Letter to the Editor: Recognizing Direct Support Professionals Week

Published 2:00 pm Friday, September 13, 2019

Dear editor,

Since 2008, the United States has recognized this week in September as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” Diversified Enterprises joins with thousands of organizations around the country to celebrate our Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s).

They are the front line of Diversified Enterprises Community-Based Services – directly supporting Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens. They maintain a positive approach while working in a career that includes an incredible range of duties and challenges.

While we have made tremendous strides in Georgia with community-based services, there are still barriers and challenges that individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities face every day. Access to their community, transportation, housing, employment and enjoying the same opportunities that living in South Georgia provides to the rest of us, presents a constant challenge.

If you know anyone who works directly with individuals with disabilities, this is a great week to thank them and do something to show them you appreciate them. Thanks to DSPs, individuals and families do not face these challenges alone. DSPs stand side by side with them to access the community and push the limits to achieve better quality of life for everyone.

We hope that the work and dedication of DSP’s to others is recognized not just here at Diversified Enterprises, but throughout our community, all year long.

Thank you to the over 130 DSPs that we have working for Diversified Enterprises. Supporting people is a Journey! Direct Support Professionals lead the way.

David T. Wilber

Executive Director, Diversified Enterprises