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.
Last week, we shared words of encouragement from Dr. Craig Escudé, MD as he shared how he learned the important value of direct support professionals. This week, we reached out to our colleague and friend Philadelphia Inquirer Journalist, Ronnie Polaneczky. Ronnie was our NADSP Annual Conference Keynote Speaker in 2018. Many may be familiar with Ms. Polaneczky as she is the acclaimed author of the investigative series “Falling Off the Cliff” for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. As editor of The UpSide, Ronnie oversees the Inquirer’s weekly good news/good stories section, which celebrates the best of us — and the best in us — via tales of kindness, hope, inspiration and common goodness.For more by Ronnie Polaneczky, visit her page on the Philadelphia Inquirer website by clicking here.
In Ronnie Polaneczky’s video, she shares about how grateful she is for direct support professionals and how important they are. To watch Ronnie’s video, click the video below.
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
I am 78 and a DSP and I fully appreciate these videos. Most people don’t realize what a DSP does, and is. I thank God that I am still able to be on the giving side of life. My time of need is coming, hopefully not too soon, but I hope there will be someone to take care of me.