ANCOR Names Carol Jones as 2011 Direct Support Professional of the Year in Georgia
The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) awarded Carol Jones of Shepherd Center, its 2011 Direct Support Professional of the Year in Georgia.
“Shepherd is proud of Carol’s recognition. This honor is a reflection of her commitment and the quality services provided by Shepherd,” said Mark Johnson, director of Advocacy at Shepherd.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—often referred to as caregivers, attendants, direct care or homecare aides—provide daily support services for millions of Americans with disabilities. Thanks to DSPs, people with disabilities are able to live fulfilling and independent lives and be active participants in their communities.
“It is important to recognize the vital services provided by Carol Jones and direct support professionals throughout the country,” said Wendy Sokol, president of ANCOR. “They make an incredibly important contribution to the social and economic fabric of our communities. Carol represents the highest caliber of DSPs.”
Among other criteria, nominees are judged on their effectiveness in building social networks, meaningful and productive participation in the community for person(s) served and their ability to advocate or effect change on behalf of people with disabilities.
“ANCOR evaluated 218 nominations of highly qualified DSPs in selecting the national and state winners,” said ANCOR CEO Renee Pietrangelo. “Carol’s unwavering commitment to improving people’s access to and participation in the community-at-large is worthy of public recognition as well as our utmost regard and respect.”
About ANCOR. The American Network of Community Options and Resources is a national trade association representing more than 800 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 400,000 individuals with disabilities. Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR seeks to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. For more information about the DSP workforce, visit www.youneedtoknowme.org. For more information about ANCOR, visit www.ancor.org.
Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.