From September 13 through 19, 2026, National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week recognizes the skilled people who provide essential support to people with disabilities across the country.
For people who self-direct their services, Direct Care Workers play an important role in making choice and control possible in everyday life. Their support can help Participants follow their preferred routines, take part in their communities, build relationships, pursue meaningful goals, and live life on their own terms.
Direct Care Workers Help Make Self-Direction Possible
Direct Care Workers, often referred to nationally as direct support professionals (DSPs), provide practical, day-to-day support while respecting the choices and direction of the person receiving services.
In self-direction, the Participant has greater choice and control over their services, including who provides support, when and where that support is provided, and how that support fits into their daily life.
The U.S. Department of Labor describes DSPs as skilled professionals who support people with disabilities in participating in their communities and in employment. This work requires more than completing day-to-day tasks. Listening, communication, reliability, and respect all help ensure that support reflects each person’s needs, preferences, and decisions.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also recognizes the importance of the direct care workforce in home- and community-based services (HCBS). Depending on the person and the program, Direct Care Workers may provide support with daily routines, transportation, employment, community activities, and health-related tasks.
Across these settings, the Participant’s goals and choices remain at the center. National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is an opportunity to recognize the people doing this important work and consider how that appreciation can continue throughout the year.
[This week is] a reminder that supporting those who provide care is essential to building an inclusive, thriving community.– Association for Community Living (ACL) (2025)
Ways to Recognize Direct Care Workers This Week and All Year
Recognition can be as simple as acknowledging the difference someone’s work makes. Participants, families, Employers, colleagues, and organizations can all find meaningful ways to show their appreciation.
- Send a specific thank-you that recognizes how a Direct Care Worker helped support a person’s choice, routine, or goal.
- Invite the person receiving services to share their appreciation in the way they prefer.
- Create opportunities for learning, professional development, mentorship, and career growth.
- Look at schedules, pay practices, work tools, and communication to make sure appreciation is supported by meaningful action.
This September, take time to recognize the Direct Care Workers who help make self-direction possible. A specific thank-you, a conversation about what is working well, or a commitment to better support the people doing this work can help make recognition meaningful beyond a single week.
Join the national conversation using #DSPRW2026.