Recognize Direct Service Professionals

The week of Sept. 9 is Direct Service Professionals recognition week. On behalf of the board of directors at Systems Unlimited Inc., I wish to fully recognize DSPs for the important work they do every day in supporting individuals with disabilities.

DSPs consistently rise above expectation as they perform duties critical to the success and independence of our most vulnerable community members: people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

DSPs take on many roles, and perform myriad duties, from helping people meet personal goals, to teaching, feeding, dressing and transporting those in need. They are problem solvers, behavioral interventionists, confidants, med managers and, most important, friends and advocates for people who often cannot advocate for themselves.

In a perfect world, society would value DSPs' unfaltering commitment by providing commensurate compensation. In these unfortunate times, when budgetary constraints have reduced funding for agencies, this is becoming increasingly more difficult. Please know the board is working hard to justly compensate the 500 DSPs we employ in eight counties. Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, 'Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

DSPs who serve clients at nonprofit agencies such as Systems Unlimited deserve our thanks, our praise and our admiration. We appreciate their efforts in helping make 'a civilization work.”

Tom Braverman

Board Vice president

Systems Unlimited Inc.