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Nominate a DSP Who Makes an Impact

Jun 24, 2026


Do you know a direct support professional who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for Direct Support Professional of the Year and help celebrate their outstanding care, commitment and dedication to those they support.

Submit your nomination here

Thank you in advance for nominating outstanding People Inc. staff members who provide the best in care and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An impartial committee will select the honorees and each winner will receive a monetary award. Winners will be announced during national Direct Support Professionals Week, September 14-20. We encourage nominations from people we support, family members, guardians, community members and staff.


Nomination Rules and Requirements:


1. To be nominated, staff must meet the following criteria:
    ·   be employed full- or part-time by People Inc. for a minimum of six months
    ·   spend 85 to 100% of their time in a direct support role (cannot be a supervisor)
    ·   must be in good standing and compliant with all required trainings as of July 13, 2026
    ·   must be in a position that is subject to the DSP Evaluation tool under OPWDD Regulations

2. Nominations must be received by July 13th, 2026.

3. Nominees must have one of the following titles:

 
  • ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, CERTIFIED DAY SERVICES
  • ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, NON CERTIFIED DAY SERVICES
  • BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN, DAY SERVICES
  • BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • CAREGIVER, COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
  • DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIALIST, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • DIRECT SUPPORT INTERN
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT, DAY SERVICES
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, AGENCY SUPPORTED
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, CERTIFIED DAY SERVICES
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, NON CERTIFIED DAY SERVICES
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, RESPITE SERVICES
  • EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST, SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
  • LIFE COACH, COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
  • LPN MEDICAL LIAISON
  • MEDICAL COORDINATOR, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MENTOR, COMMUNITY HABILITATION SERVICES
  • PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST, DAY SERVICES
  • SELF DETERMINATION ASSISTANT
  • TEAM LEADER & MEDICAL LIAISON, DAY SERVICES
  • TEAM LEADER, BEHAVIORAL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • TEAM LEADER, DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
  • TEAM LEADER, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • TEAM LEADER, RESPITE SERVICES
  • TRAVEL DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
  • TRAVELING DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
  • TRAVELING DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES