Anderson Center for Autism Celebrates Direct Support Professionals

From Anderson Center for Autism:

For an organization like Anderson Center for Autism, the staff members who have the title of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are valued and vital to the quality of life of the individuals that Anderson serves.

September 11 to 17 Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week and Anderson Center for Autism wants to show gratitude to the more than 500 dedicated, hardworking DSPs who make community living possible for individuals with disabilities.

Eliza Bozenski, Director of the Anderson Foundation said, “we want everyone in our communities to know and appreciate the work of our amazing DSPs. That’s why we were happy to team with iHeartMedia to spread the word about how our Direct Support Professionals optimize the quality of life of each of the individuals in Anderson’s child and adult programs.”

iHeart Media will present their “Heart Award” to the Direct Support Professional who is nominated by their peers at Anderson. The Heart Award will be presented at the Anderson Center for Autism Staff Recognition Dinner to be held at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie on September 8th. The winner will receive a prize of a worth approximately $1000.

Eliza Bozenski said that a number of Anderson staff have recorded commercials to be aired on the radio which show “just how much heart our DSPs put into their work and how their work optimizes the quality of life of individuals in Anderson programs.” Here’s what Greg Semexant said about his work, “Anderson has taught me that we don't serve autistic children. We empower individuals, who happen to have Autism. There's a big difference and Anderson has educated me on that value.” Victoria Calderon feels equally passionately about her role at Anderson: “ I feel as though I have optimized the quality of life of the individuals we serve by helping them become more independent and by giving them the assistance they need to really have the same childhood as any other child. I make sure they are not discriminated against by their diagnosis of Autism and can still have fun with everything they do.”

Photos of staff recording radio spots via Anderson Center for Autism.

Photo 1: Jas Staffa, Justin Reznik, Victoria Calderon, Ryan Haight, Greg Semexant
Photo 2:Eliza Bozenski, Greg Semexant.