OMRDD Celebrates Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

• by New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

ALBANY, NY (09/02/2008)(readMedia)-- By Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner

New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD)

Acknowledging a group of workers who go largely unrecognized, the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) is celebrating the week of September 8, 2008, by saluting the thousands of workers statewide who assist people with developmental disabilities to live in their own homes and communities -- and to live richer lives.

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week, supported with a proclamtion from Governor David A. Paterson, recognizes people working as direct care workers, employed in both state facilites and working for not-for-profit agencies, who assist individuals with developmental disabilities to lead dignified and productive lives in the community of their choice. Because of their dedication to Putting People First, thousands of New York residents with disabilities receive personal and very intimate support from DSPs every day. Without the dedicated hard work of the DSPs the lives of these individuals with developmental disabilities and their families would be disrupted and unfulfilled.

As an agency, OMRDD truly cares about these VIPs-Very Important People - and as a Commissioner, I want to take this opportunity to recognize these critical members of our workforce that are responsible for meeting the needs of those we serve ever day, 365 days a year. Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week provides a public vehicle to let people know that DSPs truly make a difference. As Commissioner of OMRDD, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the DSPs throughout New York State for all that they do!

Thank you!

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