Use this template to create a press release highlighting your organization’s events/celebrations for DSP Recognition Week 2016. Below is some sample text, some items to fill in, and suggestions noted in the comments. To remove the comments, simply right click on them and select Delete Comment.
Please don’t hesitate to contact or if you need a hand crafting or distributing your release.
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[YOUR ORGANIZATION LOGO HERE]
For Immediate Release: [date]
Contact: [Name, email, telephone number]
[Organization] to Host Community Barbeque [GS1]For
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Event Honors Frontline Workers Who Support People with Disabilities
[Your City and State] –Agency XYZ will host a community barbeque in Green Roll Park in honor of National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 2 p.m. Mayor Jane Doe and City Council Chair Jim Smith [GS2]will speak at the event, to honor the work of direct support professionals who provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.
The public is welcome and invited to attend, and to meet some of the xxx direct support professionals who help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible[GS3].
“Our direct support professionals are hard-working, dedicated men and women, who sacrifice a lot to support the people with disabilities we serve,” said Margaret Jannings, Agency XYZ CEO. [GS4]“Medicaid reimbursement rates make it challenging to pay the wages they deserve, so we have found a few other ways to show our appreciation.” In addition to the barbeque, Agency XYZ held an ice cream social and offered free on-the-job massages to DSPs during the week.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign, whose mission is to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce.
“DSP Recognition Week is one way we try to say, “thank you” to the people who turn the intentions of our laws and regulations written to provide opportunities for people with disabilities into actions,” said Barbara Merrill, CEO of ANCOR. “It’s also avery important reminder to our legislators and policymakers that this workforce is essential, and their wages and training deserve attention as states set rates for IDD services.”
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is celebrated annually across the country with special events and ceremonies like these earmarked to honor the tens of thousands of workers who enable people with intellectual, developmental and other significant disabilities and their families to live healthy lives in their communities.
Several states have issued Gubernatorial Proclamations[GS5] declaring the week of September 11-17 as the 2016 National Direct Support Recognition Week.A U.S. Senate Resolution led by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Susan Collins(R-ME) is anticipated soon.
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About Agency XYZ[GS6]
The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) is a national trade association representing more than 1,000 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 600,000 individuals with disabilities. ANCOR provides organization, professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that support our mission, which is to advance the ability of our members in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fully participate in their communities.
Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR seeks to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce.
[GS1]Add your event or celebration
[GS2]Include any local personalities or decision-makers who you are expecting at the event.
[GS3]In the second paragraph, briefly describe your event, especially any public and/or media participation.
[GS4]Include a quote about the event from someone in your organization’s leadership. It should elaborate briefly on the importance of honoring DSPs and how this event fits.
[GS5]Be sure to call out your own state and thank your governor if you’re in the list!
[GS6]Include info about your agency and a link to your website here.