Celebrate DSP Recognition Week September 13–19, 2026

Celebrating the People Who Make Inclusion Possible

Every day, Direct Support Professionals help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fuller, more independent and connected lives.

From preparing meals and managing medications to going to work, attending appointments, exploring the community, learning new skills and simply enjoying everyday life, DSPs help turn community inclusion into everyday reality.

September 13–19, 2026, is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, a nationwide celebration of the dedicated professionals who provide these essential supports.

At Northwest Mental Health Management Services (NWMH), we're proud to join organizations throughout Oregon, Southwest Washington and across the country in saying:

Thank you, DSPs. Heroes Work Here.

DSP Recognition Is Happening Nationwide

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) leads a national DSP Recognition Week campaign each September.

For 2026, ANCOR is encouraging organizations, individuals, families and communities to recognize DSPs in creative ways—from appreciation gifts and DSP spotlights to videos featuring the people and families they support.

ANCOR is also encouraging communities to ask their mayors and local officials to officially proclaim September 13–19 as DSP Recognition Week.

Join the national conversation by using #DSPRW2026 on social media.

Explore ANCOR's 2026 DSP Recognition Week resources and toolkit.

Another important national resource is the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), which works year-round to elevate the direct support profession through education, professional standards, certification, advocacy and recognition.

DSPs interested in professional development can explore NADSP training, certification and its E-Badge Academy, which provides opportunities to demonstrate professional skills and competencies.

Visit NADSP

Celebrating DSPs in Oregon & Southwest Washington

Recognition doesn't have to happen at a national conference or formal awards ceremony. Some of the most meaningful recognition happens right here in our own communities.

The Portland metro area and Southwest Washington have a strong network of organizations serving and advocating alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Organizations such as UCP Oregon, Community Vision, PHAME, FACT Oregon, Independent Living Resources and many others help create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, create, work, learn and belong in their communities.

Across the Columbia River, Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration also recognizes DSPs as an essential part of community-based services, helping individuals build skills, participate socially, manage everyday activities and pursue greater independence.

DSP Recognition Week is a great opportunity to learn more about these organizations, attend an inclusive community activity or simply discover another part of the disability community in our region.

Find Something to Do Together

One of the best ways to celebrate the work of DSPs is to celebrate community inclusion itself.

NWMH's I/DD Community Events Calendar collects inclusive activities, social gatherings, caregiver resources, workshops and other opportunities throughout the Portland metro area and surrounding communities.

DSPs can use the calendar to discover something new to experience with the people they support.

Explore the NWMH I/DD Community Events Calendar.

And if your organization is hosting an I/DD, DSP or caregiver event—including something for DSP Recognition Week—submit it to our calendar!

Nominate, Recognize and Celebrate a DSP

You don't need a formal awards program to make someone's week.

Here are a few ways families, coworkers, supervisors and community partners can recognize a DSP during September 13–19:

• Write a personal thank-you card describing something specific the DSP has done.

• Ask the person receiving support what they appreciate about their DSP and share their message.

• Create a short 30-second thank-you video.

• Spotlight a DSP on your organization's social media.

• Bring a DSP's favorite snack, coffee or lunch to work.

• Create a DSP appreciation wall where clients, families and coworkers can leave messages.

• Give DSPs small gift cards to local Portland or Vancouver businesses.

• Ask local businesses to display a "We Appreciate DSPs" message during the week.

• Contact your mayor, county commissioners or other elected officials and request a DSP Recognition Week proclamation.

• Share your DSP celebration online using #DSPRW2026.

Most importantly, make the recognition personal. Tell DSPs specifically why their work matters.

Find More Resources for DSPs

Recognition should extend beyond one week.

That's why NWMH created our Direct Support Professional Resource Guide for Oregon & Southwest Washington.

The guide brings together disability organizations, advocacy groups, caregiver communities and other useful resources for DSPs and the people and families they support.

Whether you're a new DSP or have spent years in the field, staying connected to the larger I/DD community can help you discover new ideas, resources and opportunities.

Explore the NWMH DSP Resource Guide.

View Guide

Celebrate With Food: The Community Care Cookbook

Sometimes appreciation can be as simple as sharing a meal.

NWMH's new Community Care Cookbook collects practical recipes and ideas from DSPs, caregivers and our community.

During DSP Recognition Week, consider having your team prepare a favorite recipe together—or submit a recipe that has become a favorite in your home or program.

It's another way we can share ideas and celebrate the creativity DSPs bring to everyday support.

Explore the Community Care Cookbook and submit your recipe.

View Recipes

Are You a DSP? We Want to Keep You Connected.

NWMH's DSP Dispatch shares resources, community happenings, helpful information and news for DSPs and caregivers.

You can also follow our What's Happening blog for disability awareness campaigns, wellness resources, recipes, community events and other information throughout the year.

Because supporting DSPs shouldn't end when DSP Recognition Week does.

Interested in Becoming a DSP?

Maybe you're reading this because you've seen the difference a great DSP can make and you're wondering whether this work might be right for you.

Northwest Mental Health Management Services is currently hiring Direct Support Professionals in the Portland metro and Clackamas County area.

DSPs at NWMH help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with everyday activities including community outings, shopping, personal care, medication support and daily living—all while encouraging greater independence and inclusion.

We offer paid training, competitive pay and opportunities for advancement.

Explore current NWMH career opportunities and start a career that matters.

View Open Positions

To Our DSPs: Thank You

DSP Recognition Week lasts seven days.

Your impact lasts all year.

To every DSP who helps someone try something new, make a choice, participate in their community, prepare a meal, get to an appointment, accomplish a goal, laugh, connect or simply have a good day:

We see you. We appreciate you. And we thank you.

From all of us at Northwest Mental Health Management Services, Happy DSP Recognition Week 2026!

September 13–19, 2026 | #DSPRW2026

Heroes Work Here.