Alabama Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals are the primary providers of supports and services for millions of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, a direct support professional must build close, respectful and trusted relationships with an individual with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, a direct support professional empowers people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities; and

WHEREAS, a direct support professional assists people with intimate personal care assistance on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals provide a broad range of individualized supports; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals provide essential support to help keep an individual with disabilities connected to their family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the participation of direct support professionals in medical care planning is critical to the successful transition from medical events to post-acute care and long term supports and services; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals are a critical element in supporting persons who are receiving health care services for severe chronic health conditions or with functional limitations; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, the majority of direct support professionals are employed in home and community-based settings and this trend is projected to increase over the decade:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 13 through 19, 2015, as

Alabama Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 4th day of September 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor