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National Direct Support Professional Week officially is observed September 9-15, 2018, but at Easterseals we appreciate and recognize the contributions of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) every day.

Three-year-old twins Elijah and Lorenzo Erli, of Dover, DE, are thrilled when their school bus comes around the corner. It is time to go to school and they get to travel in one of their favorite vehicles. Double bonus! It was not that long ago that the twins’ parents, Angie and David, were concerned about their progress and worried about them going to school. Once the twins began Easterseals Children’s Therapy services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) the worries melted away.

Jack Witzman knew something was not right when he and his wife, Jackie, were driving home from the store one day and, suddenly, Jackie did not know where she was going. Jackie was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, confirming his suspicion.

Below is a list of common questions we hear at Easterseals, and their answers.

Eleven years ago, K'June and Brian Evans' daughter, ArielI Green, had an asthma attack and was without oxygen for 25 minutes. They were afraid, but K'June knew ArielI would come through. And she did! The incident permanently changed their lives, however, and they transitioned from being just her parents to Ariell's full-time caregivers.

Video Resources for Families and Caregivers

People with disabilities, like Jamie, are among the hardest working employees in the workforce. Yet, often, they are overlooked. Thankfully, with the help of Easterseals Supported Employment program, Jamie, is employed in a job he loves.

Brian brings determination to his job where he works five days a week as a member of a supportive team in the Village Café. During the summer, when Brian is not working at the cafe, he enjoys his days at Easterseals Adult Day program where he is able to connect with other friends and volunteer in the community at places like the Modern Maturity Center.

Stevie has been bringing smiles to the faces of staff and fellow participants at his Easterseals Adult Day program in Georgetown since 2007. The program not only gives him the opportunity to socialize with his peers and remain a part of his community but also gives his parents a much-needed break from full-time caregiving.

For twelve-year-old Joel, who uses a wheelchair, the week he spends at Camp Fairlee every summer is the highlight of his year. He is able to experience independence and adventure at Easterseals fully accessible camp.

When Tina had a heart attack it rocked the whole family. Her daughter, Ashley became her full-time caregiver when they discovered Tina had a brain injury after 13 minutes without oxygen. Thankfully, Ashley is not traveling this journey alone, she has Easterseals services by her side.

After Wayne graduated from high school, he had nowhere to go. He was at home with his parents every day. That is, until Wayne’s family found Easterseals services, and it completely changed their lives.