A.N.D Hosts Direct Support Professionals Day 2017 Celebration
On August 31, 2017, Ability Network of Delaware and its members came together to honor Direct Support Professionals in our community on the 8th annual Direct Support Professionals Day. This special event is meant to show our appreciation for the hard work DSPs do every day helping Delawareans with disabilities while supporting themselves and their families. The annual recognition ceremony included a luncheon, award ceremony and wellness expo providing opportunities for the DSPs to learn about businesses and programs that can improve all areas of their lives.
Hundreds of DSPs attended this year’s luncheon. Five were recognized for their outstanding service with peer-nominated awards in the categories of leader, advocate, peer, star, and community excellence. This year’s winners were Teyanna Bailey (Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore), Rhonda Boozer (Chimes Delaware), Mary Joyner (RI International), Abigail Jones (Elwyn) and Mark Mason (Bancroft).
August’s event also included remarks from former Eagle Kevin Reilly and the presentation of the 2017 Champion Award to Representative Melanie George Smith for her outstanding advocacy in the disability community. Mr. Reilly shared an empowering keynote address about his experience as an amputee and appreciation for the work that DSPs provide to the disability community.
While Direct Support Professionals Day is an annual event, A.N.D works to support, connect and honor DSPs in our community every day of the year. Thank you to all our sponsors, members and guests who joined us for DSP Day 2017!