DSP Week 2026: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

A Letter From our Executive Director of Home and Community Services

Dear Direct Support Professional,

One person caring for another represents life’s greatest value. These powerful words by Jim Rohn, a seminal American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, perfectly capture the essence of what you bring to your role every single day.

In observance of National DSP Recognition Week, Supportive Behavioral Resources (SBR) wants to extend our deepest gratitude for the invaluable dedication, compassion, and expertise you bring to your work.

Thank you for everything you do daily to support people with disabilities. Your role goes far beyond a job title; being a DSP is a profound calling that not just anyone can answer. It requires a rare blend of patience, skill, and heart. You have answered that call, and for that, you are highly commended and deeply appreciated by everyone at SBR.

We recognize that these are incredibly trying times. The challenges you face are real, and the need for strong advocacy has never been more tremendous. Please know that SBR is standing right beside you. We are committed to working harder than ever to advocate for the increased funding necessary to afford a living wage for all DSPs, while continuing to amplify the voices of the individuals we support.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for the immense value you bring to everything you do.

With deep appreciation,

The Leadership Team

DSP Week Proclamation from Governor Shapiro

Thank you to Governor Shapiro for issuing a Proclamation in honor of Direct Support Professional Week. Please take a moment to read the proclamation below and the value that Direct Support Professionals bring to the lives of the disability community.

Direct Support Professionals Week September

DBHIDS

Arlene Giddins — Communication Award Winner

Elaine Bowman — Residential Services Award Winner

Kathleen Laverty — Where Ability Leads the Way Award Winner

Renee Toney — Habilitation Award (Honorable Mention)

Bibi Arjun — Kathy Syke’s All About Community (Honorable Mention)

DBHIDS award winners will be honored at a ceremony on September 25, 2026 at Live Casino.

PAR

Natasha Wallace — Length of Service Award

Flossie Snyder — DSP Advocate of the Year (Nominee)

Melissa Williams — Family Relationship Advocate of the Year (Nominee)

Lucas Barber — Emerging Direct Support Professional (Nominee)

Ayanna Norman-Smith — Front Line Supervisor of the Year (Nominee)

Samantha Sekula — Self-Advocate Employee of the Year (Nominee)

Natasha Wallace will be honored at the PAR Solutions Conference in October. All PAR nominees will receive a nomination packet later this year to commemorate their accomplishments.

Nominate an DSP

Do you know an outstanding DSP who goes above and beyond for the individuals and families they support? Reach out to Beth at beth@supportivebehavior.com with their name and a brief description of why they should be nominated. If they are in good standing, we will gladly include them in the nomination process.

Congratulations to our NADSPs

Everyone at SBR knows how important—and sometimes tedious—the training requirements are for DSPs. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) strives to improve practice standards, promote system reform, and advance the knowledge and skills of Direct Support Professionals.

DSPs who complete the intensive NADSP training program earn an NADSP credential, recognizing them as highly qualified professionals in their field.

We will be honoring the following newly credentialed DSPs at a breakfast and information session on September 17. This is a great opportunity to congratulate your colleagues and learn more about the NADSP credentialing program.

If you would like to attend, you can register below:

NADSP Breakfast and Information Session

Congratulations to the Following DSPs on Their Certifications

Certified Direct Support Professional-Level 1

Rose Depa, Rebecca Dever, Pat Lyons, Melissa Williams, & Stephen Claiborne

Certified Direct Support Professional-Level 2

Rachael Ademola

Certified Direct Support Professional-Level 3

Jose Rivera-Leon, Ro Carcaci, Mary Palovcak, Cindy Curley, Tarnue Kabah, Kathleen Laverty, Aleeya McDaniel, Theresa Peak, Terronda Wright Robinson, Jeffrey Sposaro, Francine Sposaro, Llazmin Figueroa, Bibi Arjun, & Elsie Echevarria

SBR Milestone Work Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following DSPs on their milestone work anniversaries—we are honored you have chosen to work with us during your career journey.

