ANCOR Names Serge Kirillov As 2013 Direct Support Professional of the Year for New York State

Honoring Work in Support of Community Living for People with Disabilities

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Serge Kirillov, Direct Support Professional, AHRC New York City

NEW YORK, NY (05/01/2013)(readMedia)-- On April 30, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Serge Kirillov of AHRC New York City's Brooklyn HIRE, located at 57 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn, NY, as the 2013 Direct Support Professional of the Year for New York State. "We at AHRC New York City are very proud of Serge Kirillov. This award reflects the dedication that Serge brings to his support people with disabilities, and reflects the quality of services provided by AHRC New York City," said Steve Towler, Assistant Executive Director.

Direct Support Professionals, (DSPs,) also referred to as caregivers, personal assistants and direct care or homecare aides, provide a rich mosaic of daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. DSPs are integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities and lead full and independent lives.

"Most Americans are not aware of the critical work DSPs do every day and the essential role they play in the social and economic life of communities across the country," said Dave Toeniskoetter, president of ANCOR. "We want to make sure DSPs like Serge Kirillov are recognized for the difficult but inspiring work they do every day."

"DSPs are on the front lines, supporting people with disabilities and ensuring that those individuals are granted full inclusion in their communities," said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. "It is absolutely essential that individuals, like Serge Kirillov, are given the recognition and respect they deserve."

ANCOR's Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR's National Advocacy Campaign, which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct support workforce. Nominees are judged on the work they've done to build social networks, substantive community participation and advocating for the people they serve.

About AHRC New York City: AHRC New York City, a family governed organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. AHRC currently serves over 15,000 individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities throughout the five boroughs. The array of services offered by the organization is unsurpassed. The organization that created the first schools, workshops, day treatment programs, and community residences, continues to meet the needs of its individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer individuals a wide range of programs, services and supports tailored to meet their specific needs. Today, with a membership comprised of thousands of individuals - primarily persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends, and professionals in the field - AHRC New York City is one of the largest consumer-based nonprofit organizations in the city. It is governed by a Board of Directors, two-thirds of whom must be relatives of persons with developmental disabilities, working together with a staff of dedicated professionals. For more information about AHRC New York City, please visit www.ahrcnyc.org.

About ANCOR: The American Network of Community Options and Resources is a national trade association representing more than 800 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 400,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR seeks to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. ANCOR provides organization, professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that advance our vision, mission and goals. Its prime goal is to be the indispensable leader, resource and advocate for a diverse private disability services network that ensures full citizenship and engaged community participation for people with disabilities of all ages. For more information about ANCOR, visit www.ancor.org.