Over the past few weeks, we have shared ‘Words of Encouragement’ from some of our colleagues. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads throughout the world, news, social media and work can be overwhelming. We’re committed to sharing resources for taking care of yourself but we’re not alone. Many of our colleagues want to share words of encouragement. We want you to know that as you continue your essential work in supporting people with disabilities, you are not alone and you are valued for the incredible work you do.
In this week’s Words of Encouragement, we hear from Barbara Merrill, CEO of ANCOR. In Barbara’s video, she discusses direct support professionals’ commitment to the profession, commitment to the people they support and their commitment to making us all better. Barbara also reflects on the how the pandemic has changed her.
Barbara Merrill has served as ANCOR’s Chief Executive Officer since 2014. The American Network of Community Options and Resources is the nation’s leading association advancing supports and services for people with disabilities, representing 1600 providers and 56 state associations. A disability and association professional, Barbara has worked on disability issues since 1992 as an advocate, state legislator and attorney for people with disabilities and the providers who serve them.
To learn more about ANCOR, click here.
Looking for additional support during this time?
Please note the resources below:
- Self Care Resource Page for DSPs (webinars, handouts and additional resources: https://nadsp.org/covid-19resources/
- On-Boarding New DSPs in A Crisis (Code of ethics Webinar Series, Competency Webinar Series, Additional Resources): https://nadsp.org/onboarding-in-crisis/
If you have additional resources to share, please connect with us at ndama@nadsp.org.
NADSP recognizes the invaluable work that Direct Support Professionals all over the world are doing during this unprecedented time. We appreciate you. We hope you remain safe and well.
Thank you,
The NADSP Team