What's a DSP?
Tracey was crowned Queen for the Day
September 8 - 14, 2013, is "DSP Week". But what's a "DSP"? You may venture a few guesses:
- Dearly Special Persons...
- Dandy Super Pals...
- Darn Smart People...
Actually, in addition to being those things (and more!), DSP is the industry standard word for "Direct Support Professionals." Wikipedia nicely defines their role in the disability community, including at agencies like Rauch:
Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who work directly with people with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disabilities with the aim of assisting the individual to become integrated into his /her community or the least restrictive environment.
A direct support professional is a person who assists an individual with a disability to lead a self-directed life and contribute to the community, assists with activities of daily living if needed, and encourages attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion.
Rauch Industries staff enjoy a lunch catered by Chef Phoebe
At Rauch, we talk a lot about the successes of those we serve. People with disabilities are awe-inspiring on a regular basis, and we love celebrating their triumphs, talents, and victories. However, the backbone of the support we provide to make those triumphs happen, those talents flourish, and those victories a reality are the 106 DSPs who comprise around two-thirds of our workforce. These amazing, creative, fun, and special people work incredibly hard every day (and night), and we're honored that they choose to work for Rauch.
So, we celebrated them this week in the following ways (and more!):
Chef Sheila, Chef Sally, Chef Sandy, & Chef Kevin prepared lunch for ADA & ACCESS DSPs on Thursday
- Rauch Industries hosted a staff luncheon
- ADA and ACCESS had a Scavenger Hunt (winners were treated to lunch), began Wednesday with a little "sweet something" (rolls & juice), ate lunch cooked by management on Thursday, and crowned a "Queen of the Day" on Friday
- Staff from Supported Living, ADA, and ACCESS programs went to a state conference in Indianapolis
- Employment Services staff munched on cookies and coffee cake, and were treated to a car wash
- Supported Living staff got some special treats at their staff meeting
Thank you to all of our DSPs - we couldn't serve 1,000 children and adults with disabilities each year without your perseverance, determination, heart, joy, laughter, and love. <3
Interested in becoming a DSP? Visit our Careers page!