Do you have a direct support professional who regularly goes above and beyond? Have they had a significant impact on you, your loved one, your family, and the community?
Recognize their excellence by nominating them for the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award! This award honors an Autism Society of North Carolina direct support professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and their families. The winner will be recognized at the Autism Society of North Carolinaās annual conference as well as receiving a monetary award and other recognition.
Please complete the nomination form by Sept. 7. The winner will be named during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which isĀ Sept. 10-16. Please note: ONLY families can make a nomination! Nominations cannot come from supervisors or other ASNC employees.
We thank Lori and Gregg Ireland for their generous donation to establish this award to honor Christine Roman, the direct service professional who worked with their son. It was named for her parents, John and Claudia Roman.
DSP Week is September 10-16
Here are some other ways you can celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and let them know how much they mean to your loved one and family:
- Verbal praise: Tell them how much they mean to you and your child. Let them know that they are making a difference. Be specific!
- Thank-you cards or notes: Let them know about a small success your child has made as a result of the services they are providing.
- Cookies/baked goods: Sweet treats are thoughtful gestures.
- Donations: Your local services office can use donations for a staff raffle during DSP recognition events.
- Share a success story with your staff: Has your child learned a new skill? Tried something new? It is rewarding to know that they are directly making an impact, even when progress may be gradual or slow.
- Share your thoughts with your coordinator/staff supervisor: Supervisors appreciate hearing positive feedback about their staff, and it makes our staff feel successful and appreciated when a parent takes the time to let their supervisors know they are doing a great job.