Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), also known as Personal Attendants (PAs), are more than just caregivers, they are trained care partners who play an essential role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unlike traditional caregivers, who may perform tasks for those in their care, DSPs and PAs work alongside individuals, helping them build and maintain skills, foster independence, and engage actively in their communities. At Summer House, Inc., our mission is to ensure that our care partners provide support in a way that respects the dignity and human worth of each person, enhancing their self-reliance, self-esteem, and safety.

Each year in September (9.8.24-9.14.24), organizations like Summer House, Inc. celebrate National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. This week-long event is dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the incredible work that DSPs and PAs do. It serves as an opportunity to highlight their essential role in the lives of those they support, recognizing the dedication and compassion they bring to their work every day.

In celebrating National DSP Recognition Week, we at Summer House, Inc. acknowledge not just the individuals who provide this vital support, but also the broader importance of the work they do in promoting independence, dignity, and community involvement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We at Summer House want to publicly extend our deepest gratitude to all our DSPs and PAs for their unwavering commitment to the individuals they support. Your work is not just essential; it is transformative. You help build a world where every person is empowered to live with dignity, respect, and autonomy.

Thank you for your exceptional service and for being the true backbone of Summer House, Inc. Your contributions make a profound difference in the lives of many, and for that, we are forever grateful.