Oklahoma recognizes workers who support individuals with disabilities

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In celebration of the upcoming “National Direct Support Professionals Week,” Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has declared Sept. 7-13 as “Direct Support Professionals Week” in Oklahoma.

DSPs care for people with disabilities of all ages, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Director JoAnne Goin said such tributes raise public awareness about how important DSPs are in providing skilled and compassionate support for people with disabilities.

“Direct care professionals are the lifeblood of our community services system,” Goin said. “DSPs are the frontline workers who often go above and beyond in helping to provide a great and fully integrated life for individuals with disabilities. It is a difficult job, but most DSPs treat their clients like family and there is no higher compliment.”

Despite the fact that DSPs face many challenges as they provide care, including often physically demanding work and traditionally low wages, their work is essential to enhancing community inclusion for the individuals they serve.

Judith T. Goodwin, executive director of Oklahoma Community-based Providers, Inc. (OCP), said DSPs are vital to the provider industry and she believes that DSPs should be better compensated for the work they perform.

“DSPs care for our state's most vulnerable citizens and they shouldn’t have to work two jobs or more to get by,” Goodwin said. “It isn’t an easy job and the people who do it are just incredible. I believe they should be recognized and rewarded for their commitment. On behalf of all provider agencies in Oklahoma, I want to thank them for all the great work that they do for so many.”

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources’ (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign, whose mission it is to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce. This is the seventh consecutive year the U.S. Senate has approved a resolution designating the week beginning Sunday as National Direct Support Recognition Week.

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