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Seven days simply isn’t enough. Not when you’re recognizing the people who show up every day to care for, encourage and support individuals with developmental disabilities. That’s why, while September 14–20 was nationally recognized as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week, Bello Machre dedicated the entire month of September to celebrating our DSPs.
For more than 50 years, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the difference that compassionate, dedicated support can make in someone’s life. Our DSPs are at the heart of that work.
Being a DSP is much more than a job. DSPs are caregivers, job coaches, problem solvers, advocates and trusted companions. They help people develop independent living skills, find meaningful employment, participate in their communities, and experience new opportunities. They celebrate the good days, provide encouragement through the difficult ones, and show up each day with patience, compassion and loving care.
Most importantly, DSPs build relationships.
At Bello Machre, our mission has always been to provide a lifetime of loving care and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. Our DSPs bring that mission to life every day. They help people become more independent, build meaningful relationships, discover new interests and feel connected to their communities. They create an environment where people can love and be loved.
That impact is felt by families, too.
Take Caryn’s son, Douglas, who was hesitant and closed off due to past experiences when he came to Bello Machre a year ago. Through patience and care, the DSPs supporting Douglas broke through those barriers. Slowly, he opened up, started to trust them, and formed meaningful connections. Seeing Douglas thrive in his daily life has meant everything to Caryn and her family.
Douglas’ story is just one example of what happens every day across Maryland because of direct support professionals.
Yet the people doing this important work need our support, too. If we want to continue providing high-quality services for Marylanders with developmental disabilities, we must make sure we are investing in the workforce that makes those services possible. That includes competitive wages, strong benefits, professional development and opportunities for DSPs to build meaningful, lasting careers.
As Maryland continues to strengthen our communities, we cannot overlook the people whose care and dedication make a difference every day.
So, in honor of DSP Recognition Month, I encourage you to thank a direct support professional in your community. Learn about the work they do. Support efforts that strengthen and invest in this essential workforce.
At Bello Machre, we are incredibly grateful for our DSPs, not only this month, but every day of the year. When we support the people who dedicate their lives to caring for our neighbors, we strengthen families, communities and the lives of people with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland.
Learn more at www.bellomachre.org.
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