September 13-19 campaign honors the dedicated, essential workforce that makes community living and inclusion possible for people with disabilities.
VIENNA, VA, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a leader in advancing independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities, is proud to join organizations across the country in celebrating Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, September 13-19, 2026, honoring the dedicated professionals who provide the essential supports that empower millions of people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Often working behind the scenes, DSPs are the heart of home- and community-based services (HCBS). They help people with disabilities pursue education and employment, build meaningful relationships, access healthcare, participate in their communities, and achieve personal goals. Every day, DSPs provide the support, encouragement, and expertise that make greater independence, choice, and inclusion possible.
“DSPs are at the heart of our mission,” said Diane Wilush, interim president and CEO of UCP. “They do far more than provide services; they build relationships, foster independence, and empower people to live the lives they choose. During DSP Recognition Week, we are proud to celebrate their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the people and families we serve. Our mission simply is not possible without this skilled and dedicated workforce.”
HCBS are individualized supports that help people with disabilities live in their own homes and participate fully in their communities. Depending on a person’s needs and goals, these services can include assistance with daily living and personal care, employment and job coaching, education, transportation and healthcare, skill-building, communication and assistive technology, and participation in community activities, recreation, and other aspects of everyday life.
DSPs perform complex, skilled work that is essential to the nation’s HCBS system. Yet the profession lacks the consistent recognition and occupational classification that other professions rely on to accurately describe the scope and complexity of their work, collect meaningful workforce data, and inform strategies for recruitment, training, and retention. UCP supports the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act and other legislation that strengthens the direct support workforce and expands access to HCBS.
Throughout the week, UCP and its international network of Affiliates will celebrate DSPs by sharing stories of impact, recognizing outstanding professionals, and highlighting the meaningful relationships that define direct support.
As part of the celebration, UCP invites communities to join in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of DSPs through messages of gratitude and by sharing stories that raise awareness of the vital role they play in supporting people with disabilities.
“Every story shared helps shine a light on a profession that transforms lives every day,” added Wilush. “We hope communities everywhere will join us in celebrating the people who are truly the heart of support.”
To learn more about UCP and DSP Recognition Week, visit UCP.org and follow UCP on social media throughout the week as the organization honors the professionals who help people with disabilities live life without limits.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) was founded in 1949, and today, its network of affiliate organizations across North America provides a wide range of services annually to approximately 200,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. These services include information, resource referral, advocacy, research, educational instruction, early intervention, therapies, job coaching, integrated employment, home and community-based services, recreational opportunities, and housing assistance. UCP is committed to the mission that all people with disabilities should be treated as equal members of an inclusive society. Learn more at UCP.org.
Sarah Peiper
United Cerebral Palsy Association
+1 800-872-5827
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