Celebrating DSP Recognition Week at AbleLight
This week (Sep. 8-14) is National DSP Recognition Week, and we’re excited to celebrate and honor the 850+ direct care workers that are at the heart of the AbleLight mission! This group includes our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Employment Support Specialists, Day Program team members, and those who support our Shared Living Providers. These dedicated team members bring our mission to life, and they are the heart of what we do!
They provide hands-on support for the people we serve by planning activities, assisting with daily hygiene and care, and encouraging the people they support to reach their goals. Our DSPs bring their heart to work every day and truly make a difference for individuals with developmental disabilities. We are grateful for their compassion, hard work, and dedication!
Day in the Life of a DSP
As we celebrate this week, we invite you to take a closer look at the incredible work our DSPs do every day. In the video above, several of our wonderful DSPs are featured as they take us through their typical daily routine.
- Katie’s AM Shift in Oregon: Katie has been with AbleLight for 22 years. She starts her day at 7 AM, ensuring that the people she supports have everything they need. Whether it’s helping them with daily activities or taking them out into the community, Katie is there to support their individual needs and choices
- Gena’s PM Shift in California: Gena joined AbleLight 3 years ago. She brings joy to her shift, where she helps people through their afternoons and evenings. She takes her residents on outings, makes them dinner, and helps them get ready for bed. For Gena, being a DSP means bringing happiness and care to someone’s loved one.
- Jeff’s Night Shift in California: Jeff, inspired by his mother-in-law’s 30-year career as a DSP, has been with AbleLight for almost 3 years. His shift starts at 9 PM, where he supports residents throughout the night, ensures they have a clean home, and helps them start their day. Jeff makes sure the people he supports feel independent and valued.
2024 DSP of the Year: Rob B.
We are very excited to announce that Rob has been selected as our 2024 DSP of the Year! Rob has been with AbleLight for two years, and he currently supports the ICF Day Program in Colorado. Rob brings a calm, cheerful, and enthusiastic demeanor to the team. He’s a true team player, and he’s willing to go above and beyond and fill in wherever extra help is needed.
“Rob truly exemplifies what it means to be a DSP, bringing both heart for service and a commitment to excellence.” – Andrea, Colorado Area Vice President
As a pastor, Rob often prays with the individuals he supports and his fellow staff members. He welcomes staff with open arms, offers assistance and support, and cares deeply for the people he supports – ensuring they feel loved and secure.
Congratulations, Rob! Thank you for all that you do!
2024 State DSPs of the Year
In addition to our DSP of the Year, we also have 7 State DSPs of the Year that we are honored to celebrate and recognize! These amazing individuals were selected by operations leaders across the organization for the exceptional qualities they bring to helping people with disabilities thrive.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you for all that you do! We are extremely grateful for your hard work and dedication to the AbleLight mission.
- Colorado: Rob B.
- Oregon: Christine Z.
- California: Clemen T.
- Minnesota: Chris P.
- Washington: David M.
- Kansas / Missouri: Yolanda S.
- New Jersey: Shelley S.
Join our team and become a DSP!
Do you feel called to serve individuals with developmental disabilities? We’re now hiring DSPs! As a DSP, you can empower the people we support to live their life to the fullest and reach their full potential. Our DSPs provide guidance, facilitate fun activities, foster community engagement, and provide daily care such as hygiene and administering medication.
We’re looking for individuals who are caring, compassionate, and responsible. AbleLight provides all the training needed to be successful and ready for the job – no prior experience is needed! Visit our Careers page to learn more and apply today!