This week, Sept. 7-13, has been proclaimed National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week. This is a week to take note of the dedicated, well-trained people who provide hands-on daily supports, training, and habilitation services to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. This workforce is responsible for the health, safety and emotional well-being of the people they support. DSPs are the bridge to meaningful lives of independence and community inclusion for millions, providing the supports and services that people with disabilities depend on.
As the state of Iowa continues defining the “redesign” of the state mental health service system, a much greater emphasis is being placed on community inclusion and integration – socially, residentially and in the work place. These are certainly positive changes for those involved in these programs and for the communities in which they live.
All programs of Genesis Development view community inclusion as an important goal and strive to help participants become active, participating members of their communities. The new guidelines, however, place new challenges on community providers and their staff members. More community partnerships, greater creativity in planning and implementing activities, innovative accommodations that enable all people to participate more fully in their communities, and a high level of teamwork and caring compassion from Genesis direct support professionals provide the components necessary to make these programs successful and ensure quality services.
Richie Hernandez is one of more than 480 DSPs who provide services for Genesis customers. He is pictured assisting Diane Fister with her “big catch” at Twin Lakes.
More than 40 years ago, Genesis began providing services in Jefferson for a handful of people with disabilities. Today 10 office locations, 37 group-living homes, four work centers, and Genesis direct support professionals provide residential and vocational services to close to 2,500 people with intellectual, developmental, physical, and chronic mental health disabilities across the state.
“The important work carried out by direct support professionals allows individuals to stay connected with their communities and their families,” commented Genesis CEO Terry Johnson. “Through their commitment and dedication to their profession, Genesis DSPs do extraordinary things that enable people with disabilities to live independently, master job skills, obtain employment in the community, be more involved in their communities, and become more independent and confident in their abilities to do things for themselves. Each member of our Genesis staff provides a necessary link in the overall plan for each of the people we serve to enable them to become as independent as their abilities will allow.”
