Direct Support Professionals Recognition (DSP) Award

About the Award:

Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. is pleased to have created and sponsored this award since 2000 and looks forward to another great year of "Supporting Those Who Support OthersTM." Without competent and caring direct support staff, quality outcomes for people with disabilities would be limited, and achieving independence would be increasingly difficult. This is a great opportunity to recognize a direct support professional from your agency. A person who has demonstrated an exemplary level of performance over the course of his/her employment, and who has consistently demonstrated his/her commitment to improving the quality of life for the consumer(s) he/she supports.

Submission Requirements:
Download the 2011 Nomination Form
Download Photo Release Form

Criteria for Selection

• Self-Determination – Nominee demonstrates commitment to supporting self-determination, self-esteem, and meaningful choices for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Leadership – Nominee exhibits leadership qualities with peers and within his or her work environment. Nominee serves as a role model for others.
• Inclusion – Nominee facilitates inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities within all aspects of community life.
• Professional Development – Nominee demonstrates commitment to his or her professional development by continuing to seek knowledge and gain skills in the field.
• Provision of Direct Support – Nominee provides direct support in a manner that respects the dignity, culture and rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Nominee must be currently employed for a minimum of one year with current organization and work in a direct care position.

• Why does this nominee qualify as an outstanding direct support professional?
• In what ways does the nominee demonstrate qualities noted in the selection criteria for this award?
• Please tell us about the professional and personal accomplishments of the nominee.

Additional Materials Should Include:
• A narrative by the nominated direct support professional on their suggestions for encouraging people to make direct support a career.
• A photo of the direct support professional and the consumer(s) they serve should be included with the application.
(Your agency is responsible for obtaining necessary permission for use of any photos and due to processing, photos will not be returned).

Click Here to view the 2010 Winners & Runners-Up