2010 Direct Support Professional Recognition Contest
DEADLINE: February 26, 2010

In 2010, ANCOR will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Over these years, the notion of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has changed dramatically. ANCOR has led the way to increasingly high standards for quality, inclusion and individual choice.

Through our National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR has also proven a strong voice for the Direct Support Workforce and the issues that impact their ability to provide quality supports to millions of Americans with disabilities.

To honor the DSP Workforce, ANCOR is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Contest and issue this call for nominations.

By nominating the star of your DSP staff for this coveted award you have a unique opportunity to bestow deserved recognition, while fueling advocacy initiatives on their behalf. We invite you to join us in celebrating the past 40 years of advancement in the disabilities field by showcasing the best and brightest in the DSP workforce which represents the future of our industry!

Background

In 2007, ANCOR awarded its first national Direct Support Professional Recognition Awards in conjunction with its National Advocacy Campaign. Since then, ANCOR has recognized more than 100 state and national direct support professionals. The campaign’s mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. Focused on the theme, “You Need to Know Me,” the awards honor and recognize the dedicated individuals who continually enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Why Submit a Nomination?

In addition to advancing ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign, your nomination provides an opportunity to spotlight the critical value and importance of your dedicated Direct Support staff. Each nominee is considered a “finalist” and acknowledged accordingly by ANCOR. Your participation demonstrates the value you place on your direct support staff, while educating your local media, elected officials and your supporters about the value DSPs bring to their communities.

All nominations are confidential and ANCOR will secure release forms from nominees before using their name or likeness in any public communications.

Nomination Process

Only nominations submitted online through ANCOR's website will be eligible for consideration. Nominations must be received no later than 5 PM (EST) on Friday, February 26, 2010.

Please nominate only one person from each organization. For multi-state organizations, you may submit nominations equal to three times the number of states in which you operate. For example, if you have operations in ten states you could nominate a maximum of 30 DSPs.

Only nominations accompanied by a clear digital photograph of the nominee (possibly with their consumer or in a work environment) will be eligible for consideration.

Tips for Nominations

Nominate the DSP you believe is most representative of this valued, committed workforce; someone who warrants kudos and recognition for advocating inclusion in the community, instilling leadership among peers, and for their commitment to the profession.

Ideally, your nominee exemplifies a unique personal story or job history that highlights a devotion and enduring passion for DSP work. Strong consideration will be given to nominations that possess:

• Strong ties to the community, and exemplary actions and creativity in building meaningful participation in the community for the people supported
• Creative/consistent work to foster inclusion and greater independence for people with disabilities
• Anecdotes of personal sacrifice representative of their commitment to their work
• Examples of leadership to advocate on behalf of the profession and affect change
  

Nominees should also possess:

• Long, reliable tenure in their job
• Strong ties to the people and families supported
• Instances of going above and beyond the call of duty
• Examples of overcoming on-the-job challenges

Timeline for Nominations

The deadline for nominations is 5:00 pm Eastern on Friday, February 26, 2010.

All state and national winners will be announced at ANCOR's 2010 Management Practices Conference and Trade Show taking place April 11-13, 2010 in New Orleans, LA. The national winner(s) will be invited to attend the conference at ANCOR's expense.

Questions?

Please direct any questions to Jeff Britt, (804) 775-1936, or Mary Pauline Jones.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Direct Support Workforce and advancement of our industry! The deadline for nominations is over. The winners will be announced shortly.

Disclaimer: By submitting a nomination, you hereby give to the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) and its agents, your free and unlimited consent and permission, waiving all claims for any compensation by reason thereof or damages by reason thereof, to publish, publicize or share information and images included with this nomination, in accordance with the purposes of this contest, if ANCOR so desires.