Gateways Community Services and State Honor Everyday Heroes
Immediate Release - September 19, 2008 -- Governor Lynch has proclaimed Friday, September 26 as Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Day in New Hampshire, honoring those who provide support and services to people with disabilities.
In honor of Direct Support Professionals in the greater Nashua region, over one hundred flags, representing local professionals, will be displayed at Nashua City Hall on Monday September 22.
In honor of Direct Support Professionals in the greater Nashua region, over one hundred flags,
representing local professionals, were displayed at Nashua City Hall on Monday, September 22.
Direct Support Professionals help people with disabilities by providing basic health and personal care. They also play a crucial role in allowing people to live free, independent lives -- learning new skills, developing relationships, participating in their communities, and making their own decisions.
"This is rewarding and honorable work," says Sandra Pelletier, President and CEO Gateways Community Services. "It touches everyone. Each of us will be, or will need, a caregiver at some point in our lives. Those who care for people with disabilities and elders are everyday heroes who deserve our appreciation and respect."
The role of direct support professional is a challenging and rewarding one that's more than just a job. Gateways employs direct support professionals who work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities ranging from autism to cerebral palsy; integrating them into work, volunteer and recreational opportunities in their home communities.
According to Dennis Powers, executive director of the Community Support Network, an association of the state's 10 area agencies, 1,900 direct support professionals serve 10,000 people with disabilities in the Granite State. Eight-hundred of them are home care providers who help disabled adults in foster care lead independent lives.
The work of direct support professionals will touch each of us during our lives, either as a caregiver or the recipient of care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of direct support professionals needed to provide long-term support for people with disabilities will increase by to roughly 1.2 million full-time workers by 2010. Reflecting the increased important of this career, the College of Direct Support provides professional development and certification for professionals in the field.
What kind of person becomes a direct support professional? According to Pelletier, "They're regular people who are interesting in giving others a better chance to live and the opportunity to have the best life they can. I'm in awe of what they do. They're my heroes."
Contact: Deb Scheetz
Gateways Community Services
603-459-2702
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