Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are vital to the life experiences of many people with disabilities in Maryland. These essential employees provide supports in homes, communities and workplaces. They are the heart and soul of everything we do to help people with disabilities feel, and be, included in their communities.

The Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) join others throughout the United States in marking September 10th through September 16th, 2023 as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week and plan to honor these outstanding Marylanders.   

Help us by nominating an outstanding DSP for recognition. If chosen, your nominee will be recognized during the month of September.   

Nominate a Direct Support Professional who provides an example of service which supports and encourages full community participation for those with disabilities in Maryland. Please provide specific examples of how the nominee encourages and supports community participation. The two categories for consideration are Employment Support and Community Living.  

As Direct Support Professionals on the front lines, these dedicated heroes are the key difference between community participation and isolation for those with disabilities. Tell us about the special DSP in your life! You can use this form, or just send an email to Kim McKay with the needed information including your name and contact info, your nominee and contact info, which award category and your narrative explaining why you nominated them.

Download the nomination form here.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS

SEPTEMBER 8th!

For more information, alternative formats, or questions, please contact Kim McKay at kimberly.mckay1@maryland.gov or 410-767-3654.