusetts declaring the week of Sept. 12 through Sept. 18 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.
DSP Recognition Week is an annual event organized and promoted by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a national, nonprofit trade association that represents more than 1,600 private community providers of services to people with disabilities.
The governor’s proclamation honors the direct care workers who fill many of the 180,000 plus jobs in the community-based human services sector in the Commonwealth.
DSPs ensure one-in-ten residents of Massachusetts receive the essential care they need. They include direct care workers, residential staff, child care workers, personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home supports workers, case workers, aides, paraprofessionals and others.
The proclamation states that “Direct support professionals enable individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives and avoid more costly institutional care; … The Commonwealth recognizes the important role direct support professionals play in improving the quality of life and care of people across Massachusetts.”
The Council is encouraging its members to use social media — with #DSPRW21 — to recognize and thank their DSPs this week, and will be sharing as many photos and posts as we see.
Back to All News