Next week, September 11-17, is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2022! We know that you’re showing your appreciation for your DSPs every week, but hope you’ll join us in the nationwide celebration of our often invisible workforce. Use the resources below to show appreciation for your staff both within the workplace and on social media!

Customizable ACR 41 Certificate

You may recall that the 2021-22 State Legislature passed a resolution honoring DSPs. Provide it to your staff directly in a certificate with their name on it! There are two ways you can use the certificate:

• Print the PDF file and write in staff names
• Edit the Publisher file and type in staff names or run a mail merge. Microsoft Publisher is part of the standard Microsoft Office suite and should be compatible with any Windows PC

Huge thanks to Ron Killingsworth at PSW for making and sharing this certificate! Ron told us that his staff were delighted to receive it and noted that it looks great on ivory paper. 

Social Media

Social media is a versatile way to show your appreciation for your DSPs. You can use it to share specific stories of staff excellence or as a medium for discussing the importance of their work. Make sure your posts are seen in the national movement by using the hashtag #DSPRW2022.

• Share posts directly from CDSA on Facebook and Twitter
• Copy sample social media posts by ANCOR, fill in the details, and post
• Include the #DSWPR2022 hashtag in your posts – you can search that hashtag for inspiration, too
• Don't forget to send links to your Facebook posts and tweets about DSPRW to Dylan so CDSA can share on our channels!

CDSA wants to highlight your DSP stories! DSPs are the backbone of the service system and a core part of our policy agenda. Even if we can't get everyone's posts and stories shared this week, we use them throughout the year in our advocacy work.

When you post about DSP Recognition Week on Facebook or Twitter, send us the post links for sharing. You can also send your great DSP stories and photos directly with us if you aren't posting on social media. Email links and stories to Dylan Yellowlees at DYellowlees@Cal-DSA.org.

We hope these resources will be helpful as your celebrate your DSP staff next week. Thank you - and your DSPs - for all that you do.