Barber National Institute Celebrates Direct Support Professionals During “DSP Recognition Week”

Posted on September 6th, 2024 at 5:22 PM

Barber National Institute Celebrates Direct Support Professionals During "DSP Recognition Week"

Erie, PA (Sept. 6, 2024) - Barber National Institute celebrates the nationally recognized Direct Support Professionals Week, September 8 -14. Direct Support Professionals - or DSPs - are caregivers specifically trained to care for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. At Barber National Institute, a nonprofit organization, 970 DSPs provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Pennsylvania.

"DSPs give the gifts of self-sufficiency and independence to people who really need help gaining them. DSPs are far more than caregivers, aides or sitters. They're trustworthy, dedicated people who want to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities claim the quality of life they deserve and are meant to have," said John Barber, Barber National Institute president and CEO. "We are so grateful for the DSPs who tirelessly provide much-needed care for our individuals and deliver the highest quality care with patience, compassion, and love,"

"Our hope is that they enjoy this week and know how special they are to our individuals and our organization each and every day."

Nationally, DSP Week is led by American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,600 private community providers of services to people with disabilities. This week is meant to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities.

Barber National Institute locations throughout Pennsylvania will celebrate DSPs. Click here to see a video message sent to all Barber National Institute DSPs and read the inspiring stories of DSPs throughout Pennsylvania.

About the Barber National Institute

The Barber National Institute provides children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges and their families the education, support, and resources needed to be self-reliant, independent, and valued members of their community. In addition, the organization provides the professionals who serve them with world-class education and training. Its Elizabeth Lee Black School is a nationally recognized school of excellence that serves a very diverse group of learners.

The Barber National Institute serves more than 5,400 individuals statewide with offices in Erie County, Pittsburgh, Somerset, Bedford and Philadelphia, PA. The Barber National Institute employs over 3000 people.

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