The Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted a banquet dinner Thursday at its office recognizing direct support professionals.
Board of DD Provider Support and Technology Specialist Andrea Klimko said DSPs can do a lot for the people they support, including help getting or opening medication, cooking, cleaning, or having good hygiene.
“Others are independent and they need help to get out into the community,” she said.
DSPs may work with four to five different people throughout the span of the week, and are available 24/7 for the people they support, Klimko said.
She said DSPs work with the people they support one on one.
“It’s really helpful when a DSP is able to be a consistent presence in that person’s life,” she said.
Klimko said sometimes the people DSPs work with do not have immediate living family members or a strong support system, making the DSP’s presence that much more important.
According to a release from the Board of DD, DSPs are the heart of developmental disabilities assistance.
“DSPs ensure that people with developmental disabilities can lead fulfilling and self-directed lives,” the release said.
Ten DSPs were recognized at the banquet for their work in the county, according to the release.
They were:
• Khaila Miller was given the DSP of the Year Award
• Shirley Beals was given the Innovation Award
• Rebecca Madison was given the Advocacy Award
• Richard Sarlin was given the Beyond the Call of Duty Award
• Debra Nelson was given the Lifetime Commitment Award
• Christian Fleissner was given the Bright Beginnings Award
• John Peters was given the Excellence in Direct Support Practice Award
• Trena Hall was given the Community Champion Award
• Jason Herr was given the Mr. Sunshine Award
• Shelly Pyle was given the Mrs. Sunshine Award
The Board of DD does not provide DSPs themselves, but the board does authorize their use by several different provider agencies, adult day programs and vocation programs, Klimko said.
She said DSPs are recognized and celebrated for their work this month.
“September is going to be a big month, honoring all 500 of them,” Klimko said.
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