Easterseals Direct Support Professionals Recognized for Leadership

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore employees, Ebony Keaton, of Bridgeville, and Lawrence “Larry” Manokey, of Seaford, were recently recognized with an Honorable Mention as the top Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the State for their inspirational work supporting people with disabilities. They were both nominated by their supervisors and honored at an annual event held by the Ability Network of Delaware.

“DSPs make a difference, not only in the lives of the people with disabilities that we serve and their families but also to the community as a whole,” Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore President/CEO, Ken Sklenar, said. “We celebrate the invaluable role that DSPs play in our organization and applaud them for the sometimes challenging, but always meaningful, work that they do every day.”

Keaton, Senior Activity Assistant in the Easterseals Adult Day Care program in Georgetown, received an Honorable Mention for the “Star” award for a person who is a shining example for others to follow, fulfills the demands of her work with the highest level of integrity and demonstrates a commitment to participant satisfaction.

Manokey, who is a Community Supports Specialist in Supported Employment services in Sussex County, received Honorable Mention for the “Community Excellence” award presented to the DSP who has distinguished himself as someone who consistently treats the person he supports with dignity and respect while working in the community with people with disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals are the people who work as direct care workers, in-home support workers, and personal attendants to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live and work more independently and in community settings. Keaton, Manokey, and their fellow honorees were selected by an independent committee brought together in celebration of “National Direct Support Professional's Recognition Week.”