Barber National Institute, Bollinger Campus in Warren, is celebrating National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, September 8 to 14th.

Barber National Institute is celebrating Direct Support Professionals Week, which is nationally recognized from September 8 to 14.

Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, receive specific training to care for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.

The work of a DSP is complex and highly specialized, as they support every aspect of an individual’s daily life. Their work, sometimes in difficult conditions, shows their commitment to Barber National Institute’s mission and the well-being of the individuals we serve.

Barber National Institute has 970 DSPs that provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Pennsylvania, including the Bollinger Campus in Warren.

“DSPs give the gifts of self-sufficiency and independence to people who need help gaining them. There is far more to being a DSP than being a caregiver, aide, or sitter. They’re trustworthy, dedicated people who want to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities claim the quality of life they deserve and are meant to have,” said John Barber, Barber National Institute president and CEO. “We are so grateful for the DSPs who tirelessly provide much-needed care for our individuals and deliver the highest quality care with patience, compassion, and love. Our hope is that they enjoy this week and know how special they are to our individuals and our organization each and every day.”

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a nonprofit organization of private community providers serving people with disabilities, leads DSP Recognition Week nationally.