Shane McClain — 20 Years

Andrea Staley — 20 Years

Patricia Lyons — 20 Years

Caryn Lee Sucharski — 20 Years

Colleen Snyder — 15 Years

Thomas Lidsey — 15 Years

Bibi Fazela Kalamodeen — 15 Years

Tyisha Davis — 15 Years

Michaelle McGinty — 15 Years

Mariakutty Mathews — 15 Years

Colleen Jacoby — 15 Years

Melissa Williams — 10 Years

Donald Oaddams, Jr. — 10 Years

Jaime McNatt — 10 Years

Nyerere Jackson — 10 Years

Clarence McFadden — 10 Years

Sharnelle Blain — 10 Years

Mymose Manasse — 10 Years

Barbara Ward — 10 Years

Tarrie Togbah — 10 Years

Joelle Bridges — 5 Years

Elizabeth Woodson — 5 Years

Michael Agnew — 5 Years

Karen Hennessy Craig — 5 Years

Kimberly Wallace — 5 Years

Tara Bennett — 5 Years

Velma Williams — 5 Years

IrmaShavonne Bernard — 5 Years

Helen Stopper — 5 Years

Paul Kusiak — 5 Years

Laura Aichroth — 5 Years

Active and Engaged Individuals = DSP Success

It’s no secret that the individuals we support love to be active and engaged in their communities. We also recognize that some days, it can be challenging to find meaningful activities for them to participate in.

Below are some helpful resources to take the guesswork out of finding community activities and fun things to do. Simply click the links to explore each resource and discover new opportunities for the individuals you support:

The SBR Community Calendar — A daily list of activities happening in the community and updated monthly

The Free Library of Philadelphia Events Page— Events and activities happening at Philadelphia Library branches across the area.

Art-Reach — Updated list of museums participating in this discounted admission program. Individuals with an access card only pay $2 admission fee for up to 4 people.

Glen Foerd Events — A historic mansion on the Delaware River, offering multiple engaging events throughout the month for free or a nominal fee.

Bartrum Gardens — Oldest botanical garden in the Nation, hosting many free and low cost events.

Looking for something specific or not sure where to start when helping your individual plan activities? Reach out to your supervisor or Beth O’Connell for ideas.

Read the Full Letter

DSP Town Halls

DSP Town Halls are held bi-monthly on the third Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will be held on October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Look for the October Newsletter to register. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Leadership and Administration Team and discuss issues and topics relevant to your career as a DSP.

DSPs will receive administrative time for attending a Town Hall outside of their scheduled work shift.

Supporting Your Individuals’ Self-Advocacy Is Important

Is your individual a great self-advocate, or could they use a little help building their self-advocacy skills? Speaking for Ourselves, a part of Vision for Equality, holds monthly meetings to discuss important issues impacting the disability community.

Join this vibrant group of self-advocates and allies every third Wednesday of the month via Zoom. The meeting link can be found on the SBR Calendar, or you can email Beth O’Connell for the link.

Individuals, DSPs, and families are all invited and encouraged to attend!

SBR Events Registration Reminder

We love seeing our DSPs and individuals at our events! Please remember to register for events in advance. Our events are becoming increasingly popular, and we want to make sure we have enough room, supplies, and, most importantly, SNACKS for everyone!

If you have any trouble registering for an event, reach out to your Supervisor. They can let the event organizers know that you are planning to attend.

DSP Week Important Dates

If you have any trouble registering for an event, reach out to your Supervisor. They can let the event organizers know that you are planning to attend.

Take Action Here

A Look Back at a Great Year!

We had a great year with our DSPs and are excited to share some of our favorite pictures from everyone’s adventures!

Please keep sending Beth and/or your Supervisors photos from your outings and activities. Sharing these moments is a wonderful way to build community, promote an everyday life, and highlight the incredible work our DSPs do every day!