The role of the Direct Support Professionals workgroup is to provide regional leadership and implement best practices to grow communities where DSPs and people with disabilities can authentically engage in economic, civic, and social spaces.

This workgroup acknowledges the urgency of need for community connectedness as a result of the workforce shortage and the pandemic.

The members of the Direct Support Professionals workgroup include members of the Region 10 Quality Council, representatives of stakeholder groups, and Region 10 Quality Council staff.

Direct Support Professionals workgroup will:

  • Develop a public awareness campaign to promote understanding of the importance of the role that Direct Support Professionals have in supporting people to connect with others, and the impact that community connectedness has on individuals and society as a whole.
  • Determine training needs for stakeholders and share with the training workgroup.
  • Provide summary information and feedback to the Region 10 Quality Council.

To learn more about the Direct Support Professional Workgroup project, please click here: Direct Support Professionals Work Group Report and Recommendations

The Region 10 Quality Council would like to recognize some area DSP’s for the work they do on a daily basis, and share why they are so important in the lives of people they support. Here is what a couple of DSP’s have to say about supporting people in living their best life:

Region 10 - Direct Support Professional Work Group

Hello, my name is Deana Nelson. I am a Direct Support Professional (DSP). As a DSP, my favorite things to do are: taking the folks I work for out for a drive, grabbing lunch curb side, and then do some curb side shopping. The best part about my job is making sure the folks I work for are happy and smiling.

Region 10 - Direct Support Professional Work Group

Hello, my name is Shea Erickson. I am a Direct Support Professional (DSP). As a DSP, I assist Andrew with daily living skills, cooking, shopping, laundry, and community outings. I have been a DSP since 1997 and have loved every minute of it. I was inspired to be a DSP by my Aunt Nancy and my Mom. I have been working with Andrew for 12 years. I know that I am doing my job right when I hear Andrew’s giggle and he shows me his awesome smile.

For more story’s and information related to the Region 10 Quality Council, please visit our Facebook page.