DSP Empowerment Award winner Jennifer Stone exemplifies dedication, creativity, and excellence in person-centered support since joining Becoming Independent in 2023. Thank you, Jennifer, for your exceptional contributions! #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

NEW: Pete Cervinka, DDS’s Chief Deputy Director for Data Analytics and Strategy, has been named Acting Director for the department. Read his bio on the DDS website: dds.ca.gov/newsroom/direc…

DSP Empowerment Award winner Carmen Sanchez has dedicated 23 years to serving people with disabilities at Las Trampas. Carmen’s patience and personalized support has made a lasting impact on the lives of the people she serves. #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

Looking for a rewarding career path? Follow William Tye’s lead👏 He's one of the 1st to participate in the DSP Internship program. Now he’s working as a DSP supporting people with disabilities to thrive & is making plans for his future #DSPofCA #DSPRW2024 dds.ca.gov/initiatives/wo…

23 years after unimaginable tragedy struck our nation on 9/11, we hold in our hearts the memory of those who perished & their loved ones. On this day of remembrance, we also recognize the selfless individuals who rushed towards danger to aid their fellow Americans. #PatriotDay

DSP Empowerment Award winner Sonja Wiley-Hill has been a making a difference at Manos Home Care for 15+ years, serving with dedication and professionalism. She goes above and beyond for the individuals she supports and the peers she mentors. #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

Art Mentor Lupita is supporting people to achieve their dreams as commissioned artists! She’s one of the DSP at Alchemia in the North Bay mentoring artists to embrace their creativity & share their voices with the community. We’re celebrating DSP like her for #DSPRW2024! #DSPofCA

DSP Empowerment Award winner Frank Kemmeter found his true calling in life working with and supporting people with disabilities. He ensures that those he serves are heard and their preferences are honored, and he is highly regarded as a strong advocate. #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

The California Governor recognizes September 8-14 as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week: rb.gy/bk988f. We echo the message & acknowledge the essential services DSPs provide to Californians with intellectual & developmental disabilities! #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

Two sisters with one common goal – to support Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive at work, at home, and in their communities! Dorothy & Teresa have both worked at AbilityPath for nearly 40 years 👏#DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

“He makes sure I get ready for anything, a new job or anything. He’s really nice and has good ideas for work.“ – Igor Zelenov says he’s happy Direct Support Professional Vaming Xiong is his job coach. We’re thankful for Vaming and all California’s DSPs. #DSPRW2024 #DSPofCA

We THANK & CELEBRATE Direct Support Professionals (DSP) during #DSPRW2024 and all year long! Your dedication to enriching the lives of so many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities & their families is truly appreciated. #DSPofCA

¡AGRADECEMOS Y CELEBRAMOS a los Profesionales de Apoyo Directo durante #DSPRW2024 y todo el año! Realmente apreciamos su dedicación para enriquecer las vidas de tantas personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo y sus familias. #DSPofCA

During #SuicidePreventionMonth & all year long, you are not alone. If you are experiencing mental distress & need help, call or text 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to assist anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use-related crisis.

At the end of the day, neighbors need each other. Talk to your community about their preparedness plans. Get started at listoscalifornia.org.

The more than 15 million Latinos who call California home are foundational to our state’s identity, success, and future. Latino Heritage Month celebrates the centrality of Latinos in every chapter of our history — and in our rich growth, vibrant culture, and prosperity.

A day for remembrance❤️This morning, we joined the California Memorial Project’s 22nd Annual Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Eldridge cemetery. The event was hosted by Disability Rights California. The mission is to honor people who lived & died in California state institutions.

Strong Start & Beyond is a bold movement from Office of the California Surgeon General to reduce the maternal mortality rate in California 50% by December 2026. Learn more & join the movement now at StrongStartAndBeyond.org. #StrongStartAndBeyond

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! To celebrate, we're asking our staff to share their perspectives on Hispanic heritage.  First up, Karelly! She shared why she loves Hispanic culture: vibrant celebrations and a welcoming community.

Online Registration is now open for the 38th Annual Supported Life Conference on October 17 -18, 2024. Be sure to register by tomorrow (9/20) for the Early Bird Savings! To learn more, go to: supportedlife.org.