Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

September 12, 2012

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman Honors Direct Support Professionals at the Capitol

(Hartford) -Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman recognized the thousands of Direct Support Professionals who work with individuals with intellectual disability in Connecticut. On behalf of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman presented the Official Statement this morning at the State Capitol.

"The State of Connecticut recognizes the enormous contributions that direct support professionals make in assisting individuals they support to be independent contributors to their community and assist them in living a meaningful and productive life", said Lt. Governor Wyman.

The Lt. Governor was joined by Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner Terrence W. Macy, Ph.D., Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) President/CEO Terry Edelstein and public and private direct support professionals.

Direct Support Professionals across the country are being honored this week. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) initiated the campaign a dozen years ago with the intent of developing a career path for Direct Support Professionals by championing wage legislation in Congress, advocating for additional federal Medicaid funding and educating elected officials on Direct Support Professionals workforce issues.

"Today's recognition is just a small token of our appreciation to the professionals who are dedicated to the individuals we support and their families", said Commissioner Macy. "They provide day to day care and support and help the individuals with intellectual disabilities lead independent and fulfilling lives".

"This is quite an honor to salute the direct support professionals", said Albert Login who receives services from HARC, a Hartford area provider. "I'm gainfully employed and without my support workers, this would never be possible".