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DSP Recognition Week 2024 is upon us! Get ready for a week-long celebration with IACP. Kicking off in Ames at the Future Forward Summit and more fun and celebrations planned for the week, join us in honoring Direct Support Professionals, the lifeblood of the community provider industry, and raise awareness of this critical profession! Check out some ideas on how you can get involved in saying "thank you!"

Events

Monday, September 9

  • Future Forward Summit: All Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) are invited to connect with IACP and fellow colleagues in an uplifting and inspiring environment. This summit will feature motivational sessions designed to empower and celebrate the invaluable work you do. Come and be a part of this enriching experience, where your dedication and hard work are celebrated and appreciated.

  • #MondayFunDay: Kick off the week by sprinkling a little fun into the day of your DSPs (check out our list of ideas)!

Tuesday, September 10

Wednesday, September 11

  • #ShowtheLoveWednesday: How are you showing love for the DSPs at your organization? Tag us on social media and let us know!

Thursday, September 12 

  • #ThankYouThursdayCheck out our printable thank you cards! Print one (or 10!) and let your DSPs know how grateful you are for them!

Friday, September 13

  • #DSPs are superheroes! Whether in costume or normal streetwear, tag us in your photos on social media of your organization's superheroes!

 

Let's connect!

Send your celebration photos to Brita and tag IACP in your #DSPRW2024 social media posts!

How are you planning to celebrate at your organization?

DSP Recognition Week is an important opportunity to celebrate those who support people with mental health and physical disabilities to live, work and learn in their communities. Check out some of the options below to help commemorate the vital work of DSPs: 

  • Share the Governor's Proclamation
  • Host a staff barbecue or appreciation picnic 
  • Have supervisors handwrite thank you notes to each DSP 
  • Deliver “we care packages” during DSP week staff meetings 
  • Draw for prizes during the week (gift cards, movie tickets, gas cards, pizza coupons) 
  • Hold organizational DSP awards 
  • Traveling snack cart 
  • Seek local media coverage (newspaper/radio) 
  • Write a thank you
  • Share pictures and words of thanks on social media or organize a social media campaign
  • Interview DSPs 
  • Be visible and engage with staff during their shifts 
  • Pancake breakfast for DSPs 
  • Seek local media coverage (newspaper/radio) 
  • In-services with prize drawings and DSP recognition 
  • Hold a theme party 
  • Write letters to the editor and submit to local newspapers of successful impact stories in preparation for recognition week 
  • Encourage your municipality to fly a yellow flag
  • Check out NADSP's free webinars for DSPs

 

Sponsors


IACP Future Forward Summit: Relentless Advocate Sponsors


IACP Future Forward Summit: Relentless Supporter Sponsors

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