Every September, Easterseals Southern California honors two national weeks that raise awareness about disability support services and shine a light on the work we do at Easterseals to support people with disabilities. First, we celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week September 8-14, followed by Adult Day Services Week September 15-21. Below, learn more about the significance of these weeks and the unique programs offered by Easterseals in Southern California.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week: September 8-14
Direct Support Professional Recognition (DSPR) Week is a special time to celebrate those who provide essential support to people with disabilities. These professionals are truly the backbone of what we do at Easterseals as they work one-on-one with people who require assistance to live their best lives.
At Easterseals, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an integral part of nearly every service line, from Adult Day Services and Living Options, to Autism Services and Employment Services.
The work of DSPs goes beyond simply assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; they form relationships with participants built on mutual trust and respect. Often times, individuals are “matched” with a DSP to foster a positive relationship and person-centered experience. Familiarity and stability are important elements to support people thriving in these relationships, so at Easterseals, employee retention and support is crucial. In fact, many DSPs with Easterseals Adult Day Services have been employees for over a decade.
“It’s important to value this role and recognize and reward the people who choose a DSP career,” said Kathleen Kolenda, Vice President of Adult Day Services. “Systems and funding changes are needed to accomplish this. Easterseals has taken the lead to increase DSP compensation, but the State must increase reimbursement rates to afford DSPs better compensation and sustain the future of Adult Day Services.”
This DSPR Week, take a moment to thank a Direct Support Professional in your life, ensuring they know they are valued for the important work they do.
“DSPs tirelessly give their all in support of others,” said Kathleen. “They are adaptive and creative, navigating the community, learning on the fly, problem solving and assuring the best experience for the people they support. Thank you to all of our Direct Support Professionals here at Easterseals!”
Adult Day Services Week: September 15-21
Adult Day Services (ADS) Week, established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, raises awareness of the availability and accessibility of Adult Day Services nationwide. At Easterseals, we are always excited to highlight the amazing outcomes, success stories, and support that our ADS program offers to members of the Southern California disability community and their families.
Easterseals Adult Day Services program serves 1,200 individuals throughout San Diego, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Our program provides adults with disabilities the opportunity for socialization and relationships outside of home while empowering them to explore their options in life, pursue dreams and goals, be engaged in the community, and make choices to live a meaningful life with increased independence.
Easterseals ADS program is unique because it is person-centered, meaning everyone has a say in their individual experience. Easterseals utilized the Personal Outcome Measures (POM) tool to discover what each person would like to accomplish in ADS and for their future. For example, some participants, like Michelle, decide they want to go to college, so Easterseals ADS programs supports them in that goal.
Another unique aspect of Easterseals ADS program is that we promote digital inclusion for all through the Technology Lending Library and the Virtual Community.
“Our Tech Lending Library provides equipment, ongoing education and technical support to over 500 people annually,” said Dee Prescott, Vice President of Adult Day Services. Kathleen added, “In an effort to close the digital divide for people with disabilities, Easterseals also offers the Virtual Community as an alternative or supplement to in-person ADS. The Virtual Community is robust with offerings and engages an average of 24 people per event with an average daily attendance of 83 people.”
This year, Easteseals plans to celebrate ADS Week with “spirit day” themes and fun contests. Each ADS location will have a unique celebration based on what works best for them, whether they are a community or center-based service.
ADS staff are also excited to represent Easterseals SoCal at the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) conference, including several who will be presenting on a variety of topics: Lendy Ruano, Director Person Centered Services presents: “Sexuality for All” and Ruth Olivares, Director Person Centered Services, presents: “Disability Art Now.”
Join us this September by following along on social media as we take time to honor and celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and Adult Day Services Week.
- Facebook: @EastersealsSoCal
- X (Formerly Twitter): @EastersealSoCal
- Instagram: @EastersealsSoCal
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/easterseals-southern-california/
- Tik Tok: @EastersealsSoCal
To learn more about Easterseals Adult Day Services, visit our website. You can also explore what it’s like to be a Direct Support Professional at Easterseals, as well as many other rewarding job opportunities, on our careers page.
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