Direct Service Professional Recognition Week

Every day, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) help people with developmental disabilities navigate daily life, build skills, stay connected to their communities and pursue their goals. Their work can include supporting personal care, health and safety, household activities, appointments and community participation.

During DSP Recognition Week, HCDDS recognizes the important role DSPs play in supporting people year-round. At the 2026 Advocacy Summit, attendees had the opportunity to create appreciation cards for DSPs in their lives as a personal way to say thank you.

Thank you to the dedicated DSPs who support people with developmental disabilities every day. We appreciate the important role you play in helping people live full lives.

See the testimonials below for a few of the ways DSPs make a difference every day.

"The parents of a person we support feel that Gwenita is one of the most genuinely joyful people they have ever met. She is supportive, committed and shows care and concern for their son and his family. She volunteered to support him on multiple recent holidays, which his parents had not experienced in 35 years of supporting their son. We appreciate you and the joy you bring, Gwenita! Thank you for being you!"

"Tonia is a great provider! She is kind, patient, and dedicated to her individual. Tonia goes above and beyond for her client, is always willing to answer questions, and has been an amazing support during a transitional period for the family. They are so lucky to have her!"

"They have truly stepped up in supporting the individual I serve and their parent. Their hard work and dedication have made a meaningful difference, and their support is greatly appreciated."

"Holly diligently works with her client on building positive behaviors and keeps excellent data."

"This provider has gone above and beyond for a client in ways I have never witnessed. They have stepped up and done everything possible to ensure the health and safety of this client. They have searched avenues outside of their realm of responsibility and showed caring and advocacy. They are a class act and a provider I will hold in great esteem."

"They were able to quickly get someone set up with NMT when their ADA program could no longer provide transportation. They moved fast between sending me a quote, confirming that they could accommodate, then setting up the transition quickly."

"During multiple interactions with Lakeya and my individuals, I watched her actively listen to the individual - encouraging the individual to speak their mind, wait patiently for them to talk even when the conversation was not always positive to the agency. She stayed calmed and professional and allowed the conversation to happen rather than direct it or tell the individual they were wrong. I so appreciated Lakeya's way of respecting our individuals and allowing them to have a voice and showing she cared about what they wanted even if it wasn't attainable."

"Dorothea and Lesha worked diligently to secure around-the-clock staffing for an individual with extremely short notice. They collaborated closely with the individual’s team through frequent meetings to ensure continuity of care. In addition, direct support staff have gone above and beyond, working tirelessly to assist this individual and ensure they remain healthy and safe. I have been truly impressed with the dedication and professionalism demonstrated throughout this situation."

"DSPs are at the heart of the work we do. Every day they help people live safely, participate in their communities, and pursue the lives they want. This important work requires patience, skill, and compassion, and it isn't always visible or easy. But the work DSPs do is essential and incredibly meaningful for the people we serve, their families, and our community."