In Indiana, more than 19,000 people with physical and developmental disabilities rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide essential services including job support, connections within their community and assistance with typical daily activities. As the teachers, cheerleaders and many times the primary advocate for the individuals they serve, DSPs require a broad range of skills and abilities that are typically not commensurate with the wages afforded by the reimbursement received to provide those services.
In tribute to their dedication and commitment to the individuals they serve in communities throughout Indiana, Governor Mitch Daniels has declared September 14-18 to be Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.
Opportunity Enterprises employs 250 Direct Support Professionals in Porter County.
“We are glad to celebrate the contributions of our DSPs during this recognition week and throughout the year,” OE CEO and President Gary Mitchell said. “DSPs are the critical link to the successful accomplishment of the people we serve. Without them we would be unable to meet the total needs of our clients.”
Opportunity Enterprises hosted a celebration honoring its DSPs on Sept. 11 at the organization’s Lakeside property on Lake Eliza.
Sherrie Benkovich is the manager of OE’s Outsource department, where several DSPs are employed. She said these DSPs, “play a very important role in the lives of the people they serve.”
“They are constant in the lives of the clients,” Benkovich said. “(DSPs) are the people, day in and day out, through love and patience that the clients learn to trust and count on and go to with problems, accomplishments and disappointments. Without these special people, our clients could not reach their full potential.”
In addition to recognizing their contribution, the Governor’s Proclamation highlights a workforce crisis for DSPs – the third-fastest growing occupation in the country. This crisis underscores the wage issues as the agencies who employ DSPs struggle to remain competitive in a market that affords an average hourly wage that is often outpaced by fast food and retail establishments that offer jobs with significantly less responsibility.
Indiana DSPs will be celebrating Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week by increasing awareness of their role supporting Hoosiers with disabilities and encouraging others to investigate a career in their important field. Indiana DSP week coincides with National Direct Support Professionals Week, as declared by the United States Senate in July of this year.
INARF, the principal Indiana trade association representing providers of services to people with disabilities, supports the Governor’s Proclamation and works to provide increased educational opportunities and professional development for Direct Support Professionals, in addition to advocating for higher wages.
To learn more about Direct Support Professionals and the important contributions they make, please visit www.youneedtoknowme.org.
About Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.
Opportunity Enterprises is a not-for-profit organization that creates sustainable life choices for individuals with challenges and disabilities. Since 1967, OE has provided quality employment, enrichment, and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. More than 1,000 children and adults throughout Northwest Indiana receive services on an annual basis.
About INARF
INARF is the principal membership organization representing agencies providing services to individuals with disabilities. INARF’s 81 member agencies provide vocational, residential, and early intervention services to over 13,000 individuals with disabilities across Indiana’s 92 counties.