At ADAPT Community Network, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart and soul of our organization, and DSP Recognition Month is our opportunity to celebrate their dedication and extraordinary contributions. DSPs play an essential role in helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities thrive, supporting them in their everyday lives and helping them reach their goals.

The 2024 DSP Luncheon, held on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, was one of the highlights of the year. This annual event honors the hard work and devotion of our DSPs, who are the backbone of the services we provide. “This is one of our best events of the year” said Linda Laul, Acting CEO of ADAPT Community Network. “We can’t show our appreciation enough. The DSPs are the heart and soul of our organization.”

Each year, a standout DSP from each Residential Program and Adult Learning Center within ADAPT, Human First, and CRC (Community Resource Center) is recognized by their colleagues for their exceptional work. One of these honorees was Gabriella Cornett, a DSP at Belsky IRA, who has been an employee of ADAPT for 8 years and received the honor for a second time. She shared her excitement and appreciation, saying, “It is a joy, and so nice to be nominated. I am so happy. My favorite part of my role is my guys, the people I support. I love helping them and doing things for them is a pleasure. Not everyone loves their job, but I do.”

Kelly Kaminski, the President of ADAPT’s Board of Directors, gave a speech in the DSPs’ honor, expressing his appreciation for the staff who “bring comfort and joy to those who need it the most.”

People supported and their families were also given a chance to show their appreciation for our DSPs at the event. Adrian Hunte, whose sister is supported by ADAPT, was excited for the chance to express her gratitude.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do,” Adrian said. “I am so grateful. Without you, I don’t know where my sister would be. Your steady presence makes a difference. You are our number ones.”

In addition to recognizing exceptional DSPs, we are excited to share the latest developments in DSP professional growth, including the expansion of the DSP Microcredential Program. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a $32 million investment to help grow the DSP workforce in New York State through this program, which is offered in partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY) and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This funding will help expand the program to additional campuses and support up to 6,000 students by 2030.

Governor Hochul expressed the importance of the program, stating, “Every day, direct support professionals help New Yorkers with developmental disabilities thrive in their day-to-day lives. Through this $32 million expansion, we are helping to grow this crucial field and ensure students have the training they need to pursue this vital career path and care for their fellow New Yorkers.”

Through this program, DSPs can earn micro credentials, gain national certification, and receive college credit toward further education. The DSP Microcredential Program offers DSPs valuable opportunities for career advancement while enhancing the support they provide to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Throughout DSP Recognition Month, we hosted a variety of events to show our appreciation for our DSPs, including parties, breakfasts, and raffles across our program centers. These celebrations were an opportunity for individuals we support to express their gratitude, with heartfelt art, cards, and speeches presented to DSPs as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment.

We at ADAPT Community Network want to extend our deepest thanks to all of our DSPs for their tireless efforts. As we reflect on the events of this month, we are reminded that it is their compassion, professionalism, and dedication that make all the difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you, DSPs – we couldn’t do it without you!