Photo from the National Historic Recognition Project 2000-2020 Booklet

Over the past few weeks, we have shared Words of Encouragement from from some of our colleagues As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads throughout the world, news, social media and work can be overwhelming. We’ve committed to sharing resources for taking care of yourself but we’re not alone. Many of our colleagues want to share words of encouragement. In the past few weeks, NADSP has shared videos from our partners each week with words of encouragement for direct support professionals. 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.

This week, we are pleased to share Words of Encouragement from Val Bradley. . Ms. Bradley led the Human Services Research
Institute (HSRI) as President from its inception in 1976 until January 2017, when she became President Emerita. Following her  transition in roles, she has continued her work at HSRI as Project Director and Senior Analyst. Val is a John F. Kennedy Jr. Award for Direct Support Workforce Advocacy & Leadership Honoree and National Historic Recognition Project 2000- 2020 Honoree. For more on Val Bradley’s contributions to the field, you can read about her in the in the National Historic Recognition Project 2000-2020 Booklet here. 

In Val’s video, she reflects on how much more direct support professionals are being asked to do and their ongoing commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. To watch the video, click the video below.

Word of Encouragement from Val Bradley

 

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/

Want to Share Your Story?

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