3:49 p.m., Feb. 4, 2008--Five direct support professionals (DSPs) from around the state of Delaware will be honored for their contributions to the disability community at the third annual Conference for Direct Support Professionals on May 1 at the Sheraton Dover Hotel. The conference, coordinated by the Center for Disabilities Studies at UD, is designed to promote the valued role DSPs play in supporting people with disabilities and to provide DSPs with networking opportunities and skill development. The theme of the conference is “Feeling good about yourself and your work.”

C. Renée Settles-Bean, co-chair of the DSP Conference Planning Committee and training coordinator at the Center for Disabilities Studies, said a direct support professional is someone whose job is to provide assistance and support to people with disabilities for a variety of activities including transportation, daily living and recreation--to help them live the lifestyle they choose.

“People with disabilities, families, agencies, coworkers, friends and others are encouraged to nominate a direct support professional for his or her exceptional work,” Settles-Bean said. These individuals are personal assistants, case managers, counselors, certified nursing assistants, home health aides and residential counselors. The goal is to support a person with disabilities as a valued member of the community who can follow his or her dreams.

To be eligible for an award, a DSP must have worked in the field for a minimum of one year. Nominations must include a completed form with a short narrative describing how the DSP meets the criteria to be considered for an outstanding DSP award. All nominations must be received by Friday, March 14, at the Center for Disabilities Studies. The judges, including individuals with disabilities, family members and peers of DSPs, will select five award recipients from the nominees.

The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is to enhance the lives of individuals and families in Delaware through education, prevention, service and research related to disabilities. The center promotes independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the life of the community. Additional information is available on the Center for Disabilities Studies Web site at [www.udel.edu/cds] or by calling (302) 831-6974.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form, visit the conference Web site at [www.udel.edu/cds/dspconference] or contact Cory Nourie, Center for Disabilities Studies, at (302) 831-1705 or [nourie@udel.edu].