Ancor Seeks Nominees For Direct Support Professional Of The Year

Alexandria, VA — ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources, is seeking nominations for its 6^th Annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Award competition. The association will select an award recipient from each state and the District of Columbia, and a national recipient, from among the nation’s most accomplished Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DSPs are the frontline workers who support people with disabilities as they lead productive, meaningful lives.

“DSPs do amazing work every day, helping people with disabilities enjoy lives that are defined by their dreams and aspirations, instead of being limited by their disabilities,” said ANCOR CEO Reneé L. Pietrangelo. “We feel it is important to honor their dedication and personal sacrifice on behalf of the individuals they serve.”

The DSP Recognition Award competition, which began in 2007, is part of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign, an effort to ensure a healthy DSP workforce through higher wages, better training, and increased public awareness. ANCOR also sponsors Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, designated by the U.S. Senate, each year in September.

Since the competition began, ANCOR has received more than 1,500 nominations for this recognition. All nominees receive a certificate of appreciation from ANCOR.

Organizations and individuals are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals. For instructions and online nomination, visit the National Advocacy Campaign’s website at www.youneedtoknowme.org, or follow this link: http://www.ancor.org/news/2011/12/2012-direct-support-professional-recognition-contest.

The deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, February 8.

ANCOR will announce the recipients of the state and national awards at ANCOR’s 2012 Conference: Leading Cultures of Innovation and Advocacy, which takes place May 6 – 8 in Washington, DC. The national winner will be invited to attend the conference at ANCOR’s expense.

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. Our 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. www.ancor.org.