A graphic with two hands coming together with text that says, "Proud to be a DSP, #dspappreciationweek."

DSP Appreciation Celebration!

It’s that time of year again where we take the time to not only celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and Caregivers but show how much we appreciate what they do for those with developmental disabilities every day! Although DSP appreciation week is September 10 – 16 we like to take the month of September as an opportunity to celebrate these skilled professionals all month long!

The primary role of DSPs and Caregivers are to support people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities, live in integrated settings, and seek competitive integrated employment (CIE). Today the DSP and Caregiver role has expanded due to the worldwide shortage, making their job even more vital to someone with a disability. DSPs and Caregivers can now often serve as job development staff, and job coaches. They also can provide other services, such as help with activities of daily living, transportation, emotional support, creative ways to help their individuals become more independent, and support to advocate for rights and services.

Every month at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD), we select a DSP of the month that has gone above and beyond to make the lives of their individuals with disabilities the best it can possibly be. In light of DSP Appreciation month, we decided to take this time to recap and celebrate all the 2023 BCBDD DSP of the month winners. If you missed any of the heartwarming 2023 DSP of the month stories, now is your chance to take the time to read them all!

A blue graphic with a woman and man standing by one another with text that reads, "January's DSP of the Month: Chelsea Smith, "I truly do not know what we would do without Chelsea! She has made the transition for Landon from school to adulthood so much smoother!"
January: Chelsea Smith
Chelsea supports Michelle Sebastian’s son, Landon. “Chelsea is very creative when thinking of activities to do with my son Landon,’ Michelle said. ‘She understands what he likes. This has been extremely helpful in the winter especially since he can’t play outside. Chelsea took Landon shopping for ingredients to make homemade cupcakes. She helped him pick out chocolate cupcakes, salted caramel frosting and rocket sprinkles. This combined his love of cupcakes and space!” Continue Reading…
February: Alicia Mattox
“Alicia has made such a positive impact on the lives of those she provides services for,’ E.C.I Quality Enhancement Training Coordinator Andrew McGory said. ‘Not only is Alicia amazing with the individuals, but she is also a great co-worker who is always willing to go above and beyond to help make our team stronger and lend a helping hand. Alicia takes a lot of pride in her work, and you can really see how much she loves her job.” Continue Reading…
A graphic with a headshot of a woman that reads "March's DSP of the Month: Angie Towner, Angie is not just a staff person that shows up for her shift, she is a staff person that encourages and motivates the individuals that she works with to build on their abilities and grow."
March: Angie Towner
“Angie has not only always made a conscious effort to connect, and build repours with those she serves she has also been able to provide individualized services to meet each of her individual’s needs.’ Kellie Kist, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service and Support Administrator (SSA), has 2 individuals that Angie has worked in home with, and according to Kellie, ‘Angie is not just a staff person that shows up for her shift, she is a staff person that encourages and motivates the individuals that she works with to build on their abilities and grow.” Continue Reading…
April: Robin Orona
“Those that know Robin say that being a DSP is ‘her calling!’ Over the past several years, Robin has used her contagious enthusiasm and positivity to impact the lives of those that she has served and worked side by side with! Terry Zornow, whose son Bobby has had Robin as his DSP for 17 years, says Robin ‘is like another member of the family that unconditionally loves Bobby.” Continue Reading…
A blue graphic with a headshot of woman with text that says, "May's DSP of the Month, Yvette Hunter. Yvette is the definition of a DSP, and she takes her job very seriously. Yvette loves deeply and fiercely. She is family oriented, and her individuals are her family! She will fight to get the best care, the best staff, and the best quality of life for her individuals."
May: Yvette Hunter “Yvette and I worked together for over 10 years at another facility,’ Amy said. ‘Yvette left before I did, but once I took the position with Total Homecare, she was one of the first people I contacted. I have worked with Yvette for almost 20 years. She is dedicated and will pack a bag at any given moment and work. She’s always willing to help and assist wherever she was needed!” Continue Reading…
A graphic that reads, "June's DSPs of the Month: Melissa and Randy Tucker. They have created a welcoming, warm, inviting, family environment. You can feel it when you walk in the house. They take an interest in the individuals' specific interests and fill their lives with the things they enjoy the most."
June: Melissa and Randy Tucker “They have created a welcoming, warm, inviting, family environment,’ BCBDD Rates and Contract Coordinator, Susan Weber Worrell said. ‘You can feel it when you walk in the house. They take an interest in the individuals’ specific interests and fill their lives with the things they enjoy the most.” Continue Reading…
A graphic that reads, "July DSP of the Month: Sarah Dempsey, Sarah started out working part time with Caregivers for Independence simply because her passion is to make everyone feel as though they have an ally!"
July: Sarah Dempsey “Sarah started out working part time with Caregivers for Independence simply because her passion is to make everyone feel as though they have an ally,’ Sarah’s friend Ashley Barrett said.” Continue Reading…
Graphic that reads, "August's DSP of the Month: Sharon Bennett, Although she has a full time job, she is a DSP for 5 individuals that have met goals and experienced so many life opportunities while out with her. Whenever an individual expresses a desire to do something, Sharon will make it happen.'
August: Sharon Bennett “Although she has a full time job, she is a DSP for 4 individuals that have met goals and experienced so many life opportunities while out with her,’ Lisa Spicer, Director of Operations at Blessed Homecare said. ‘Whenever an individual expresses a desire to do something, Sharon will make it happen.” Continue Reading…

Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for October’s DSP of the Month are due by Tuesday, October 3.

DSP Appreciation

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