Good News Friday!

Next week, September 11-17, is National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. The US Senate approved the establishment of National Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Recognition Week in order to honor "direct support professionals and the tremendous impact they make everyday in communities across the country."

As both United States Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted, the "often unheralded efforts of direct support professionals make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to lead meaningful lives as valued members of their communities."

Anyone associated with Imagine! already knew that. DSPs are the beating heart of our organization. They are the ones who are working hard everyday to facilitate opportunities for those we serve so they may lead fulfilling lives of independence and quality in their homes and communities. To our DSPs, Imagine!’s mission isn’t just a bunch of words on a piece of paper – it is something they live and embody every day.

We are so fortunate here at Imagine! to have so many dedicated, talented, and passionate people who are willing not only to take on the difficult job of being a DSP, but to excel at it. Imagine!’s DSPs share several things in common – a willingness to go above and beyond what is required of them, an ability to see solutions where others see only barriers, and most importantly, a deep and unyielding commitment to the individuals they serve.

Today, I want to offer my sincere thanks to all of the DSPs at Imagine!. I am honored to work alongside you, and words cannot express how much I appreciate all you do for the individuals that Imagine! serves.