Sept 12th – the DC Coalition of Disability Service Providers recognized the strength of our industry – the direct support professionals who coordinate critical connections, assist in skill development, and work with compassion on behalf of those persons receiving supports in the District.
Each September, national DSP Appreciation Week coincides with the Coalition’s annual conference (now in our 13th year) so we take the opportunity to commend our dedicated workers who tirele…ssly strive to enhance the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To punctuate the importance of DC’s DSPs, Andrew Reese (the Director of the Dept. on Disability Services) presented a Proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser, which recognized the essential role that DSPs hold in the provision of supports.
We frame our annual conference not only to encourage and honor DSPs, but also to equip them with new skills and expertise designed to continue to advance the principles of personal choice, self-determination and community connection so that DC’s citizens can gain greater independence and live their best lives.
This year’s conference theme, “DSPs – The District’s Legendary Rock Stars of Support,” provided the backdrop for our day which ran the gamut from “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones (as Karyn Harvey kicked off our morning session) to our finale, an interactive Ghanan drumbeat line featuring Kweku Osuwu of Hands On Drums.
Attached are photos of some of the day’s events which were attended by 130 of DC’s finest DSPs. Many thanks to our Partners: DC Dept on Disability Services, Alco Pharmacy and Hub/The Insurance Exchange, along with our Associate Members: Therap, Administrative & Consulting Services, Quest Insurance and Carematic. A special shout-out also goes to Galaxy Healthcare Solutions for sponsoring a dozen extraordinary rock themed gift baskets as raffle prizes.
Rock On DSPs!