Throughout the pandemic, local disability providers have been there to ensure that people receive the daily services they rely on. These partners put the needs of those we serve above their own. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and front-line managers continued to support people in their homes even when most of the community was in lockdown. These caring professionals knew that the daily services they provide are essential to people with developmental disabilities.
“Direct support professionals and front-line supervisors have continued to display their commitment to people [with disabilities] served in Summit County,” shared Summit DD Community Supports and Development Director Drew Williams. “Without their commitment, these challenging past two years would have been much more difficult, and the lives of individuals supported would have been impacted in unimaginable ways.”
Summit DD is grateful for their dedication and hard work. Front-line managers and DSPs at these local disability provider agencies have worked tirelessly. They put in countless hours of overtime and picked up extra shifts to help ensure that people were safe and had the support they needed in the hardest of times. As a gesture of appreciation, Summit DD created a DSP Appreciation Grant opportunity for these agency providers.
Fall 2021 DSP Appreciation Grant
Using COVID Relief Federal legislation, providers were offered funds for DSPs and front-line supervisors. Funds could be used by these local agencies in a number of ways, such as: longevity bonuses, incentives to pick up shifts, holiday bonuses or other appreciation activities.
Approximately 60 local disability service providers benefited from the $300,000 Summit DD DSP Appreciation Grant. Grant awards were based on the number of DSPs and front-line managers at the organization. Awards typically ranged from $3,000 to $8,000 per organization.
“Anytime we as a board can directly impact DSPs who have been serving people since the beginning of the pandemic, we should,” expressed Williams. “We are thankful for their hard work.”
Additional Provider Support
Check out some of the other ways that Summit DD has supported the provider community and DSPs.
