September 11, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Rachelle Hadland
rachelle@goodmanschwartz.com
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AAPPD Recognizes Direct Service Professionals During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
PHOENIX - Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities (AAPPD) member agencies are proud to support the AZ Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities' 13th Annual Direct Support Professional (DSP) Awards Ceremony that will take place Friday, September 16, 2016 in honor of National DSP Recognition Week at the Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix.
The event is a long standing tradition in Arizona and honors outstanding caregivers at an awards ceremony and luncheon. State officials will speak at the event to recognize the work of direct support professionals who provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.
"Our direct support professionals are hard-working, dedicated men and women, who sacrifice a lot to support the people with disabilities we serve," said AAPPD Chair Carol Carr. "Medicaid reimbursement rates make it challenging to pay the wages they deserve, so we have found a few other ways to show our appreciation." In addition to the awards ceremony planned and hosted by the state and volunteers, many agencies also hold their own recognition events for their DSPs during the week.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is celebrated annually across the country with special events and ceremonies like these earmarked to honor the tens of thousands of workers who enable people with intellectual, developmental and other significant disabilities and their families to live healthy lives in their communities.
Several states, including Arizona, have issued Gubernatorial proclamations declaring the week of September 11-17 as the 2016 National Direct Support Recognition Week. View Arizona's proclamation by clicking here.
AAPPD is a 501 (c) 4 statewide consortium of providers contracted to deliver services to individuals with intellectual and developmental and/or physical disabilities, and has served the state of Arizona since 1985. AAPPD provides advocacy, counsel and other services to more than 85 member organizations that share a common dedication to the needs of individuals and families with disabilities. Get our latest news by visiting AAPPD.org.
