Deb Shrode has been named Ohio's Direct Support Professional of the Year!

ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options has named Deb Shrode as Ohio's Direct Support Professional of the Year!  

ANCOR stands for  American Network of Community Options and Resources and is a nonprofit trade association representing and advocating on behalf of the more than 800 private providers of services and supports for 385,000 Americans with disabilities in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

ANCOR hosted a National Advocacy Campaign's Direct Support Professional of the Year contest. Deb was nominated by Wood Lane Residential Services.  The campaign's contest reviewed applications and selected the winner based upon the following criteria:

-unique personal story or job history that highlights a commitment and enduring passion for DSP work. Someone with:

-long, reliable tenure,

-strong ties to the people and family supported,

-strong ties to the community and exemplary actions and creativity in building social capital for the people supported,

-creative/ consistent work to foster inclusion and greater independence for people with disabilities and

-personal sacrifices and/ or actions representative of their commitment to their work

Information about last years DSP award winners in on the website youneedtoknowme.org under "Our stories" tab.  More information on Deb and winners from other states will be posted soon