West Bay Recognizes and Honors Direct Support Professional Week

West Bay Residential Services is proud to recognize National Direct Support Professional Week from September 13th to 19th. National Direct Support Professional Week recognizes the accomplishments of Direct Support Professional’s (DSP’s) in furthering community inclusion and full participation for the many Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals support individuals to have the kind of life that fulfills their need for self-expression, belonging, meaningful involvement, work, and community inclusion. DSP’s stand by people and believe everyone deserves to thrive and have a life of one’s own choosing. DSP’s really “Make It Happen!”

We spoke with some of West Bay’s Direct Support Professionals to learn about their experience and what drives them.

Sinia Bulnes, a Direct Support Professional who works at one of West Bay’s Cranston homes, shared that what motivates her “is the people we support. They amaze and inspire me. Together, we set goals, and together we achieve them. It is really fulfilling to work with people who lead self-determined and self-directed lives.” When asked what qualities make a great DSP, Sinia shared that “it’s about seeing ability, and connecting one-on-one with the other person. At West Bay, I’m lucky to work with other DSP’s who share that same approach.”

Jessica Duke, who works at a Coventry home, shared how working as a DSP at West Bay truly embodies the concept of person-centered supports. “We have excellent people at West Bay contributing to a positive, supportive environment. Everyone is invested in the growth of a more inclusive community. Additionally, the relationships between DSP’s and individuals being served is built on respect and trust. We are a team.”

In honor of the occasion, West Bay has been celebrating its amazing DSPs throughout the week. Members of the West Bay Recognition Committee visited staff members, offering encouragement and support along with small tokens of appreciation. West Bay’s Executive Director Gloria Quinn noted, “We are very proud of all the DSP’s and everything that they do to support the men and women West Bay serves.”

West Bay has also shared the word about National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week through a social media campaign sharing the hashtag #DSPsMakeItHappen.

On Thursday, September 16, 2015 Governor Gina Raimondo officially proclaimed the week of September 13 - September19, 2015 as Rhode Island Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.

The recognition was created by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a national, nonprofit trade association representing more than 800 private community providers of services to people with disabilities. Combined, they service over 400,000 individuals with disabilities and work to shape policy, share solutions and strengthen community.

West Bay Residential Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981. West Bay promotes independence and community inclusion through residential, shared living, employment and day services across the state of Rhode Island.